Job Information
University Of Denver Director, Advancement Events in Denver, Colorado
About the University of Denver
The University of Denver (DU), a private university, is the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region, with approximately 12,900 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University - very high research activity as a Doctoral/Research University. Financial Times Higher Education, U.S. News, and The Princeton Review have consistently ranked DU among the nation's top 100 universities and among the top three universities in the state
The University of Denver embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that define our region and our history. With nationally recognized academic programs, a history of widespread influence, a forward-looking vision for a 21st-century education, and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion, we open a world of opportunity to students and empower Pioneers to make a difference around the world.
About DU Advancement
The University of Denver is building an advancement enterprise that mirrors the excellence and innovation of our great institution. Inclusive of alumni relations, development, and student and alumni career services, DU Advancement is building and fostering a culture of deep engagement and philanthropy in support of our bold vision.
In April 2024, we launched DU's most ambitious campaign yet: The Denver Difference. As we seek to raise $1B in support of DU's top priorities, this campaign marks a dramatic shift in conventional thinking about what the university experience can and should be. DU is setting the bar with our approach to higher education, developing and preparing students to be successful in life in every way.
The University of Denver and DU Advancement deeply value inclusive excellence, recognizing that its success is dependent on how well it values, engages, and includes the rich diversity of constituents. As a part of that effort, we are continuing to grow a team of inclusive, collaborative, inquisitive, innovative, ethical, and transparent advancement professionals who possess deep mutual respect for one another and for our shared profession.
Position Summary
Reporting directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor, Campaigns, the Director of Advancement Events is responsible for crafting and executing experiences that increase the philanthropic commitment and engagement of the University of Denver's community (inclusive of students, alumni, families, faculty, staff, parents, and friends). The Director will develop and oversee engaging programs and events and high-touch event strategies, which are crucial components in our ability to achieve our $1 billion campaign goal and provide management and leadership to the advancement events team within DU Advancement.
Under the guidance and direction of the Associate Vice Chancellor, they will oversee the execution of key programs, including the strategy and development of events of varying size, complexity, and sophistication. The Director is the administrator for Advancement's event management, event marketing, and attendee engagement platform, Cvent, and serves as the Cvent subject matter expert. Additionally, this position is responsible for Cvent reporting, contract management, and negotiation and is the lead Cvent representative for DU. The Director will also serve as a direct manager, coach, and leader for the advancement events team.
Essential Functions
Advancement Events
- Lead the successful execution of all advancement special/targeted events that increase engagement and philanthropic commitment of DU's alumni, student, donors, families and friends. This includes high-profile programs, such as signature campaign events, Founders and Homecoming.
- Provide strategic oversight and leadership in the planning, development, and execution of events to ensure they align with and support the overarching objectives and priorities of the University and the advancem nt. Ensure slate of Advancement events is achieving highest possible ROI, serving to more deeply engage attendees and converting non-donors into donors. Work across Advancement to strategically assess success of past events and help determine which events we should continue to do moving forward.
- Work collaboratively with university leadership, Advancement colleagues and campus community partners to craft and execute strategic event programming.
- Effectively manage event budgets including monitoring transactions, assisting in budget modeling and forecasting processes, and use financial information to inform decision making.
- Manage all aspects of national, local, virtual and hybrid events, from conception to execution.
Responsible for all logistics related to an event including but not limited to: serving as concierge for guests, tracking registration, collecting constituent information, venue research and coordination, event day logistics such as nametags, registration lists, giveaways and post-event follow up including metric reports for review. Cvent Administration
Administer Advancement's event management, event marketing, and attendee engagement platform, Cvent.
- Serve as DU's lead representative, including contract management, negotiation, and mass reporting.
- Serve as project manager for each event. This includes review of all events submission and assignment of event managers.
- Periodically run partner in Cvent training and provide process updates to DU