Assistant Director, Student Events and Activities

Job Description

The Assistant Director of Student Events and Activities enhances student life through the planning and coordination of engaging programs that connect students and support their sense of belonging. This role advises University Union, the primary student-run programming board, supporting event planning, leadership development, and organizational management for 12 program boards with approximately 100 student board members. The Assistant Director develops campus events and activities inclusive of managing event logistics, scheduling, budgeting, staffing, and promotional efforts to ensure high-quality experiences.

In addition, this position supervises student staff and supports their professional development through onboarding, training, and mentorship. The Assistant Director also oversees the production of The Onondagan, Syracuse University’s yearbook, by supervising a Program Coordinator and supporting key business operations, including communications and senior photography scheduling. This role fosters an environment that encourages engagement, growth, and accountability across Student

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required.
• Two (2) years related experience in a college/university setting required.
• 3-5 years related experience preferred.
• Knowledge of large-scale programming, event planning, and student and professional staff supervision experience preferred.
  
  

Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of best practices in university student activities, experience supervising and developing professional and student staff, and strong assessment skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple demands with excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Cultural competence with a commitment to creating and sustaining equitable programs and events responsive to the needs of a changing campus community needed.
• This position will work non-traditional business hours during the academic year with a modified weekly schedule that will include late night evenings and weekends.
• Knowledge of Anthology Engage software preferred.
  
  

Responsibilities

Event Planning And Implementation

• Direct the Events and Activities team to create and implement a dynamic range of programs, approximately 70-80 events per year, that meet student needs across daytime, evening, and late-night hours. This includes pop-up programming, large-scale campus events, senior events, and other student engagement opportunities.
• Work closely with campus departments and divisional partners to coordinate a unified, comprehensive calendar of social and educational events that foster belonging and involvement across student populations.
• Responsibilities include coordinating event logistics such as venue selection, catering, transportation, technology, contracts, payments, and vendor relations.
• Ensure compliance with University policies and procedures while maintaining a focus on engaging experiences.
• The position requires a flexible schedule and involves working up to two late-night events per week during the academic year.
• Additionally, oversee all aspects of event promotion, including digital signage, print media, tabling, and branded giveaways.
• Foster new partnerships across campus to expand visibility and engagement with Student Events and Activities programming.
  
  

Student Staff And Volunteer Development And Supervision

• Oversee the onboarding, supervision, and professional development of student staff and volunteers.
• Collaborate with Student Engagement Assistant Directors to design and implement comprehensive training modules covering event planning, leadership development, risk management, and effective communication.
• Develop and deliver team-building activities, orientation sessions, retreats, and ongoing professional learning experiences that enhance both personal and professional skillsets.
• In coordination with program staff, oversee the work of up to 12 student staff and 20 student volunteers, fostering an environment that supports accountability, engagement, and development.
• Supervise Event and Activities Coordinator(s), providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for leadership and growth within the University community.
  
  

Student Organization Advising

• Serve as primary advisor to student run programming organizations including University Union and WERW, supporting them in event planning, talent acquisition, executive leadership development, marketing, and day-to-day operational responsibilities. This includes guiding students in self-governance, mission alignment, collaborative learning, contract negotiation, and ethical decision-making.
• Provide oversight and support in fiscal management, including operational budgets, purchasing, and financial compliance.
  
  

Business Operation Of The Yearbook

• Provide oversight related to the business operations and budget of the Syracuse University yearbook.
• Serve as a liaison between Student Engagement and yearbook student leaders, vendor relations, marketing strategies, and long-term planning.
• Assist with setting up space reservations and creating a photography schedule in coordination with the yearbook photographer.
• Ensure financial sustainability and compliance with University policies, and support student staff in developing business, operational, and logistical planning skills.
  
  

Assessment

• Coordinate assessment of student programming and services and utilize data to inform future programming.
• Conduct regular assessments and surveys to gauge student satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
  
  

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About The Syracuse Area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.