Associate Director of Events

Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) is looking to hire a highly organized, relationship-driven event professional who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment and takes pride in delivering exceptional, high-visibility experiences. The Associate Director of Events will play a key role in designing and executing strategic donor and some alumni events that strengthen relationships and advance philanthropic goals. Working closely with development, marketing, decision sciences, alumni relations, and senior leadership, this position leads event planning from concept through execution, managing logistics, budgets, vendors, and post-event reporting with precision and care.

Your efforts will directly support the mission and vision of Wichita State University, helping to shape the future of education and innovation.

With a team of more than 50 dedicated individuals working to support fundraising and donor and alumni relationships, the WSUFAE is proud to champion the continued growth of Wichita State University. With over $400 million in managed assets and thousands of alumni spread around the world, it is an exciting time to be a part of advancing Shocker Nation.

• Lead the planning and execution of donor events in collaboration with the Sr. Director of Donor Experience.
• Develop comprehensive event briefs outlining objectives, target audiences, messaging, and logistical needs to ensure alignment across teams.
• Identify opportunities to enhance event processes and elevate the donor experience.

• Coordinate all event logistics including venue selection, vendor management, catering, audiovisual needs, décor, timelines, and run-of show development to ensure seamless execution and high-quality donor experience.
• Represent WSUFAE and Wichita State University professionally at all events.
• Support select alumni-focused events aligned with the broader organizational goals, as needed.

• Manage event budgets by tracking expenses, processing contracts, reconciling invoices, and ensuring events remain within approved budget.
• Work with external vendors to negotiate services and ensure contractual obligations are met.

• Collaborate with development officers to ensure events align with donor cultivation, stewardship, and recognition strategies.
• Partner with marketing and communications, decisions sciences, and other WSUFAE teams on event-related communications, including invitations, signage, invite lists, RSVP tracking, and post-event follow‑up.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with the Sr. Director of Donor Experience regarding event status, timelines, and outcomes.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in processes and event experiences.
• Coordinate and lead planning meetings with internal stakeholders and external partners to confirm event details, roles, and expectations.

• Complete post-event summaries documenting attendance, engagement metrics, survey results, and final budget reconciliation.
• Utilize databases and tracking tools to support accurate reporting and informed decision‑making.
• Assess event outcomes and recommend improvements to enhance donor engagement and operational efficiency.

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of three years of event planning or equivalent experience
• Experience with high‑caliber, high visibility events preferred
• The ability to handle multiple tasks with organization and accuracy
• Experience working with databases
• The flexibility to work early mornings, late evenings and occasional weekends

• Highly organized and detail oriented
• Collaborative, team-oriented attitude
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to interact effectively with a broad range of audiences
• Enthusiasm, commitment to excellence, self‑motivation, professional demeanor
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet research
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information, records and materials
• Commitment to the WSU Foundation core…