Director of Special Events and Programs

Vassar College Office of Residential Life

. Develop and execute high-impact events and educational programs engaging Vassar College’s alums and community members in support of institutional goals .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timePoughkeepsie • New York • United StatesLead💰 $71,700 - $93,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in event planning and execution, with a focus on developing educational programs and engaging diverse communities. Proven ability to manage budgets, analyze KPIs, and lead teams in alignment with institutional goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Event PlanningLeadership SkillsRelationship ManagementData-Driven Decision-MakingBudget Management

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Event ExecutionProgram DevelopmentKPI AnalysisFundraising StrategiesAlum Engagement Trends

Soft Skills

Strong CommunicationCollaborative EffortsInnovative ThinkingAdaptive LeadershipFlexibility

Tools & Technologies

CRM DatabasesGoogle Suite ApplicationsVideo Conferencing ToolsStandard Office Technologies

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationNonprofitsAlum EngagementEvent ManagementCommunity Engagement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and execute high-impact events and educational programs engaging Vassar College’s alums and community members in support of institutional goals
Oversee on-campus, off-campus, and virtual events aligned with the College’s mission and advancement priorities
Design signature “learning for a lifetime” experiences
Manage the Special Events and Programs team
Produce special events featuring Vassar’s President, highlighting institutional priorities, and stewarding constituents
Develop and implement annual educational programs delivered virtually and in person
Ensure programs are budget-neutral or revenue-producing and tailored to alum interests
Showcase Vassar’s faculty, alums, and other experts
Standardize and execute event planning, implementation, and data management best practices
Build relationships with colleagues, constituents, Advancement areas, and campus partners
Develop and oversee operating budgets and revenue-generation strategies
Set goals and analyze KPIs for the SEP team

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and 5-7 years of professional experience
Proven leadership and event planning skills
Strong communication and relationship management abilities
Ability to engage in collaborative efforts
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed
Competence with CRM databases, Google Suite Applications (or similar), video conferencing, and other standard office technologies
Ability to interact effectively with a diverse community
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
Resume and cover letter required
Master’s degree in a related field preferred
Experience in higher education or nonprofits preferred
Knowledge of alum engagement trends and best practices preferred
Innovative thinking and adaptive leadership skills preferred
Proficiency in data-driven decision-making preferred
Familiarity with fundraising strategies preferred