Associate Director of Special Events

Barnard College, a prestigious and renowned liberal arts college for women located in New York City, is widely recognized for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to fostering leadership and empowerment among its students. Established as an affiliated college of Columbia University, Barnard College combines the intimacy of a small educational community with the resources of a major research institution. The College is deeply invested in creating meaningful connections with its alumnae, students, faculty, donors, parents, and friends to support its mission and growth. As part of this commitment, the Office of Advancement plays a crucial role in organizing high-impact events that engage the college's broad constituency and foster long-term relationships. These events not only celebrate milestones but also facilitate vital financial support essential to the College's continued success and innovation.

The Associate Director of Special Events at Barnard College is a pivotal position within the Office of Advancement's Special Events team. Reporting directly to the Senior Associate Director of Special Events, this role involves significant responsibility in the planning, organizing, and execution of an extensive annual roster of over 30 events. These events span various formats including in-person, virtual, and hybrid engagements. The Associate Director oversees key project areas such as vendor management, contracting, payments, and select communications pieces. A major focus of the role includes managing large-scale Alumnae Relations events like Reunion and Leadership Assembly, alongside leading around 10 additional major events across various giving teams, such as Individual Giving, Major Gifts, Parents Giving, and Planned Giving. These events are critical in maintaining and deepening the College's relationships with its community and supporters.

This full-time role is ideally suited for a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional with excellent multitasking abilities and a solution-oriented mindset. The Associate Director must work effectively both independently and collaboratively, demonstrating outstanding customer service, strong organizational skills, and excellent oral and written communication capabilities. The position requires managing event logistics, budgets, vendor relationships, and day-of event staff across diverse event types. The Associate Director also serves as a departmental resource and subject matter expert on event planning and logistics best practices, ensuring each event upholds Barnard's core values of collaboration, aspiration, transparency, respect, accountability, and trust. With a salary range of $76,000 to $81,000 annually, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the College's advancement efforts in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. The position operates in a hybrid work format, with an expectation of office presence up to five times a week as dictated by event schedules and team needs.