UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT VP - Advancement Events Planner
Job Classification
Position summary
The Advancement Events Planner is responsible for the strategic planning and management of a portfolio of high-impact events designed to engage alumni, donors, and institutional stakeholders. These events include regional alumni gatherings, Campmeeting alumni and Homecoming activities, President’s Council meetings and retreats, Planned Giving seminars, and the institution’s participation in the General Conference Session and ASI events (potentially in collaboration with Enrollment). These events are designed not only to connect constituents but also to support Andrews University’s mission to “Seek Knowledge and Affirm Faith to Change the World” by cultivating relationships grounded in Christ-centered service and excellence.
Qualifications summary
- Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Event Management, Project Management, Hospitality or related field.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in event planning or project management; experience in nonprofit, education, or faith-based settings preferred.
- Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
- Ability to travel and work evenings/weekends as required.
- Passion for building community and enhancing alumni/donor engagement.
Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.
Duties and responsibilities
Among other duties and responsibilities, the Advancement Events Planner is expected to perform the following functions:
Event Planning, Management, and Assessment
- Develop and manage event budgets in alignment with Advancement goals, ensuring responsible use of university resources.
- Supervise and mentor student employees, volunteers, or event interns as needed to support event operations.
- Ensure that events comply with university policies and relevant legal, safety, and accessibility standards.
- Conduct post-event evaluations and participant feedback analysis to assess outcomes and apply insights for future improvements.
Alumni Events
- Plan and manage logistics for regional alumni events across various geographic locations.
- Organize and execute alumni programming at major denominational camp meetings.
- Lead logistical efforts for the annual Alumni Homecoming Weekend, overseeing budgets, schedules, and volunteer coordination.
Donor & Institutional Events
- Collaborate with the Planned Giving and Trust Services (PGTS) Director to coordinate logistics for homecoming seminars, donor appreciation events, and faculty/staff informational sessions.
- Coordinate President’s Council meetings and retreats, including registration, venues, lodging, catering, and follow-up communications.
- Support donor engagement by ensuring that Development event experiences reflect appreciation, professionalism, and mission alignment.
Organizational Representation
- Coordinate institutional representation at the General Conference sessions, ensuring appropriate logistics, materials, and presence.
- Serve as primary or supporting planner for ASI participation (in collaboration with Enrollment if delegated), overseeing exhibit logistics, staff coordination, and promotional materials.
Supervisory responsibilities
May supervise 1-3 student workers
Qualifications
The ideal candidate is a creative, detail-oriented professional with a heart for service, exceptional interpersonal skills, and a deep commitment to the Seventh-day Adventist faith and the values of the university.
- Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Event Management, Project Management, Hospitality, or related field.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in event planning and/or project management; experience in nonprofit, education, or faith-based settings preferred.
- Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with alumni, donors, faculty, and institutional leadership.
- Proficiency with event planning software, databases, and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with CRM systems is a plus.
- Ability to travel and work evenings/weekends as required.
Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.
Technical competencies
- Proficiency with event planning software, databases, and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with CRM systems is a plus.
Interpersonal interactions
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively and congenially with alumni, donors, faculty, and institutional leadership.
Physical demands
- Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs and stand or walk for extended periods during events. Accomodations can be made for persons with a disability.
Work environment
- Office setting
- Travel required for regional and national events (10–20%).