Assistant Director of Special Events

The Assistant Director of Special Events connects a variety of constituents to Davidson College through thoughtfully designed, high-impact events. This position leads the planning and execution of a diverse portfolio of programs, with a particular focus on fundraising milestones, donor stewardship and campus arts and media partnerships. From signature student and alumni traditions to high-level advisory board meetings, the Assistant Director is responsible for shaping each experience from concept through completion-ensuring every detail supports meaningful connection and reflects the college's values. This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports.

Core Responsibilities

Event Planning, Production & Onsite Execution

• Plan and execute College Relations events, including (but not limited to):
  
  
  
  • The Fund for Davidson's annual #AllinforDavidson and Senior Mug Night
  • Scholarship dinners in partnership with Donor Relations
  • Key family events during Orientation and Commencement
  • Board meetings for Davidson Arts and Creative Engagement, Art Collection Advisory Committee, and WDAV Classic Public Radio.
  • Annual Friends of the Arts reception
  • Other events as needed
  
  
• Provide event support for programs led by other team members, particularly during peak seasons (Orientation, Wildcat Weekend, Commencement, Reunion Weekend).

Vendor/Campus Partnerships

• Build strong working partnerships with campus services, other departments and external vendors to coordinate event needs.
• Serve as the primary liaison with host offices throughout the planning process for assigned events.
• Manage vendor communication, scheduling and logistics to ensure smooth execution.

Budgeting, Registration & Event Communications

• Build, manage and track event expenses and revenue to align with approved event budgets.
• Build and manage online event registration forms within the college database.
• Own and manage the full lifecycle of event communications.

Projects & Professional Development

• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and development through intentional goal setting, and the active pursuit of professional development

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• 1-2 years of event management experience
• Exceptional project management and time management skills; highly organized, detail-oriented and accountable in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to manage high-pressure, last-minute or urgent requests with professionalism and calm.
• Strong critical thinking skills and a solution-oriented approach to challenges.
• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent internal and external customer service.
• Commitment to delivering a high-quality experience for event attendees.
• Willingness to learn Davidson College systems and tools including Blackbaud, Google Workspace and Ad Astra (training provided).
• Ability to lift 20+ pounds, move boxes and event supplies, travel between campus locations (on foot or via golf cart) and work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Position requires evening and weekend work to execute events as scheduled.

Information about how to submit an application can be found at https://employment.davidson.edu.