Manager, Advancement Events

Advancement Events is a highly respected and fast-paced events management team that plays a critical role for University Advancement at Princeton University. The Advancement Events team is responsible for planning and implementing events in support of the University’s highest priorities. These events can range from small gatherings to large scale events with multiple components and complex programming. The Manager, Advancement Events plays a key role in the implementation of these events with primary responsibilities in several areas. This position offers opportunities to interact with a broad range of University offices as well as alumni, donors, faculty, administrators, staff and students.

Princeton University Advancement works to inform, inspire, and involve Princeton’s global community of alumni, parents, and friends in ways that enable the University to fulfill its mission of advancing learning through scholarship, research, and teaching to serve humanity.

• Plan and implement all aspects of assigned alumni engagement, donor engagement and University Advancement events while strictly adhering to stated budget guidelines and project timetables.
  • Develop event project plans, and drive day-to-day progress.
  • Project and track expenditures within defined budget.
  • Facilitate event planning meetings with project leads to achieve the objectives.
  • Identify, negotiate and contract with vendors to ensure high-quality services in a cost-effective manner.
  • Coordinate vendor deliveries, event set up, catering, greeting and hosting activities, audio-visual support, trouble-shooting, and all aspects of an event in progress.
  • Organize catering, décor, audio-visual and other logistical aspects of assigned events
  • Evaluate invitation and attendee lists.
  • Generate information (event specifications, reports, summaries, projections, metrics, etc.).
  • Keep colleagues and other stakeholders informed of changes to plans and new developments.
  • Provide on-site staffing for events as assigned.
  • Manage event specific data including invitation lists, responses, dietary restrictions, seating and special accommodations utilizing relevant software for events as needed.
• Partner with senior members of the Advancement Events team to assist in execution of more complex events.
• Staff signature events and undertake special projects as assigned.

Essential Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of event planning experience in a university or other complex/fast-paced setting.
• Strong organizational skills; the ability to handle multiple assignments and changing priorities as circumstances may dictate. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a high degree of professionalism, initiative and positive attitude.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Strong data and analysis skills
• Demonstrated work ethic
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while being part of a larger team
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships of trust with a wide array of volunteers, staff, and other partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, custom databases, event registration software, seating software and other relevant tools.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends frequently.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Familiarity with Princeton University, its alumni and its traditions
• Familiarity with the principles of fundraising and the importance of philanthropy

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS