Job Description

Director of Events with the University of South Carolina Alumni Association 

Position Summary

The Director of Events will play a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the USC Alumni Association by conceptualizing, planning, and executing signature events that engage alumni, students, and campus partners. This position is responsible for managing a portfolio of signature events and campus-wide initiatives, consultation of affinity council initiatives, and student programming. Reporting to the AVP of Development and Membership Services, the Director serves as a proactive, creative, and detail-oriented team player with a passion for delivering exceptional and meaningful alumni experiences.

Accountabilities

Signature events for the Alumni Association: Plan and execute high-profile signature events, such as Homecoming Weekend, Gamecock Sports Preview, Grad Fest, Cookies & Cocoa with Cocky, and our annual Golf Tournament. Identify opportunities to develop new signature events while continuously evaluating and enhancing existing events to ensure they align with their intended purposes and deliver maximum impact. Ensure events reflect the Association’s mission and brand while fostering alumni pride and connection. Manage budgets, timelines, vendor relationships, and create and update standard operating procedures to ensure events are executed flawlessly.

Affinity council events: Provide support and guidance to Coordinator of Alumni Affiliate Groups to successfully execute annual events for each affinity council. Align events with the strategic goals of increasing alumni participation and association membership while enhancing regional outreach.

Student programming events: Provide support and guidance to the Coordinator of Alumni Affiliate Groups & Student Programming on the design and implementation of events to build awareness of the Alumni Association among current students, including new student welcome events, career networking opportunities, and student-alumni engagement initiatives. Ensure these events and programs occur during key connection or transition moments during the life cycle of a student.

Campus collaborative events: Serve as the Alumni Association’s primary liaison for multi-departmental events, ensuring alignment and seamless coordination with key campus partners, including the President’s Office, Student Affairs, Admissions, Academic units, and others. Lead the planning and execution of campus-wide events that are strategically aligned with the Alumni Association’s mission and strengthen alumni connections with the broader University community. 

Athletic events: Work with USC Athletics Department staff to support and plan (as necessary) alumni and fan-focused events related to pre-game tailgates, football season kickoff events, post-season football bowl/CFP games, NCAA March Madness and College World Series.

Corporate partner asset execution: Collaborate with the Business Development team to ensure all sponsored assets are fulfilled accurately and professionally, whether on-site at events or through digital, print, or social marketing channels. This includes managing signage, branding, activations, digital placements, and other contracted deliverables to maintain strong relationships with partners and uphold brand standards. 

Alumni Experience team member: Serves as a member of the Alumni Experience team by collaborating with colleagues across disciplines to develop strategies. Serves on committees and attends staff meetings as required. Supports and assumes leadership roles as needed.  

Experiences and Qualifications

The Director of Events will be a creative thinker dedicated to delivering unique and memorable experiences with a passion for the University of South Carolina, its students, and alumni. Qualified candidates will be a team player who thrives in a collaborative environment but is equally comfortable taking initiative and working autonomously. The successful candidate will have a track record of delivering meaningful experiences and will show a commitment to and enthusiasm for our core values: Find a Way, Get Stuff Done, Show Team Spirit and Create Meaningful Experiences.

Basic qualifications:

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in event planning, program management, or a related field.
• Proven ability to plan and execute events of varying sizes and complexities, from conception to completion.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in budget management, contract negotiation, and vendor coordination.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Availability to work some evenings, weekends, and travel as necessary for events.
• Some limited travel is required.

Education:

An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution is required.

Compensation

Salary will be commensurate with experience plus a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision and a 403(b)-retirement plan. Other benefits include 30 days of paid time off, tuition reimbursement at the University of South Carlina and free parking at the Pastides Alumni Center.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of South Carlina Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind.

· The Association is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

· All employment decisions at the Association, including hiring are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications for the job to be filled, without regard to race, color, gender, religion or belief, family or parental status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by United States or South Carolina laws or regulations.

· The Association reasonably accommodates qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to receive equal employment opportunity and/or perform the essential functions of the job unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the Association. This applies to all applicants and employees.

· The Association will not tolerate discrimination or harassment.

HOW TO APPLY

Please email your resume and cover letter in PDF format to jobs@uscalumni.com with “Director of Events” in the subject line. 

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