Assistant Director of Events and Big W Club Engagement

Job Description

Washington Athletics has an outstanding opportunity for an Assistant Director of Events & Big W Club Engagements to join their team.

Washington Athletics aims to inspire champions in competition and in the classroom. We exist to enrich the lives of students to positively impact our community and world for generations to come. Operating with the four core values of growth mindset, committed service, humility and grit, the Huskies choose to lead by example. All Husky Athletics staff make an IMPACT by committing to creating a purpose driven culture that impacts students and our greater community. We engage in GROWTH through dynamic conversations, embracing creativity, and recognizing that every challenge represents an opportunity to learn. We are a COMMUNITY who strive to create experiences for our stakeholders every single day. At our core is the belief that INCLUSION means creating spaces and places that reflect equity, advocacy and belonging for all.

With over 650 student-athletes participating in UW's 22 sports programs, the department of Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to providing student-athletes with the ability to compete for national and conference championships while working toward a degree from one of the world's leading public research universities.

For more detailed information, please visit our Washington Athletics Candidate Dashboard .

Position Purpose

The Assistant Director of Events & Big W Club Engagements reports to the Director of Stewardship and Engagement and is responsible for supporting the ongoing effort of event and former student athlete engagement on behalf of the Tyee Club, the Advancement Unit of UW's Intercollegiate Athletic Department. These events are held to enhance public awareness of and increase private support for the University's Athletic Department. The Assistant Director will plan and execute live experiences that engage the University's diverse internal and external audiences including donors, season ticket holders, former student-athletes, volunteers and campus partners. These events and experiences increase the public's understanding and awareness of the importance of the University of Washington and the private support needed to fund its Athletic program.

Working collaboratively with the Associate Athletic Director, Director of Stewardship and Engagement, Director of the Big W Club, coaches, and ICA staff, the Assistant Director coordinates communications with vendors, service providers, and University partners to ensure seamless event delivery.

In partnership with the Tyee Club's Advancement team, the Assistant Director strategically leverages special events, hospitality opportunities, and targeted engagement activities to cultivate lasting relationships with Tyee Club members, former student-athletes, and prospective donors, aligning all efforts with the mission, vision, and values of the University of Washington.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Assistant Director independently manages a select portfolio of high-impact donor and alumni engagement events and supports Big W Club engagement initiatives. This position plays a key role in advancing ICA's fundraising and engagement goals by creating experiences that strengthen connections with alumni, donors, and the broader sports community.

Working with significant autonomy, the Assistant Director produces and executes events that range in size from 50 to 400 guests, each designed to achieve strategic fundraising and engagement objectives.

Event Management

• Lead the planning, production, and execution of a defined portfolio of signature events, including:
• Raise the Woof: Football Season Kickoff
• Big Ten Bash
• Big W Club Tent (all home football games)
• Bi-Annual Hall of Fame Event
• Hoops Hospitality (home conference basketball games)
• Signing Day Celebration
• Dinner with a Dawg
• Annual Spring Football Reunion
• All Big W Sports Reunions
• Husky Legend Celebrations
• Regional and post-season events (e.g., Bowl Games)
• Manage event budgets ranging from $20,000 to $200,000+, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with fundraising and engagement goals.
• Analyze and present event data related to attendance, audience development, and financial outcomes; provide insights and recommendations to enhance future results.
• Collaborate with cross-campus partners and frontline fundraisers to develop event strategies that support institutional priorities and fundraising campaigns.
• Partner with the Creative Services team to produce event collateral, including invitations, programs, digital content, and scripts/speeches.
• Supervise event logistics and program elements, including contracts, catering, décor, volunteer coordination, briefings, and follow-up activities.
• Ensure all events adhere to UW policies, procedures, and brand standards.
• Participate in councils, task forces, and working groups as needed.
  Model and promote ICA's mission, vision, and values in all interactions and activities.

Big W Engagement Support

• Partner with head coaches to design and execute annual outreach plans for former student-athletes, including reunions and recognition events.
• Oversee the ordering and distribution of student-athlete participation awards, including letter jackets and Big W Club blankets, ensuring compliance with NCAA and UW eligibility rules.
• Coordinate with the Tyee Club office to manage priority point awards for lettered student-athletes and maintain accurate Big W Club membership records.
• Support efforts to strengthen alumni athlete engagement through creative programming, storytelling, and recognition opportunities.

Compliance and Professional Standards and other duties

• Ensure all activities comply with NCAA, Big Ten Conference, University, and State of Washington rules and regulations.
• Actively participate in all required rules education and compliance programs offered by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.
• Maintain the highest level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity in representing ICA and the University.

Supervision Received

Direction is received from the Director of Stewardship and Engagement

Supervision Exercised

This position supervises Temporary Graduate Assistant Positions.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree and three (3) years' experience in event management or related field.

Equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may substitute for degree.

Additional Requirements

Proficiency using PC computers. Demonstrated strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for correspondence, special reports, spreadsheets, databases, forms, etc.

Desired Qualifications

• One year experience in higher education.
• Knowledge of alumni relations/development/advancement principles.
• Knowledge of CRM database software or event management systems.

Conditions of Employment

A valid Washington State driver's license is required to operate the UW Alumni Association Van. Candidate selected must have personal transportation and be willing to travel when necessary.

During Events (from setup to tear down) or on Event days:

• Ability to stand for 4 or more hours continuously.
• Ability to walk 4 or more hours continuously.
• Ability to work greater than a 10-hour day.
• Ability to travel out-of-state up to 5 times per year for events scheduled in the evenings and weekends.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$78,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$81,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

• Taxable benefits include tickets to UW Intercollegiate home competitions. - Non-local candidates may be eligible for a moving allowance.

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 .

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at or .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .