Events Manager

The mission of the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is to improve the well-being of vulnerable individuals and communities, advance social and economic justice, and eradicate pressing societal problems in complex and culturally diverse urban environments throughout Southern California, the nation and the world. Our mission is achieved through value-driven, scholarly, and creative social work education, research, and professional leadership.

Position Overview

The Director of Special Events will be responsible for the development and implementation of key strategic events and programs for the School of Social Work. This position is expected to be highly collaborative, proactive, resourceful leader who provides expertise, guidance and oversight of signature school events and donor stewardship for the advancement department. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer and serving as an integral member of the advancement team, this individual is responsible for the development, execution and assessment of school wide events and stewardship activities that engage students, alumni, major donors and board members.

The Director of Special Events is accountable for creating a strategic and thoughtful plan for events and stewardship that advances the team’s efforts to maintain and strengthen high-quality individual relationships. To this end, the Director conceptualizes and implements large-scale events such as commencement, networking events connected to key social work national conferences, leadership dinners as well as smaller cultivation dinners.  

The Director partners with key internal stakeholders across departments, on-site and off-site vendors, volunteer leadership and event committees. Close coordination with and management of event vendors and consultants is required.

The ideal candidate must embody the USC Unifying Values , be able to independently create, plan, and execute large/complex in-person, virtual and hybrid events.

This position requires excellent communication and presentation skills, ability to build relationships with and influence various stakeholder groups, a commitment to partnership and community engagement. Other key attributes necessary for success in this position include being a resourceful and creative thinker with the ability to work amicably with a wide range of constituents. The successful candidate should have a well-refined customer-centered orientation.

The Director of Special Events will manage at least one full time Events Coordinator and report to the Chief Development Officer.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Develops and administers policies and procedures to provide resources and guidance on events.
• Creates and maintains a school wide calendar of events.
• Creates and maintains a network of outside vendors. Screens, hires, negotiates with and oversee professional services provided by the vendors. Provide vendor network information and resources to all Social Work programs as needed.
• Provides resources and guidance for project management to School of Social Work events.
• Leads project planning, meetings and reporting as needed.
• Plans, manages, and executes select school-wide events.
• Directly supervises assigned staff.
• Manages event data and project management system.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a higher education environment.
• Strong skills in Zoom.
• Strong working knowledge of USC procurement and budget processes.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable in the face of changing priorities and fluctuating workloads.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of project management and event planning principles.
• Must have demonstrated ability to take multiple projects from inception to delivery on time and in budget. 
• Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff and vendors.
• Must be able to receive and respond appropriately to constructive criticism.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekend events.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum Experience: 5 years
• Minimum Field of Expertise: Bachelor’s degree in business, psychology, communications or another related field.
• Five years’ experience in project management and business administration. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage concurrent projects and lead mid-sized projects (e.g. identifying potential process improvements).
• Exceptional critical thinking and organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (e.g., MS Project, Visio). 
• Experience with project portfolio management tools.

Anticipated Hiring Range:  

USC is a leading private research university located in Los Angeles – a global center for arts, technology and international business. As the city’s largest private employer, responsible for more than $8 billion annually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic schools and units. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks , and you will be a member of the Trojan Family – the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work.

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree; Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience:

5 years

Minimum Field of Expertise:

5 years’ experience with event planning and scheduling. Proven success overseeing large scale events, coordinating with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders. Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to perform well under pressure, individually and as part of a team. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Knowledge of relevant software and databases to support constituent-relationship management, marketing and communications, and social media efforts