Job ID: 12012
Location: Seattle Colleges District Off
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Opportunity Description
About Us
We are a district of three district colleges- North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College- and five speciality training centers. This makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington, we are leaders in change and innovation.
As a Seattle Colleges Employee, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the passionate work of Equity, DIversity, and Inclusion as we work against systemic racism. Additionally, you will gain the rewarding experience of contributing to the success of an open-access learning institution that preoares students for life and work, fostering a diversem engaged, and dynamic community.
Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy a competitive benefits package, professional develop,emt opportunities and enrichment experiences in area of their choive including, committee workgroup, and affinity group opportunities. To learn more about our excellent benefits offerings please see our benefits overiew here: Seattle Colleges Employment Benefits
Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Executive Director of Communications and Recruitment, the Associate Director of Events has discretion and authority to direct events and activities that advance Seattle Colleges' mission and strategic objectives. It does so in collaboration with district, college, department and division leaders. Their primary focus will be four district events: Convocation, Discover Seattle Colleges, Commencement, and The Martin Luther King, Jr Celebration. Collectively, these events shape Seattle Colleges' image and reputation with more than a thousand external stakeholders annually (community leaders, legislators, prospective students and families, government officials, etc.) and internal stakeholders (faculty, staff, and current students.) The position also manages other events as assigned.
As a visible member of the Communications and Strategic Initiatives team, this position must develop cooperative relationships with faculty and staff, campus stakeholders, business contacts, public officials, volunteers and supporters. It will also provide counsel to college event and communication teams.
The Associate Director works in a cubicle/open workspace which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions.
This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with representation by AFT-SPS and is subject to union shop provisions.
Essential Functions:

• Manage and execute complex districtwide multi-venue, multi-audience events with high-level external and internal stakeholders while excercising excellent long-range strategic and impromptu judgement.
• Develop event plans with measurable objectives, present to executive leadership, and implement strategies that increase engagement and awareness with pre-determined stakeholder groups, report outcomes.
• Manage event logistics and related contracts.
• Lead districtwide committees, facilitate and build consensus to establish mutually beneficial goals and strategies, delegate assignments as needed for each event.
• Develop and recommend districtwide event policy, establishing new standards and strategies for coordinating and collaborating on events as a district.
• Manage and cultivate external relationships with vendors/venues including contract negotiation and onsite event oversight and management.
• Manage the creation of event materials (with the assistance of the communications team). This includes but is not limited to determining the theme, program, introductory remarks, speeches, videos, etc. and then engage the appropriate stakeholders to contribute and approve.
• Manage event publicity with the assistance of the communications team including mass and direct marketing tactics such as email, websites, social media, print, advertising, etc.
• Manage a $200,000 event budget.

This description is not intended to cover every aspect of this job, we are a team that works together to meet the needs of those we serve, and every member of the team is expected to contribute, even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this description.
Qualifications:
(Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree and seven years progressively responsible event direction work; OR any combination of relevant education, training and experience that indicate successful performance of the essential functions of the position.
• Demonstrated skill in planning and implementing event strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and written, to internal and external constituents.
• Be a strong, independent worker with excellent project and peer management skills with the ability to work well on a team.
• Ability to manage multiple projects on tight deadlines with strong attention to detail and a passion for the Seattle Colleges' mission.
• Ability to use sound judgement and decision-making skills both in long-range planning and improntu high-stress scenarios
• Strong interpersonal and people skills; commitment to outstanding customer service, with the ability to engage and build relationships with people from a wide diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faith based communities.
• An ability to think strategically and execute tactically. Ability to think creatively. Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite software and CRM-type software.
• Able to lead the design of print-ready collateral materials
• Experience writing and developing event collateral including invitations, programs, speeches, and multimedia video and presentations.
• Experience using social media and web platforms.
• Regular and reliable transportation for local travel and willing to travel when necessary. Candidate selected must have personal transportation and be willing to travel when necessary.
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours, as necessary, periodically on short or limited notice.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform range of physical motions, exerting up to 25 pounds; lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds (and 40 pounds occasionally) for event setup and tear down; standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time, kneeling, squatting, and stooping; and traversing up and down stairs.
• During Events (from setup to tear down) or on event days:
  • Ability to stand 4 or more hours continuously.
  • Ability to walk 4 or more hours continuously.
  • Ability Standing: duration of 4 hours for events.
  • Ability to work greater than a 10-hour day.

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the college's Director of LegalCompliance:
1500 Harvard Avenue Seattle, WA 98122-3803
(206) 934-3873.
Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.