Senior Director, University Events

Senior Director, University Events

FLSA Status: Exempt

Months Per Year: 12

Employment Status: Full-Time

Work Model: Hybrid Eligible*

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Seattle University's Core Competencies

Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.

Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.

Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.

Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.

Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.

Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.

Position Description

The University Advancement Office is committed to creating an anti-racist environment that addresses and works to eliminate inequities and all forms of oppression, while celebrating different cultures.

We are looking for team members from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the complex issues surrounding implicit bias, and other systemic oppressions, as well as a commitment to the university's mission, vision, and values, with the goal of developing an equitable and inclusive work environment.

PURPOSE

The Senior Director of University Events provides strategic and operational leadership for Seattle University's comprehensive event program. This position oversees the planning, design, and execution of signature university and advancement events that strengthen relationships, elevate reputation, and advance philanthropic priorities.

Leading a high-performing team of event professionals, the Senior Director builds systems and strategies that align programming with university priorities to maximize efficiency, impact, and engagement outcomes. The role partners closely with University Advancement leadership, campus collaborators, and external partners to cultivate a culture of connection and gratitude, ensuring every event reflects Seattle University's Jesuit mission and delivers a best-in-class experience for alumni, donors, students, and friends.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership & Team Management (35%)

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the University Events team in delivering programs that strengthen relationships, elevate reputation, and advance institutional and philanthropic goals.
• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess program health, evaluate ROI, and drive data-informed decisions.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability across the team and with partner units. Model inclusive leadership and contribute to the division's equity, anti-racism, and belonging efforts.
• Supervise, coach, and support the professional growth of event staff, cultivating a cohesive, high-performing team.
• Manage University Events budgets and cost centers, overseeing forecasting and resource alignment to ensure fiscal responsibility and program effectiveness.
• Represent University Events in leadership meetings, providing insight and counsel to Advancement-wide strategic initiatives.
• Partner with senior leaders, deans, and departments to align event programming with Seattle University's mission, Jesuit values, and strategic priorities.

Event Strategy, Planning & Execution (35%)

• Lead the planning, design, and execution of signature, presidential, and advancement events that engage key audiences and reflect Seattle University's brand and mission.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to campus units and event partners on event vision, audience strategy, program design, and message alignment.
• Oversee event production logistics, ensuring creativity, excellence, and an exceptional guest experience within approved budgets and timelines.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to integrate storytelling, visuals, and messaging across events.
• Maintain standardized planning tools, templates, and protocols to ensure consistency, efficiency, and excellence across university events.
• Evaluate and refine event structures and formats to optimize engagement outcomes and resource use.

Systems, Assessment & Operational Excellence (20%)

• Develop and oversee university-wide event systems, policies, and protocols, ensuring compliance with institutional, local, and federal requirements (e.g., facility use, alcohol service, insurance, accessibility).
• Strengthen event data tracking, assessment, and reporting systems, integrating with Advancement CRM and analytics tools (e.g., Raiser's Edge).
• Leverage event metrics and post-event assessments to measure outcomes and inform continuous improvement.
• Lead an annual campus-wide event planner gathering and smaller convenings throughout the year to share tools, policies, and best practices, building a unified campus events network.
• Stay current on industry trends and peer benchmarking to inform innovation and enhance event quality and efficiency.

Campus Partnerships & External Relations (10%)

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with partners including Facilities Services, Catering, Marketing and Communications, the Offices of the President and Provost, Student Affairs, Public Safety, Information Technology, and external vendors.
• Negotiate and manage vendor contracts to ensure cost-effective, high-quality service delivery.
• Serve as a resource and consultant for partnership and unit-owned events, promoting alignment and operational consistency across campus.
• Contribute to a campus culture of gratitude and engagement through events that build pride, connection, and belonging. '

Other duties as assigned in support of the priorities and mission of University Advancement and Seattle University.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of progressive experience in event management, advancement, nonprofit, or related field.
• At least 3 years of experience supervising professional staff and leading complex teams or programs.
• Demonstrated success in planning and executing high-profile, mission-driven events that engage diverse audiences and advance organizational goals.
• Proven skills in strategic planning, project management, and budgeting with a track record of managing multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with senior leaders, faculty, donors, and campus partners.
• Experience using CRM and event management systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, EMS, Social Tables) to inform decisions and improve outcomes.
• All candidates must show a demonstrated commitment to diversity and the university's mission, vision, and values.
• All positions at Seattle University require a criminal history background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in hospitality, communications, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
• Experience in higher education or mission-driven organizations.
• Expertise in event strategy, donor or constituent engagement, and metrics-based program evaluation.
• Skilled in vendor negotiation, contract management, and resource optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative partnerships across departments and external organizations.

Application Instructions

Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.

Compensation at a Glance

Salary Range: $105,000 - $115,000

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate's gender or any other protected status.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance

Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at:

Hybrid Eligible

This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule after successful completion of an introductory work period of 3-6 months. This may mean that a hybrid eligible role will begin on-campus initially and then will transition to hybrid format following onboarding and training. Flexible work plans are subject to periodic review and may be changed or terminated at any time for any reason at the university's discretion.