Fast Facts

Fordham University is seeking a Senior Director of University Events to lead and manage high-profile fundraising and signature events at its Lincoln Center campus in New York City, ensuring exceptional experiences for university stakeholders.

Responsibilities: The Senior Director will oversee planning and execution of major events, manage a team, develop event strategies, and handle budget reporting and vendor negotiations.

Skills: Candidates should possess proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and event management software, along with excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.

Qualifications: A Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 8 years of experience in event planning/management, including 6 years in a supervisory role are required, while a Master’s degree and familiarity with development databases are preferred.

Location: This position is based in New York, New York, with responsibilities at both the Lincoln Center and Rose Hill campuses.

Compensation: $120000 - $140000 / Annually

Senior Director of University Events

Development - University Events, Lincoln Center

Fordham University

Fordham University has an excellent reputation as a dynamic institution located in New York City. Founded in 1841, Fordham enrolls more than 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students in its 9 Colleges and Schools. 

• Fordham University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to its employees, which includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• We offer tuition remission  for employees and their dependents 
• A generous employer match towards a 403(b) retirement plan .
• As a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), Fordham is considered a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness  (PSLF) program, a federal program designed to forgive student loan debt for employees of certain public and certain nonprofit employers.
• As part of its work-life balance program, the University provides generous PTO including 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 4 personal days, 6 summer Fridays, and holidays that include paid time off between Christmas and New year.  
• University employees have access to the  Employee Assistance Program  (EAP) . EAP provides no-cost, professional, and confidential services, to help employees and family members address a variety of personal, family, life, and work-related issues.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development and University Events, the Senior Director of University Events strategically evaluates, leads, manages, and participates in the development and implementation of fundraising, donor, signature, high-profile, Presidential, and Trustee events for the University. This position leads an event planning team and communicates with senior leadership, University Trustees, President’s Council members, donors, alumni, students, parents, and guests to foster positive Fordham experiences. This position requires evening and weekend hours. This position is located at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus, with required time at the Rose Hill campus.

Essential Functions        

• Partners closely with the AVP to foster a collaborative and transparent team philosophy, ensuring excellence in service for all University stakeholders and provides high-level partnership for major fundraising and high-profile events.
• Strategically evaluates existing event procedures, researches new tools, and recommends modifications to continuously enhance event experiences and outcomes.
• Consults with the AVP Events to strategically lead events, assign event leads and co-leads among other team members.
• Develops concepts, themes, formats, procedures, and detailed timelines for major events (e.g., meetings, conferences, formal dinners, fundraising benefits, Commencement), ensuring flawless execution.
• Manages critical events and projects for the President’s and University Secretary’s Offices, including Commencement, Convocation, and Board of Trustees dinners.
• Oversees the development, writing, editing, and scheduling of all event-related written materials, such as invitations, programs, briefings, acknowledgments, and reporting.
• Books, negotiates with, and manages venues, consultants, and vendors to secure favorable rates and ensure seamless execution both prior to and during events.
• Manages event budget expenditures and provides comprehensive financial reporting to internal departments.
• Oversees all post-event activities, including debrief meetings, constituent recognition, financial reconciliation, and essential data transfer of attendees, budget, and revenue.

Essential Functions Note

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

The University may assign additional related duties as necessary.

Management Responsibilities  

Supervises the work of other Fordham employees who are individual contributors. Responsible for hiring, training and developing, managing performance and administering corrective action. Has significant input in compensation decisions.

Additional Functions      

• Participates in event fundraising initiatives and special projects/activities with the AVP for Development and University Events.
• Explores and implements new event technology tools to increase productivity and efficiency.
• Updates department and event web pages.

Required Qualifications: Education and Experience        

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in event planning and management, with a track record of successful events.
• Minimum of 6 years of supervisory experience.

Required Qualifications: Knowledge and Skills     

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and events-related software (e.g. check-in and seating apps)
• Demonstrated ability to learn the use of new and events-related registration/seating/etc. software is required
• Excellent communication skills
• Detail-oriented with a focus on high quality and client satisfaction
• Excellent organizational, team, and project management skills
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances
• Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree.
• Familiarity with development databases.
• Experience with project management software.

Minimum Starting Salary: $120,000

Maximum Starting Salary: $140,000

Note: Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.

START DATE: ASAP

APPLY HERE: https://careers.fordham.edu/postings/9653

ABOUT FORDHAM

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its 9 colleges and schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre in the United Kingdom. 

Fordham University is committed to excellence through diversity and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.

Fordham is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories