Alumni Events Director

Alumni Events Director

The USC Alumni Association seeks an Alumni Events Director who is a creative strategist, collaborative partner, and experienced event leader to oversee signature programs that engage the Trojan Family worldwide. Reporting to the Executive Director of Alumni Experience, this role manages a diverse portfolio of high-profile events, including Alumni Awards, Homecoming, Football Weekenders, and the Volunteer Recognition Dinner, while also providing event expertise and support across the Alumni Association.

The Director supervises a team of three staff members and partners closely with university leaders, alumni volunteers, and vendors to deliver events that deepen alumni engagement and strengthen a culture of philanthropy at USC. The role requires proven experience managing large-scale events, strong budget oversight skills, and the ability to lead with creativity, diplomacy, and operational excellence.

This is a hybrid-fixed position under our current work arrangement plan, with the expectation of an on-site presence for 3 days/week on the University Park Campus. Late nights, weekends, and frequent out-of-town travel are required for this position.

University Advancement is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all, where all advancement staff and our stakeholders have the opportunity to connect, belong, and grow while supporting the University of Southern California's mission, values, and goals.

Responsibilities

Event Planning & Management (40%)

• Lead the planning and execution of USC's alumni event portfolio, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and alumni engagement goals.

• Innovate event formats with hybrid, digital, and sustainable practices to reach diverse alumni audiences globally.

• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility while identifying opportunities for sponsorship, partnerships, and cost-saving strategies.

• Track impact through alumni feedback, data, and CRM integration to measure ROI and inform future planning.

Team Leadership (20%)

• Directly supervise three full-time staff members as well as student workers and volunteers.

• Manage, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of professional staff, student workers, and volunteers.

• Promote a culture of excellence, collaboration, and creativity that supports professional growth and excellence in event execution.

• Oversee workload management, scheduling, and performance evaluations, ensuring team members are equipped to deliver on goals.

• Serve as a role model for servant leadership and continuous improvement.

Event Logistics & Experience Design (20%)

• Direct all logistical planning for events, including timelines, run-of-show, accessibility, and safety protocols.

• Partner with campus departments and external vendors to deliver high-quality, seamless event experiences.

• Integrate technology, design, and engagement strategies that elevate the attendee experience.

• Ensure compliance with university policies, ADA requirements, and industry best practices for risk management and safety.

Stakeholder & Vendor Engagement (10%)

• Serve as the primary liaison to university leadership, alumni boards, donors, and external partners for event planning and execution.

• Negotiate contracts and build long-term partnerships with vendors to optimize quality, service, and value.

• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to integrate events into broader engagement and fundraising strategies.

Market Research & Innovation (10%)

• Monitor trends in event management, alumni engagement, and the Los Angeles market to keep USC events relevant and compelling.

• Test and implement new strategies for alumni engagement, including interactive formats, targeted outreach, and digital platforms.

• Support revenue-generating events and evaluate opportunities for growth and sustainability.

• Provide data-informed recommendations to advance event strategy and enhance alumni experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.

• Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible event planning experience.

• Proven success in overseeing large, complex events and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Knowledge of relevant event-related software, CRM, marketing, and communications tools.

• Ability to perform well under pressure, individually and as part of a team.

• Late nights, weekends, and travel are required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with university events.

• Understanding of the Los Angeles event market.

• In-depth experience with budget development and implementation.

• Familiarity with strategic planning and translating department goals into event execution.

• Knowledge of one or more foreign languages (e.g., Spanish).

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment toUSC's Unifying Valuesof integrity, excellence, community, well-being, open communication, and accountability.

Required Documents

Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.

Compensation and Benefits

The budgeted salary range for this position is $100,000 - $120,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

To support faculty and staff well-being, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents' health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USC's comprehensive benefitshere.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
Additional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 5 years with event planning and scheduling
Minimum Skills: Proven success overseeing large scale events, coordinating with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders. Knowledge of relevant software and databases to support constituent-relationship management, marketing and communications, and social media efforts. Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to perform well under pressure, individually and as part of a team. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree
Preferred Skills: Experience with university events. Understanding of Los Angeles event market. In-depth experience with budget development and implementation. Familiarity with strategic planning and implementing department goals through event management. Knowledge of one or more foreign languages (e.g., Spanish).