Associate Director of Events
Wichita State University Foundation, Wichita, Kansas, United States, 67232
Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) is looking to hire a highly organized, relationship-driven event professional who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment and takes pride in delivering exceptional, high-visibility experiences. The Associate Director of Events will play a key role in designing and executing strategic donor and some alumni events that strengthen relationships and advance philanthropic goals. Working closely with development, marketing, decision sciences, alumni relations, and senior leadership, this position leads event planning from concept through execution, managing logistics, budgets, vendors, and post-event reporting with precision and care. Your efforts will directly support the mission and vision of Wichita State University, helping to shape the future of education and innovation.
With a team of more than 50 dedicated individuals working to support fundraising and donor and alumni relationships, the WSUFAE is proud to champion the continued growth of Wichita State University. With over $400 million in managed assets and thousands of alumni spread around the world, it is an exciting time to be a part of advancing Shocker Nation.
Job Duties Event Strategy & Planning
Lead the planning and execution of donor events in collaboration with the Sr. Director of Donor Experience.
Develop comprehensive event briefs outlining objectives, target audiences, messaging, and logistical needs to ensure alignment across teams.
Identify opportunities to enhance event processes and elevate the donor experience.
Event Executive and Logistics
Coordinate all event logistics including venue selection, vendor management, catering, audiovisual needs, décor, timelines, and run-of show development to ensure seamless execution and high-quality donor experience.
Represent WSUFAE and Wichita State University professionally at all events.
Support select alumni-focused events aligned with the broader organizational goals, as needed.
Budget & Vendor Management
Manage event budgets by tracking expenses, processing contracts, reconciling invoices, and ensuring events remain within approved budget.
Work with external vendors to negotiate services and ensure contractual obligations are met.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
Collaborate with development officers to ensure events align with donor cultivation, stewardship, and recognition strategies.
Partner with marketing and communications, decisions sciences, and other WSUFAE teams on event-related communications, including invitations, signage, invite lists, RSVP tracking, and post-event follow‑up.
Maintain clear and consistent communication with the Sr. Director of Donor Experience regarding event status, timelines, and outcomes.
Identify opportunities for improvement in processes and event experiences.
Coordinate and lead planning meetings with internal stakeholders and external partners to confirm event details, roles, and expectations.
Data Reporting & Continuous Improvement
Complete post-event summaries documenting attendance, engagement metrics, survey results, and final budget reconciliation.
Utilize databases and tracking tools to support accurate reporting and informed decision‑making.
Assess event outcomes and recommend improvements to enhance donor engagement and operational efficiency.
Perform other duties as assigned Job Requirements
Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of three years of event planning or equivalent experience
Experience with high‑caliber, high visibility events preferred
The ability to handle multiple tasks with organization and accuracy
Experience working with databases
The flexibility to work early mornings, late evenings and occasional weekends
Required Skills
Highly organized and detail oriented
Collaborative, team-oriented attitude
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to interact effectively with a broad range of audiences
Enthusiasm, commitment to excellence, self‑motivation, professional demeanor
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet research
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information, records and materials
Commitment to the WSU Foundation core values of integrity, service, collaboration and excellence
Physical Requirements
Frequent and sudden movements from sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and walking.
Frequent standing or sitting for prolonged periods
Occasional exposure to large crowds, loud noises, and/or bright and/or flashing lights
Occasional climbing of stairs
Occasional lifting up to 20 pounds
Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds
Occasional exposure to outdoors and hot and inclement weather
Frequent interruptions throughout the day
Preferred Requirements and Skills
Knowledge of Wichita State University and commitment to higher education
WSUFAE offers outstanding benefits including medical/dental/vision (100% premium paid for employee/50% for dependents), term life insurance, tuition reimbursement, 8.5% company matching on retirement accounts after one year, and more.
WSUFAE believes in the power of education. Since 1965, we have worked to connect the students, faculty, and staff of Wichita State University with the resources they need to transform their communities. Our dedicated staff includes members of the development, annual fund, finance, support, and student teams. We have accomplished big goals in the last few years and don't plan to slow down anytime soon.
Advancing the mission and vision of Wichita State University takes a strong team, and it is our core values that unite and empower us to reach our goals together. Collectively, we are passionate about education and opening doors to new opportunities by working together to “elevate, celebrate and advance Wichita State University through engagement and philanthropy.”
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the Wichita State Foundation and Alumni Engagement will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with a disability in completing the application form or in the interview process. Please notify the Human Resources Office at (316) 978-3815 or email katie.link@wichita.edu in advance so necessary arrangements can be made.
To Apply Please fill out an application, submit your resume and a cover letter explaining your interests in, and qualifications for, the position by clicking here.
WSUFAE is an EOE employer
#J-18808-Ljbffr
With a team of more than 50 dedicated individuals working to support fundraising and donor and alumni relationships, the WSUFAE is proud to champion the continued growth of Wichita State University. With over $400 million in managed assets and thousands of alumni spread around the world, it is an exciting time to be a part of advancing Shocker Nation.
Job Duties Event Strategy & Planning
Lead the planning and execution of donor events in collaboration with the Sr. Director of Donor Experience.
Develop comprehensive event briefs outlining objectives, target audiences, messaging, and logistical needs to ensure alignment across teams.
Identify opportunities to enhance event processes and elevate the donor experience.
Event Executive and Logistics
Coordinate all event logistics including venue selection, vendor management, catering, audiovisual needs, décor, timelines, and run-of show development to ensure seamless execution and high-quality donor experience.
Represent WSUFAE and Wichita State University professionally at all events.
Support select alumni-focused events aligned with the broader organizational goals, as needed.
Budget & Vendor Management
Manage event budgets by tracking expenses, processing contracts, reconciling invoices, and ensuring events remain within approved budget.
Work with external vendors to negotiate services and ensure contractual obligations are met.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
Collaborate with development officers to ensure events align with donor cultivation, stewardship, and recognition strategies.
Partner with marketing and communications, decisions sciences, and other WSUFAE teams on event-related communications, including invitations, signage, invite lists, RSVP tracking, and post-event follow‑up.
Maintain clear and consistent communication with the Sr. Director of Donor Experience regarding event status, timelines, and outcomes.
Identify opportunities for improvement in processes and event experiences.
Coordinate and lead planning meetings with internal stakeholders and external partners to confirm event details, roles, and expectations.
Data Reporting & Continuous Improvement
Complete post-event summaries documenting attendance, engagement metrics, survey results, and final budget reconciliation.
Utilize databases and tracking tools to support accurate reporting and informed decision‑making.
Assess event outcomes and recommend improvements to enhance donor engagement and operational efficiency.
Perform other duties as assigned Job Requirements
Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of three years of event planning or equivalent experience
Experience with high‑caliber, high visibility events preferred
The ability to handle multiple tasks with organization and accuracy
Experience working with databases
The flexibility to work early mornings, late evenings and occasional weekends
Required Skills
Highly organized and detail oriented
Collaborative, team-oriented attitude
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to interact effectively with a broad range of audiences
Enthusiasm, commitment to excellence, self‑motivation, professional demeanor
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet research
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information, records and materials
Commitment to the WSU Foundation core values of integrity, service, collaboration and excellence
Physical Requirements
Frequent and sudden movements from sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and walking.
Frequent standing or sitting for prolonged periods
Occasional exposure to large crowds, loud noises, and/or bright and/or flashing lights
Occasional climbing of stairs
Occasional lifting up to 20 pounds
Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds
Occasional exposure to outdoors and hot and inclement weather
Frequent interruptions throughout the day
Preferred Requirements and Skills
Knowledge of Wichita State University and commitment to higher education
WSUFAE offers outstanding benefits including medical/dental/vision (100% premium paid for employee/50% for dependents), term life insurance, tuition reimbursement, 8.5% company matching on retirement accounts after one year, and more.
WSUFAE believes in the power of education. Since 1965, we have worked to connect the students, faculty, and staff of Wichita State University with the resources they need to transform their communities. Our dedicated staff includes members of the development, annual fund, finance, support, and student teams. We have accomplished big goals in the last few years and don't plan to slow down anytime soon.
Advancing the mission and vision of Wichita State University takes a strong team, and it is our core values that unite and empower us to reach our goals together. Collectively, we are passionate about education and opening doors to new opportunities by working together to “elevate, celebrate and advance Wichita State University through engagement and philanthropy.”
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the Wichita State Foundation and Alumni Engagement will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with a disability in completing the application form or in the interview process. Please notify the Human Resources Office at (316) 978-3815 or email katie.link@wichita.edu in advance so necessary arrangements can be made.
To Apply Please fill out an application, submit your resume and a cover letter explaining your interests in, and qualifications for, the position by clicking here.
WSUFAE is an EOE employer
#J-18808-Ljbffr