Associate Director Development, Campaign Events

Quinnipiac University is a prestigious private institution located in Hamden, Connecticut, just 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. This well-respected university boasts an enrollment of approximately 9,700 students across more than 100-degree programs offered through its distinguished schools, including Business, Communications, Computing & Engineering, Education, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing, and the College of Arts & Sciences. Quinnipiac prides itself on its dynamic Division I athletic programs, with multiple national and conference titles such as the 2023 NCAA national championship in men’s ice hockey and notable NCAA tournament appearances across various sports. The university is widely recognized for its academic excellence and public opinion research, notably through the Quinnipiac University Poll, and holds high rankings from respected sources like U.S. News & World Report, Princeton Review, and The Wall Street Journal, which placed it 51st nationally and second in Connecticut for graduation rates and career preparation.

Quinnipiac University is currently on an ambitious trajectory of expansion and innovation, which includes enhancing programs for both traditional and adult learners, forming strategic partnerships, and developing state-of-the-art facilities such as the recently opened South Quad complex. Guided by core values of commitment to student success, community care, and bold leadership, Quinnipiac fosters a supportive and inclusive community where every member can thrive.

The role of Associate Director for Advancement and Campaign Events at Quinnipiac University offers a unique and exciting opportunity for an experienced event professional with a passion for strategy, creativity, and organizational excellence. This full-time position is based on the Mount Carmel campus in Hamden, CT, and reports directly to the Assistant Vice President of Development and Campaign Management. The Associate Director is key to advancing Quinnipiac's comprehensive fundraising and philanthropic goals through innovative event planning and execution. This position involves spearheading a variety of high-profile events such as capital campaign launches, donor recognition celebrations, galas, scholarship luncheons, building dedications, golf tournaments, and other signature programs that elevate the university’s philanthropic visibility and impact.

The Associate Director is charged with managing the full spectrum of event responsibilities: from concept development and budget management to logistical coordination, on-site execution, and post-event evaluation. Collaborating closely with university leadership, faculty, volunteers, and advancement teams, this role requires exceptional project management skills combined with a genuine enthusiasm for hospitality and relationship-building. The position also demands the creation of customized event experiences to support principal and major gift cultivation strategies, ensuring that donor engagement is meaningful and strategically aligned with campaign objectives.

Additional responsibilities include drafting leadership briefing materials for senior university officials, leveraging CRM data to analyze and optimize event reach and fundraising return on investment, and coordinating cross-campus efforts to maintain consistent branding and seamless event delivery. This role requires flexibility to travel and work evenings or weekends, particularly for critical institutional milestones, regional donor tours, or homecoming events. As part of the Quinnipiac community, the Associate Director contributes to a culture of inclusivity, excellence, and intentional leadership, playing a pivotal role in fostering long-term philanthropic success and university growth.