Alumni Events Director

Alumni Events Director

The USC Alumni Association seeks an Alumni Events Director who is a creative strategist collaborative partner and experienced event leader to oversee signature programs that engage the Trojan Family worldwide. Reporting to the Executive Director of Alumni Experience this role manages a diverse portfolio of high-profile events including Alumni Awards Homecoming Football Weekenders and the Volunteer Recognition Dinner while also providing event expertise and support across the Alumni Association.

The Director supervises a team of three staff members and partners closely with university leaders alumni volunteers and vendors to deliver events that deepen alumni engagement and strengthen a culture of philanthropy at USC. The role requires proven experience managing large-scale events strong budget oversight skills and the ability to lead with creativity diplomacy and operational excellence.

This is a hybrid-fixed position under our current work arrangement plan with the expectation of an on-site presence for 3 days/week on the University Park Campus. Late nights weekends and frequent out-of-town travel are required for this position.

University Advancement is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all where all advancement staff and our stakeholders have the opportunity to connect belong and grow while supporting the University of Southern Californias mission values and goals.

Responsibilities

Event Planning & Management (40%)

• Lead the planning and execution of USCs alumni event portfolio ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and alumni engagement goals.

• Innovate event formats with hybrid digital and sustainable practices to reach diverse alumni audiences globally.

• Develop and manage event budgets ensuring fiscal responsibility while identifying opportunities for sponsorship partnerships and cost-saving strategies.

• Track impact through alumni feedback data and CRM integration to measure ROI and inform future planning.

Team Leadership (20%)

• Directly supervise three full-time staff members as well as student workers and volunteers.

• Manage mentor and inspire a high-performing team of professional staff student workers and volunteers.

• Promote a culture of excellence collaboration and creativity that supports professional growth and excellence in event execution.

• Oversee workload management scheduling and performance evaluations ensuring team members are equipped to deliver on goals.

• Serve as a role model for servant leadership and continuous improvement.

Event Logistics & Experience Design (20%)

• Direct all logistical planning for events including timelines run-of-show accessibility and safety protocols.

• Partner with campus departments and external vendors to deliver high-quality seamless event experiences.

• Integrate technology design and engagement strategies that elevate the attendee experience.

• Ensure compliance with university policies ADA requirements and industry best practices for risk management and safety.

Stakeholder & Vendor Engagement (10%)

• Serve as the primary liaison to university leadership alumni boards donors and external partners for event planning and execution.

• Negotiate contracts and build long-term partnerships with vendors to optimize quality service and value.

• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to integrate events into broader engagement and fundraising strategies.

Market Research & Innovation (10%)

• Monitor trends in event management alumni engagement and the Los Angeles market to keep USC events relevant and compelling.

• Test and implement new strategies for alumni engagement including interactive formats targeted outreach and digital platforms.

• Support revenue-generating events and evaluate opportunities for growth and sustainability.

• Provide data-informed recommendations to advance event strategy and enhance alumni experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree.

• Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible event planning experience.

• Proven success in overseeing large complex events and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

• Excellent interpersonal written and verbal communication skills.

• Knowledge of relevant event-related software CRM marketing and communications tools.

• Ability to perform well under pressure individually and as part of a team.

• Late nights weekends and travel are required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with university events.

• Understanding of the Los Angeles event market.

• In-depth experience with budget development and implementation.

• Familiarity with strategic planning and translating department goals into event execution.

• Knowledge of one or more foreign languages (e.g. Spanish).

In addition the successful candidate must also demonstrate through ideas words and actions a strong commitment toUSCs Unifying Valuesof integrity excellence community well-being open communication and accountability.

Required Documents

Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.

Compensation and Benefits

The budgeted salary range for this position is $100000 $120000. When extending an offer of employment the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position the candidates work experience education/training key skills internal peer alignment federal state and local laws contractual stipulations grant funding as well as external market and organizational considerations.

To support faculty and staff well-being USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents health wealth and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USCs comprehensive benefitshere.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin protected veteran status disability or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at or by email at. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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