As leader of the events team, you will be responsible for development and execution of foundation events that involve current or potential donors, foundation staff, and university administrators. You will collaborate with colleagues from across the organization to create comprehensive event strategies and lead the events team.

Core Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide leadership in developing data-driven, comprehensive event strategies to ensure foundation events celebrate and inspire philanthropy and serve as an effective donor engagement tool.
• Provide leadership in conceptualizing, planning, and budgeting for ISU Foundation events – whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid.
• Coordinate event day and post-event activities including assessing risk to assure safety and comfort of all guests, serve as on-site manager for events, and collaborating on event follow-up.
• Coordinate production including working with outside vendors, facilitating team communication, oversee timelines, collaborate with colleagues to identify target audiences, and compile guest lists and manage RSVPs.
• Manage events staff – handle personnel matters, hire, train, coach/mentor, supervise, evaluate, and host regular check-ins with staff focused on both event logistics as well as career growth and leadership development.

Education & Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 10 years of professional experience in events management.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Understanding product positioning, analyzing market segmentation, negotiating with vendors, communicating with multiple levels of university and foundation staff, including technical facility personnel.
• Creative problem-solver with the ability to work with multiple teams, understand audience development, and possess strong marketing and promotion skills.
• Process-oriented and strategic with the ability to analyze data to share with internal partners and drive strategy recommendations.
• 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.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in virtual event platforms including Zoom and WebEx.
• Experience with event audio/visual elements including sound and projection systems.
• Keen negotiator with strong relationship-building skills.
• Budget and risk management skills.
• Experience managing people effectively.
• 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