SUMMARY The Director, Advancement Special Events creates meaningful engagement opportunities for alumni and donors through mission-driven events that inspire giving and deepen connections to the law school. This role is responsible for developing and executing a strategic events program that enhances alumni engagement and supports fundraising goals and requires close collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure events align with institutional priorities while delivering a high-impact experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Plan, implement, and promote a comprehensive fundraising events program that supports the law school’s strategic priorities and fundraising goals, in close collaboration with colleagues across departments.

Oversee all aspects of event production and logistics, including timeline development, program planning, venue selection and site visits, collateral creation, data and RSVP management, catering coordination, volunteer management, and on-site event execution.

Annually plan and execute a high-impact, mission-driven signature fundraising event (gala or other) that strengthens alumni engagement, elevates the law school’s visibility, and drives philanthropic support.

Partner with Alumni Engagement colleagues to plan and implement a calendar of affinity group events, aimed at strengthening alumni connections and cultivating a deeper sense of community.

Engage and manage event volunteers professionally and strategically, ensuring clear communication of goals, expectations, and follow-up procedures to maximize their contributions and enthusiasm.

Continuously propose fresh, creative event concepts to ensure the law school’s event portfolio remains dynamic, engaging, and relevant to a broad alumni and donor audience.

In collaboration with frontline fundraising colleagues, secure event sponsorships where appropriate, identifying potential sponsors and stewarding them throughout the engagement cycle.

Oversee an annual event budget exceeding $500,000, ensuring responsible fiscal management across all initiatives and providing regular reporting on ROI.

Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors, including caterers, designers, print shops, AV providers, and event support staff; lead contract negotiations to ensure high-quality service within budget parameters.

Support internal stakeholders with major institutional events beyond the Advancement scope—including commencement, endowed lectures, academic symposia, and large-scale third-party functions—serving as a planning resource and logistics partner.

Travel when needed to facilitate alumni activities and fundraising events, and to promote the law school’s needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The person must have a poised and professional image; strong interpersonal skills with the exceptional ability to prioritize projects and workload, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. High organizational ability, adherence to strict deadlines, and ability to manage concurrent projects and priorities. Must have proven analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Solid computer skills and productivity tools within the Microsoft Office suite, with the ability to learn new software programs as needed. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively with coworkers and as well as alumni, volunteers, faculty, staff, and students. Must have demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment, tact, and discretion. Strong communication skills with an eye for creativity and great attention to detail. Service oriented with ability to make all visitors feel welcome. Must have a collaborative approach to working with others. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and perform multi-tasking duties.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

N/A

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree required. Minimum seven years of experience in special events, events management, or alumni engagement required. Experience in an institution of higher education, or an environment of similar complexity, is preferred. Experience and/or interest in the law or legal education, and ability to effectively represent the mission of South Texas College of Law Houston.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Proficient in both spoken and written English. Ability to define routine problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions to solve routine problems and/or deal with a variety of variables in situations. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to perform basic to intermediate math essentials.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define routine problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions to solve routine problems and/or deal with a variety of variables in situations. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. Occasional light to moderate lifting from floor level, at waist, and above shoulders required. Infrequent bending and stooping necessary. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision in order to accurately input data and proofread; distance vision in order to recognize and assist visitors to the department.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Fast paced, multi-tasking, non-smoking work environment. Must be able to work the general business schedule of the law school (9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) plus evenings and weekends as needed.

Required Skills

Required Experience