ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES & EVENTS

Company: University of Washington
Location: Bothell
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

If you are using a screen reader and experience any difficulty accessing our web pages, please call 206-543-2544 or email UWHires and we will be happy to assist you. jump to contentASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES & EVENTSASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES & EVENTSBenefits: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here.As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

For over 160 years, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Supporting this legacy and important public mission-with the goal of making the UW the world's greatest public university, as measured by positive impact-guides everything we do in University Advancement . Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations, we advance the UW's impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride, advocacy and philanthropic support.

The mission of the Development team is to facilitate private resources to enhance and protect the University's reputation and support equitable community building and service. This starts with creating a culture of belonging within our organization that values the diverse experiences and expertise of our team members, allowing everyone to thrive and to contribute their unique talents as we strive to achieve our shared goals.

UW Bothell has an exciting opening for an Associate Director of Ceremonies & Events. This is a full-time permanent position.

The Associate Director of Ceremonies & Events creates and executes engagement opportunities and special events in alignment with UW Bothell Advancement's mission to foster meaningful and lifelong relationships with students, supporters, community and alumni. The Associate Director plays a leadership role in planning and implementing all aspects of various events, including two annual ceremonies - convocation and commencement - which celebrate the academic achievements of UW Bothell graduates and faculty.

This position also plays a critical function across UW Bothell in establishing strategies, practices, policies and tools to maximize Advancement's capacity to support our five schools regarding the design, planning and hosting of special events. The Associate Director will help connect and strategically align the current and planned event-related efforts of individual units and schools to ensure campus coordination, efficiency and effectiveness.

What You Will Do:

Program Development, Strategy and Execution (60%)

--- Lead Commencement, UW Bothell's signature annual academic ceremony. Manage the suite of Commencement-related events, including the Student Academic Awards Ceremony and the Veteran's Graduation Ceremony, and other commencement-related programs and activities, such as Graduation Kick-Off and Grad Fair. Ensure a smooth registration process for students and their families.
--- Design and execute an engaging and memorable Convocation ceremony to kick-off the start of a student's academic experience, providing students with a warm welcome to UW Bothell. Work collaboratively and closely with faculty and with colleagues in Student Affairs to provide a student-centered experience.
--- Work closely with the Vice Chancellor for Advancement to design and execute the Chancellor's Office's high-profile events and occasions, including grand opening events, VIP dinners and academic celebrations.
--- Demonstrate high-level strategic planning and resource allocation through the development and maintenance of a multi-year event plan; make recommendations to the Vice Chancellor for Advancement regarding opportunities to leverage, changes to make, trends to be aware of, budget implications and long-range goals to drive towards.
--- Collaborate with a wide variety of internal and external partners, including department heads and administrative staff of the schools and programs.

Team and Volunteer Management (20%)

--- Serve as a leader and resource for colleagues within Advancement and across campus, supporting the strategic design and execution of various events and engagement opportunities.
--- Lead a team responsible for various events; independently develop, implement and ensure events and experiences of the highest quality through a comprehensive, integrated and co-created plan.
--- Demonstrate strong project management skills by managing multiple complex events simultaneously, staying aligned with Advancement goals and keeping all key partners informed appropriately.
--- Strategically align the work of event-related support staff with Advancement goals to maximize campus efficiency and effectiveness.

Budget Design, Tracking and ROI Projections (15%)

--- Identify various revenue sources and implement strategies to maximize opportunities for event revenue.
--- Develop and manage complex event-related budgets; work with contractors and vendors; coordinate with partners across all UW campuses; and ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance.

Other Duties (5%)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree AND four years of experience in event management, development or related field.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

What You Bring:

--- Experience managing and developing staff or teams.
--- Strong project management experience.
--- Ability to communicate effectively across organizational units.
--- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
--- Experience working with and negotiating terms with vendors.
--- Demonstrated ability to protect confidential information.
--- Ability to work with a diverse constituency.
--- Demonstrated strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint for correspondence, special reports, spreadsheets, databases, and forms.
--- Reliable transportation for local travel.
--- Ability to lift 20 pounds regularly and up to 40 pounds occasionally for event setup and tear down.

What You Can Expect:

--- A hybrid working schedule is available.
--- Cubicle/open workspace environment may result in higher noise levels and visual distractions.
--- This position requires a flexible schedule as the workload and times may vary, including evenings or weekends.

Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you log into your "My Jobs" page. If you choose to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

#UWUAJOBSCommitted to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .
#J-18808-Ljbffr

Keywords: University of Washington, Lakewood , ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES & EVENTS, Executive , Bothell, Washington