Executive Director, Strategic Events

Overview

Executive Director of Strategic Events, reporting to the Associate Vice President of Advancement Programs and Campaign, leads the management of Duke Health Development and Alumni Affairs (DHDAA) Strategic Events. The role plans and coordinates programs that support cultivation, stewardship, engagement, and fundraising objectives, and develops policies, protocols, technology tools, and standards for event execution. The position requires interaction with Duke Health leadership, donor and alumni constituents, and supervision of multiple individuals on complex projects.

Hybrid; on-site and remote work as defined by manager. All team members must reside within a 50-mile radius of the Durham office. Core work hours are 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Eastern). Depending on needs, staff may be required to be in the office outside of the agreed-upon schedule.

• Event Development & Management – 40%
  • Direct the planning process to ensure events align with Duke Health priorities and development strategies; conceptualize and create complex strategic events to engage and steward donors, alumni, faculty, and students.
  • Coordinate objectives and messaging with DHDAA units; develop program content, select speakers, and coach speakers as needed.
  • Lead the Strategic Events team in managing select events for senior leaders; partner with the School of Medicine Strategic Communications team.
  • Develop comprehensive timelines, manage logistics (entertainment, venue, catering, décor, itineraries), and travel to off-site venues as appropriate.
  • Oversee on-site execution and serve as primary staff contact for Duke Health leaders at events.
  • Develop and implement outreach events locally, regionally, and nationally; collaborate with Major Gift Officers to coordinate volunteer activities.
  • Consult on event and program planning for university-wide external relations staff.
  • Maintain standardized operating procedures for event processes (checklists, data, RSVP lists, run-of-show).
  • Collaborate with development colleagues to evaluate and enhance annual events.
• Event Communication – 20%
  • Communicate event strategy and goals to Strategic Events staff; prepare executive summaries and briefs for leaders, officials, vendors, and hosts.
  • Maintain a communication system for internal stakeholders; compile biographical summaries and develop run-of-show and talking points.
  • Oversee invitations, RSVP management, programs, materials, and coordination with design teams for printed or digital content.
  • Coordinate with Digital Platforms Manager and Strategic Communications on digital and print designs; ensure central RSVP processes and data integrity.
  • Report and analyze attendance, post-event feedback, and analytics to inform strategy.
• Staff Management – 20%
  • Manage the performance of Strategic Events staff (including exempt employees); assign events and conduct regular team meetings.
• Event Technology and Production – 10%
  • Implement CVENT and other tools; oversee technology for virtual and hybrid events; ensure training on latest event technologies.
• Calendar Management – 5%
  • Coordinate calendar scheduling with senior leaders and oversee a monthly events calendar; manage scheduling conflicts and serve as liaison for university special events.
  • Manage the Strategic Events program budget and ensure timely expense processing and reporting.
  • Prepare reports, analyze outcomes, and participate in short- and long-range planning.
• Perform other related duties as necessary.

• Education – Bachelor's degree or equivalent; relevant communications, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Experience – Seven (7) years of experience in alumni affairs, public relations, sales and promotions, marketing, fundraising, student activities, and coordination of complex events.

• Anticipated Pay Range: USD $78,161.00 to USD $ base salary, plus comprehensive benefits.
• Benefits – Comprehensive medical and dental care programs, retirement benefits, and family-friendly and cultural programs. See Duke HR benefits site for details.
• Equal Opportunity Employer – Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to employment opportunity without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, pregnancy- related conditions, sexual orientation, or military status.

• Locations:
  Durham, NC;
  Hybrid work arrangement; on-site and remote mix.
• Nearest Major Market:
  Durham;
  Nearest Secondary Market:
  Raleigh.

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