Assistant Director, Special Events (Hybrid)

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/6

** For full consideration, please submit a cover letter with your application.

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director of Events plays a key role in supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of events that advance institutional priorities and foster meaningful engagement with key stakeholders. The primary focus of this role is assisting with events hosted at the President’s House, ensuring they reflect the university’s values, traditions, and high standards of hospitality. In addition to managing presidential events, the Assistant Director contributes to the planning and execution of campus-wide events, providing operational and logistical expertise under the guidance of the Senior Director of Events. This role collaborates with colleagues across departments to ensure events align with broader university goals and uphold best practices in guest experience, accessibility, and protocol.

Please note: The target budgeted salary for this position is $60,000 - $64,000 annually. Offers will be based on candidate experience and education, as well as equity within Northwestern University.

For full consideration, please submit a cover letter with your resume.

• Hybrid work schedule, in person a minimum of 3 days and 2 remote days a week.
• Must be available nights and evenings throughout the calendar year.

 

Specific Responsibilities:

• Serve as event lead for events at the President’s House and Buffett House, including trustee, donor, faculty, student, and other campus events. Responsibilities include preparing the venue, coordinating logistics, managing vendor partners, and ensuring events are executed seamlessly.
• Assist in planning and coordinating high-profile university events involving the President, trustees, senior leadership, donors, and other distinguished guests.
• Manage day-to-day event logistics such as timelines, task coordination, catering, décor, audiovisual needs, invitation management, and on-site support.
• Partner with campus departments, external stakeholders, and third-party vendors to align event goals and ensure successful outcomes.
• Provide hands-on support during events, including guest management, troubleshooting, and ensuring the highest level of hospitality.
• Supervise and provide direction to student workers, temporary staff, or volunteers assisting with events.
• Support post-event wrap-up, including expense tracking, reconciliations, and follow-up tasks.
• Participate in event-related travel as needed.

 

Miscellaneous 

• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree: OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 4 years special events, development, marketing, sales or equivalent experience is required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Advanced knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs is required.
• Understanding Social Tables and/or other seating software.
• Experience planning events at an academic institution

 

Target hiring range for this position will be between $60,000-$64,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://hr.northwestern.edu/benefits/ to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://hr.northwestern.edu/well-being/ to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://hr.northwestern.edu/talent-development/ to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

 

Questions?

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