Working/Functional Title
Advancement Events Asst Director
Position Summary
Basic Function and Responsibilities
As a key member of the University Advancement (UA) Events Team, the Advancement Events Manager is responsible for planning and producing meaningful, story-driven experiential events that deepen engagement with MSU alumni and donors. This role goes beyond logistics - it requires creativity, narrative thinking, and a passion for creating experiences that illuminate the people, programs, and impact of Michigan State University. The ideal candidate is a team player who communicates openly, collaborates effectively, and fosters trust. They should be curious, coachable and committed to a healthy, innovative, and purpose-driven team environment.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Event Management:
• Works collaboratively to conceptualize live and virtual events that bring Spartan stories to life, using narrative and emotional design to connect alumni and donors to the university’s mission and impact.
• Leads the planning and production of events that celebrate student achievement, philanthropic impact, faculty excellence, and MSU’s bold future.
• Oversees event timelines, content development and milestone completion to ensure experiences are thoughtfully sequenced and strategically aligned.
• Manages event budgets and expenses, ensuring consistent updates throughout pre-production and adherence to billing expectations.
• Coordinates with university leaders, faculty, storytellers, students, and internal teams to develop program content and highlight meaningful personal narratives, effectively communicating deadlines and tracking progress towards event objectives.
Event Logistics:
• Researches venues, formats, and technologies that support immersive storytelling and create a sense of place and purpose, conducting site visits when necessary.
• Manages and directs external contractors and vendors involved in event production, negotiating prices, terms, and conditions of contracts and service agreements.
• Participates in the physical setup, transport, and disassembly of event materials, ensuring brand and story consistency in visual and spatial design.
Event Execution:
• Reviews and finalizes all program content and supporting materials to ensure clarity and impact.
• Prepares comprehensive event agendas and run-of-show documents that align program elements with audience experience goals.
• Confirms staffing and speaker support, including training when needed to enhance storytelling moments.
• Provides on-site support during events and serves as a key point of contact for program execution and production.
• Conducts post-event evaluations, gathering both logistical feedback and insight into emotional resonance and audience engagement, identifying opportunities for continual improvement.
Other:
• Collaborates with alumni and donor volunteers on committees engaged in initiatives on behalf of University Advancement.
• Maintains and enhances knowledge of computer systems relevant to the planning and execution of University Advancement events, including those that support storytelling and audience interaction.
• Contributes to a culture of collaboration, creative risk-taking and continuous learning within the University Advancement Events Team.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Direction is received from the Advancement Events senior director.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
None
IMPACT ON PROGRAMS – SERVICES – OPERATIONS
Decisions made in the planning and execution of University Advancement events can significantly influence the university’s reputation and standing among donors, alumni, and external communities. Errors in judgment may have adverse effects on the university's future resources and overall integrity.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This is a hybrid position. When in the office, it primarily entails a standard environment with moderate physical exertion, including lifting and moving moderately heavy event materials (minimum of 25 pounds), and sustained physical activity during events. Travel may be needed for events and is estimated at 10% for a standard fiscal year.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in a related field such as business, hospitality business, communications, marketing, theater, or arts management; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in the planning and production of institutional and/or fundraising events; contractor and vendor contract negotiations, and developing event budget reports; experience in a customer-service environment; and experience in database, spreadsheet, word processing and presentation software; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Travel is required, must have possession of a valid driver’s license at the time of hire.
Desired Qualifications
- Three to five years of professional experience in live event production, experiential marketing, or advancement/alumni relations—ideally in a higher-ed, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization.
- Demonstrated ability to plan and execute high-impact, story-driven events, including the ability to create programs that are not only well-run, but emotionally resonant and aligned with institutional goals.
- Experience with a range of event sizes and formats (live, virtual, and hybrid).
- A deep understanding of audience experience, design, and emotional pacing.
- Ability to segment audiences and tailor content/experiences accordingly (e.g., major donors vs. young alumni).
- Strong narrative instincts and ability to build events around compelling stories.
- Skilled at managing expectations, giving/receiving feedback, and building consensus.
- Values exceptional customer service, teamwork, open communication, and continuous improvement.
- Comfortable in fast-paced, high-stakes environments where excellence and empathy both matter greatly.
- Experience with donor stewardship, fundraising campaigns, and alumni relations.
If you have experience with the responsibilities outlined in this job description or possess transferable skills, we encourage you to apply!
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Resume and cover letter
Special Instructions
If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Patricia Karam, Director of Talent Acquisition, at karampat@msu.edu.
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Work Hours
8 am - 5 pm with possible evenings and weekends
Website
Advancement.msu.edu
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Bidding eligibility deadline is November 4, 2025, at 11:55 PM
