St. John’s established in 1870, has three New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations. 

A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission.  As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community.  We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution.  As noted in our Vision Statement, our graduates will excel in the competencies and values required for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.  

DESCRIPTION

The Director of Special Events is responsible for the successful production, implementation and launching of events produced for St. John's School of Law. The Director of Special Events will serve as the primary point of contact and principal event planner for all Law School events. The role will have responsibility for liaising with alumni, centers and institutes, student organizations, faculty and staff to plan Law School events. The Director is responsible for developing objectives, executing plans and working both directly and indirectly with the client for each event. The Director is responsible for overseeing all logistical arrangements: staffing, event contracts & negotiations, timelines, site inspections, event budgets, event objectives, follow up recommendations and security.

The Director provides effective leadership and direction for all aspects of event planning. This position will lead a team of one Assistant Director of Special Events and an event coordinator. The Director of Special events reports to the Assistant Dean for Administrative Services.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain relationships with Law School and University community, vendors, and alumni.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects while maintaining the highest quality of professionalism.
• Consult with existing and potential vendors, develop program agendas, themes, and timetables for clients.
• Oversee all logistical aspects of a wide range of events, including, but not limited to Annual fundraising events and receptions, Student Organization symposium, guest speakers, receptions, Orientation, Graduation, Mock Competitions and Golf Outings.
• Manage, maintain and regulate the master calendar of Law School events.
• Oversee availability of Law School event space.
• Oversee all aspects of events including room setups, audio visual needs, catering orders, transportation, and event materials.
• Coordinate with the client and the Marketing and Communications team to clearly and effectively promote the event.
• Manage signature events including the Public Interest Auction, Duberstein Competition, Peter James Johnson Competition, and diversity-related events throughout the academic year.
• Maintain events portion of the Law School website and produce content for the Student Leader Handbook.
• Manage online registration system for event registration and monitor for each event.
• Staff all Law School events, including many events on the evenings and weekends.
• Provide budget proposals and cost analyses for each event. Negotiate/manage multiple contracts with University vendors.
• Conducts periodic cost effectiveness studies and other such research as may be appropriate for event operations.
• Research new opportunities for events as well as alternative venues.
• Must possess strong negotiation, issue resolution, and influencing skills.
• Develop goals and objective and determines programming and implement post event evaluations.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree, plus a minimum of 7-10 years event planning, marketing or public relations experience.
• Excellent written and oral skills.
• A strong work ethic and commitment to excellent client service.
• Computer literacy in Word, Excel, Access and Outlook, Banner a+.
• Demonstrated organizational and analytical problem-solving skills; the ability to manage and lead in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience managing an event budget.
• Commitment to fostering a culture of inclusive excellence.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively, within a collegial environment.
• A high tolerance for and the ability to adapt to changes and ambiguity.
• The ability to make immediate decisions in demanding situations.
• A willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as necessary to carry out responsibilities.

This position may be relocated to any of St. John’s University’s physical locations at any time 

St. John’s offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events. 

Any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John’s University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education. 

St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from women and minorities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Required Skills Required Experience

• Understanding of SOX rules and regulations
• Fluent language skills in English & local language as a minimum
• Will require an understanding of the business context and rationale for our products and services as well as the business of our resellers.
• Needs to be customer-service oriented and understand the value of accuracy and reliability.
• Needs to work with confidence within a team environment to ensure that overall team targets are achieved.
• Key attributes of the job are friendly and efficient manner and empathy with the customer’s requirements such as the need for accuracy, reliability and good-attitude. In short, this person must strive to ensure that Lexmark ES is an easy-to-work-with environment.