Job Details

Director of Institutional Programs and Special Events

Main Campus - Boston, MA
R03829

As a member of the Office of Advancement at Simmons College, the Director of Institutional Programs and Special Events will be responsible for the strategic development of highly-visible, high-impact programs and events that advance the institution. With a focus on celebrating Simmons' unique strengths, promoting institutional priorities, and highlighting our impact on the world, the Director of Institutional Programs and Special Events will oversee institution-wide events and supervise a team of professionals responsible for developing and managing programs that confirm the reputation of and inspire increased philanthropic support for the College. Providing the strategic direction and acting as the lead project manager, the Director of Institutional Programs and Special Events will develop and implement strategies for expanding the audience, increasing the impact, and measuring the return on investment for tent-pole, institutional, and cultivation events and programs.

Develop and Implement a Special Event Engagement Strategy:

• Lead the development and implementation of a special and institutional event strategy that highlights Simmons' key initiatives and achievements to a variety of audiences.
• Collaborate with Advancement and Institutional partners to identify and develop program opportunities that showcase Simmons strengths with the goal of inspiring meaningful engagement and increased philanthropic support.
• Act as the lead project manager, providing leadership in the planning and implementation of all special and institutional events ensuring consistency, implementation of impactful routines, and incorporation of best practices.

Support and Facilitate Major and Transformational Donor and Prospect programs

• Develop and improve program templates that allow alumnae/i donors and prospects to meaningfully interact with Simmons and institutional strengths and priorities; eg. Salon events, dinner conversations, etc.
• Collaborate with Capital Giving leaders to execute the vision of cultivation and stewardship programs and events.
• Provide expert logistic and coordinate support for programs that engage Simmons leadership donors.

Supervise and Support Institutional Events Team:

• Analyze, evaluate and report on the return on investment of tent-pole and other Institutional events, such as Reunion, making recommendations based on outcomes and best practices to the Advancement Management Group.
• Manage the Institutional Events budget and expenditures.
• Manage, supervise, and support the professional development of the Special and Institutional Events Team.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required; Masters preferred.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in event planning and the demonstrated ability to develop strategy and implement project plans for large-scale complex events and programs required; preferably in higher education or non-profit sectors.
• Demonstrated fundraising accomplishments highly preferred.

Additional Qualifications:

• Position requires exceptional communication, interpersonal skills, and writing skills, together with the ability to work collaboratively and courteously with colleagues throughout the College.
• Demonstrated project management skills and supervision experience required.
• Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed.

Instructions to Applicants: Please submit a resume and cover letter in the Resume/CV section of your application.


As a College committed to diversity, Simmons encourages applications broadly. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body and curriculum.


To apply, visit https://simmons.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Simmons-Careers/job/Main-Campus---Boston-MA/Director-of-Institutional-Programs-and-Special-Events_R03829-1

Located in Bostons historic Fenway area, Simmons College is a small, private, non-sectarian College which has educated students for enriching careers and purposeful lives since 1899. Working at Simmons means joining a collaborative, diverse and mission-driven community of educators and professionals.

We prepare students to be leaders for themselves, their communities and the world. Our faculty and staff members lead by example - sharing a commitment to excellence and putting the students first.