As a part of the donor relations unit, the events team oversees key events for Iowa State University and the ISU Foundation building and enhancing relationships with donors by creating meaningful experiences. The Associate Director of Events contributes by leading meaningful events that involve current or potential donors, foundation staff, and university administrators. The purpose of every event is to grow relationships that secure private gifts, acknowledge past giving, provide information about the university’s priorities, and promote the value of investing in ISU through engagement. This includes local, regional, and national events, cultivation and stewardship events on and off campus, dedication of facilities, major gift announcements, and promotional events. This position involves some travel/nights and weekends.

Core Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Plan, direct, and execute aspects of constituent unit philanthropic events locally and regionally.
• Monitor online registrations through event management software and actively support strategies to connect attendee information with development officers. Update RSVPs from calls, email, and correspondence.
• Create, route, and edit registration page, electronic invitations, e-reminders through event management software.
• Assist with returning phone calls and emails, answering questions from a variety of sources, locating/sending information to others, and helping with general requests.
• Support events for ISU Foundation volunteers and board meetings on and off campus.
• Coordinate catering and space rental for internal staff events.
• Coordinate virtual event logistics for campus, regional, and international events.
• Assist in ordering supplies as needed and maintain inventory.

Qualifications

Education & Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or appropriate years of related experience.
• 3 years of professional experience in events management.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Practical and applicable knowledge of how to organize an event including an understanding of room, floral, and color design.
• Food service knowledge and applicable work history, from understanding fine dining service, food/beverage service, and the catering process.
• Creative problem-solver with the ability to work with multiple teams, understand audience development, and possess strong marketing and promotion skills.
• Budget and risk management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Experience with Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint preferred.
• Proficiency in virtual event platforms including Zoom and WebEx.
• Good oral and written communication skills, editorial skills.
• Possess good professional judgment, organization and planning skills, and diplomacy.
• Ability to handle confidential information and work well with a variety of personalities.
• Experience in Workfront, Salesforce, and Salesforce Apps including Ascend and Blackthorn is a plus.
• Creativity, patience, a sense of humor and a belief in our organizational mission of: Aligning donor passion and generosity to advance Iowa State University’s land grant ideals.

Travel: Occasional travel required for events

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Ames, IA; potentially hybrid

For additional information, visit the following pages:

• Iowa State University Foundation
• Benefits Package Information
• Iowa State University