ADVANCEMENT & PARTNERSHIPS:

Join our dynamic and growing Advancement & Partnerships team as we work together to power partnerships and transform lives through philanthropy.
Together, we can unleash the potential of people and ideas to positively change the world. Your efforts on our team will help us to build the University for the Future.
The Opportunity:
UCF Advancement seeks experienced candidates for our Associate Director, Events & Experiences. The Associate Director, Events & Experiences is a key contributor to the planning, production, and execution of exceptional events and one-of-a-kind experiences designed to engage, steward, and inspire UCF donors and prospective donors. Reporting to the Director of Events & Experiences, this position collaborates with advancement staff, college partners, and external vendors to design strategic, impactful moments that elevate the donor experience and showcase the university’s vision.
Classification Title: Event Manager II

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6+ years of experience working in events or related activities, including contracts, vendor management, budgeting, and event volunteer coordination.
• Experience planning and managing events within higher education, corporate, nonprofit, or donor-centered environments.
• Demonstrated success in planning events or experiences for high-profile guests or donors.
• Proficiency in event technology platforms (e.g., registration systems, CRM tools, virtual event software).
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Proven success in cultivating and managing relationships with donors and stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Creativity and adaptability in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.
• Familiarity with fundraising principles, donor stewardship, and engagement strategies

Event Strategy & Production:

• Lead the logistical and conceptual planning and execution of university-wide and unit-specific events including site selection, contracts, timelines, and vendor relationships.
• Support the development and implementation of signature donor experiences that express gratitude and inspire continued philanthropy.
• Serve as a strategic partner to advancement colleagues to align events with fundraising and engagement goals.

Planning & Execution:

• Manage contracts, payments, budgets, post-event reporting and other contractual terms and related responsibilities for assigned events.
• Handle registration, communications, and marketing content related to event design and promotion.
• Maintain accuracy and accountability of event records and attendee data.

Collaboration & Coordination:

• Coordinate regularly with campus partners and vendors to ensure high-quality event experiences.
• Supervise staff and vendors during event setup, execution, and teardown.
• Understand and apply university policies, legal requirements, and fiscal controls to all event planning activities.

Post-Event Impact & Reporting:

• Lead post-event analysis to assess impact and identify improvements.
• Provide recommendations to improve future donor engagement experiences.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and 4+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219. Click here for more information

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6+ years of experience working in events or related activities, including contracts, vendor management, budgeting, and event volunteer coordination.
• Experience planning and managing events within higher education, corporate, nonprofit, or donor-centered environments.
• Demonstrated success in planning events or experiences for high-profile guests or donors.
• Proficiency in event technology platforms (e.g., registration systems, CRM tools, virtual event software).
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Proven success in cultivating and managing relationships with donors and stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Creativity and adaptability in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.
• Familiarity with fundraising principles, donor stewardship, and engagement strategies.