Assistant Director, Protocol & Special Events
Savannah State University, Savannah, GA, United States
Assistant Director, Protocol & Special Events
Location: Summerville Campus, 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904 Job Summary
The position provides leadership, guidance, and innovative solutions to university divisions and stakeholders on matters related to event planning and event policy. Working collaboratively across the institution, the role ensures the successful implementation of major university functions, including organizing and managing committees, developing and overseeing event budgets, and coordinating logistical and operational details. The position establishes and enforces standards for branding, quality, and appropriateness to ensure all events consistently reflect the university's professional image and values. Reporting to the Director of the Office of Protocol and Special Events, this position works closely with leadership to ensure that all events align with the priorities and strategic initiatives of the President's Office. The role is expected to provide leadership across university events and contribute to the effective operations of the Office of Protocol and Special Events. The position is also responsible for ongoing professional development, including participation in relevant seminars and conferences, and for maintaining current knowledge of best practices in higher education protocol and event management. Responsibilities
Event Management
Provide operational leadership and day‑to‑day oversight for the Special Events team, ensuring effective work allocation, compliance with established procedures, and timely resolution of issues. Manage multiple complex projects under strict deadlines, motivating staff and fostering collaboration to achieve departmental goals. Serve as a liaison between university leadership, internal departments, and external partners to coordinate on‑ and off‑campus events and represent the Office of Protocol and Special Events to vendors, donors, and community stakeholders as needed.
Leadership & Supervision
Deliver strategic direction and oversight for the Special Events team, including resource allocation, budget management, and adherence to internal procedures. Guide team members to execute events efficiently and effectively for maximum impact. Act as a key liaison between Augusta University leadership, internal divisions, and external partners, representing the Office of Protocol and Special Events with vendors, donors, and stakeholders. Directly hire, train, and supervise two Special Event Coordinators.
1828 Suite
Plan, promote, and execute the annual 1828 Suite program in collaboration with the President's Office, AU Athletics, and Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, ensuring a high‑quality experience that advances institutional engagement and strategic priorities.
Communication and Event Standards
Establish and maintain consistent event standards aligned with strategic initiatives and branding guidelines. Ensure all presidential and high‑profile events reflect a polished, professional image that enhances the university's reputation and fosters meaningful engagement opportunities. Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, organizational, verbal/written communications skills, attention to detail and analytical abilities.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in higher education or non‑profit organization, with a focus on large‑scale event planning; or 5 or more years of experience/training in large event planning or similar experience. Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree from an accredited college or university. 5 or more years of professional experience in higher education or non‑profit organization, with a focus on large‑scale event planning, staff management and stakeholder relations. Compensation
Shift: Days/M-F (work outside of normal business hours may be required for this exempt level position) Pay Band: B13 Salary Minimum: $68,500 annually Salary will be commensurate with qualifications within the established range. Benefits
Full‑time employees eligible for a variety of benefits including health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, teachers retirement system (or optional retirement plan), earned vacation time, sick leave and 13 paid holidays. Tuition Assistance Program may be available for employees with at least 6 months of continuous employment. Conditions of Employment
All candidates must successfully pass a background check prior to starting. Positions requiring use of purchase card or handling cash may require a satisfactory consumer credit check. Faculty hires must provide proof of completed academic degrees and original transcripts or credential evaluations if foreign‑trained. All employees are responsible for maintaining confidentiality and cybersecurity and privacy policies. Equal Employment Opportunity
Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
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Location: Summerville Campus, 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904 Job Summary
The position provides leadership, guidance, and innovative solutions to university divisions and stakeholders on matters related to event planning and event policy. Working collaboratively across the institution, the role ensures the successful implementation of major university functions, including organizing and managing committees, developing and overseeing event budgets, and coordinating logistical and operational details. The position establishes and enforces standards for branding, quality, and appropriateness to ensure all events consistently reflect the university's professional image and values. Reporting to the Director of the Office of Protocol and Special Events, this position works closely with leadership to ensure that all events align with the priorities and strategic initiatives of the President's Office. The role is expected to provide leadership across university events and contribute to the effective operations of the Office of Protocol and Special Events. The position is also responsible for ongoing professional development, including participation in relevant seminars and conferences, and for maintaining current knowledge of best practices in higher education protocol and event management. Responsibilities
Event Management
Provide operational leadership and day‑to‑day oversight for the Special Events team, ensuring effective work allocation, compliance with established procedures, and timely resolution of issues. Manage multiple complex projects under strict deadlines, motivating staff and fostering collaboration to achieve departmental goals. Serve as a liaison between university leadership, internal departments, and external partners to coordinate on‑ and off‑campus events and represent the Office of Protocol and Special Events to vendors, donors, and community stakeholders as needed.
Leadership & Supervision
Deliver strategic direction and oversight for the Special Events team, including resource allocation, budget management, and adherence to internal procedures. Guide team members to execute events efficiently and effectively for maximum impact. Act as a key liaison between Augusta University leadership, internal divisions, and external partners, representing the Office of Protocol and Special Events with vendors, donors, and stakeholders. Directly hire, train, and supervise two Special Event Coordinators.
1828 Suite
Plan, promote, and execute the annual 1828 Suite program in collaboration with the President's Office, AU Athletics, and Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, ensuring a high‑quality experience that advances institutional engagement and strategic priorities.
Communication and Event Standards
Establish and maintain consistent event standards aligned with strategic initiatives and branding guidelines. Ensure all presidential and high‑profile events reflect a polished, professional image that enhances the university's reputation and fosters meaningful engagement opportunities. Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, organizational, verbal/written communications skills, attention to detail and analytical abilities.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in higher education or non‑profit organization, with a focus on large‑scale event planning; or 5 or more years of experience/training in large event planning or similar experience. Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree from an accredited college or university. 5 or more years of professional experience in higher education or non‑profit organization, with a focus on large‑scale event planning, staff management and stakeholder relations. Compensation
Shift: Days/M-F (work outside of normal business hours may be required for this exempt level position) Pay Band: B13 Salary Minimum: $68,500 annually Salary will be commensurate with qualifications within the established range. Benefits
Full‑time employees eligible for a variety of benefits including health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, teachers retirement system (or optional retirement plan), earned vacation time, sick leave and 13 paid holidays. Tuition Assistance Program may be available for employees with at least 6 months of continuous employment. Conditions of Employment
All candidates must successfully pass a background check prior to starting. Positions requiring use of purchase card or handling cash may require a satisfactory consumer credit check. Faculty hires must provide proof of completed academic degrees and original transcripts or credential evaluations if foreign‑trained. All employees are responsible for maintaining confidentiality and cybersecurity and privacy policies. Equal Employment Opportunity
Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
#J-18808-Ljbffr