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Fordham University

Senior Director of University Events

Fordham University, New York, New York, us, 10261

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Position Details

Position Information

About Fordham

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its nine colleges and schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre in the United Kingdom.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short and long-term disability; employee assistance program (EAP); tuition remission; and generous time off.

Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.

Title of Position Senior Director of University Events

Position Number A01000

FLSA Exempt

Scheduled Hours Per Week 35

Department Development - University Events

Campus Lincoln Center

Work Arrangement Hybrid

Hybrid Policy: Please review the Hybrid Policy at www.fordham.edu/hybridpolicy.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development and University Events, the Senior Director of University Events strategically evaluates, leads, manages, and participates in the development and implementation of fundraising, donor, signature, high-profile, Presidential, and Trustee events for the University. This position leads an event planning team and communicates with senior leadership, University Trustees, President's Council members, donors, alumni, students, parents, and guests to foster positive Fordham experiences. This position requires evening and weekend hours. This position is located at Fordham's Lincoln Center campus, with required time at the Rose Hill campus.

Essential Functions

Partners closely with the AVP to foster a collaborative and transparent team philosophy, ensuring excellence in service for all University stakeholders and provides high-level partnership for major fundraising and high-profile events.

Strategically evaluates existing event procedures, researches new tools, and recommends modifications to continuously enhance event experiences and outcomes.

Consults with the AVP Events to strategically lead events, assign event leads and co-leads among other team members.

Develops concepts, themes, formats, procedures, and detailed timelines for major events (e.g., meetings, conferences, formal dinners, fundraising benefits, Commencement), ensuring flawless execution.

Manages critical events and projects for the President's and University Secretary's Offices, including Commencement, Convocation, and Board of Trustees dinners.

Oversees the development, writing, editing, and scheduling of all event-related written materials, such as invitations, programs, briefings, acknowledgments, and reporting.

Books, negotiates with, and manages venues, consultants, and vendors to secure favorable rates and ensure seamless execution both prior to and during events.

Manages event budget expenditures and provides comprehensive financial reporting to internal departments.

Oversees all post-event activities, including debrief meetings, constituent recognition, financial reconciliation, and essential data transfer of attendees, budget, and revenue.

Essential Functions Note This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list. The University may assign additional related duties as necessary.

Management Responsibilities Supervises the work of other Fordham employees who are individual contributors. Responsible for hiring, training and developing, managing performance and administering corrective action. Has significant input in compensation decisions.

Additional Functions

Participates in event fundraising initiatives and special projects/activities with the AVP for Development and University Events.

Explores and implements new event technology tools to increase productivity and efficiency.

Updates department and event web pages.

Required Qualifications: Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree.

Minimum of 8 years of experience in event planning and management, with a track record of successful events.

Minimum of 6 years of supervisory experience.

Required Qualifications: Knowledge and Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and events-related software (e.g. check-in and seating apps)

Demonstrated ability to learn the use of new and events-related registration/seating/etc. software is required

Excellent communication skills

Detail-oriented with a focus on high quality and client satisfaction

Excellent organizational, team, and project management skills

Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree.

Familiarity with development databases.

Experience with project management software.

Minimum Starting Salary $120,000

Maximum Starting Salary $140,000

Note Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.

Is this a Union position? No

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number A904P

Number of Vacancies 1

Start Date

Posting Date 09/25/2025

Special Instructions

EEO Statement

Fordham University is committed to excellence and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.

Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.