Director of Special Events

Baltimore, MD, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $98,500.00 - $105,000.00

Work Schedule

Day Shifts

Benefits

paid leave

Health Insurance

Tuition remission

Flexible work schedules

Professional development programs

retirement program

Paid holidays

Job Description

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is a premier public university and one of the constituent institutions of the University System of Maryland. Renowned for its commitment to excellence in education, research, healthcare, and public service, UMB plays a vital role in advancing knowledge and improving lives through multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation. UMB's Central Philanthropy Office is dedicated to fostering philanthropic relationships and securing resources that support the university's mission, priorities, and community impact. This office serves as a hub for donor engagement, fundraising, and event coordination, emphasizing strategic partnership, stewardship, and institutional advancement.

The Director of Special Events at UMB serves as the lead strategist and operational leader responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of all philanthropic, prospect, and donor-facing events managed by the Central Philanthropy Office. This full-time, exempt position offers a salary range of $98,500 to $105,000, commensurate with education and experience. The role demands a visionary leader who can integrate event management with broader fundraising goals to enhance donor experiences and strengthen alumni and community engagement.

This role requires working closely with various academic and administrative units across the campus to ensure that all events are strategically aligned with university priorities and brand values. The Director sets the vision for a comprehensive portfolio of high-profile, mission-driven events that promote institutional visibility, deepen donor relationships, and support campaign objectives. The position includes leading cross-functional teams, managing event budgets and vendor contracts, and serving as a vital liaison between Central Philanthropy and campus stakeholders.

The Director champions a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and collaboration to deliver seamless and impactful events that advance the university’s philanthropic goals. Evening events and travel are integral parts of the role, reflecting its dynamic and high-engagement nature. UMB offers an attractive benefits package that supports wellness, work-life balance, and professional development, including extensive paid leave, tuition remission, flexible work options, and comprehensive health insurance.

In summary, the Director of Special Events is a pivotal position at UMB responsible for shaping and delivering extraordinary event experiences that foster donor commitment and institutional growth. The role encapsulates strategic leadership, team management, financial oversight, partnership building, and continuous improvement to ensure that UMB’s philanthropic events are successful and aligned with the university’s mission and values.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as English, Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or related field
Six years of experience in event or meeting management, fundraising or development, public, or client relations
Three years of direct supervision experience
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) preferred
Ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and utilize events platforms for event participant registration, reporting, attendee responses, etc
Compliance with Clery Act requirements as a campus security authority member
Ability to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland
Except where specific education or experience is mandated, related experience and formal education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis
Commitment to donor-centered event practices
Ability to work with senior leaders, donors, faculty, and partners with discretion and professionalism

Job Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Six years of experience in event or meeting management, fundraising or development, public, or client relations
Experience managing high-profile, mission-driven special events preferred
Experience in higher education, healthcare, or nonprofit development environments strongly preferred
Three years of direct supervision experience
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) preferred
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Exceptional project management and organizational skills
Proven ability to lead through influence and collaborate across decentralized organizations
Strategic thinker with operational excellence and attention to detail
Commitment to inclusive and donor-centered event practices
Ability to use event platforms for registration, reporting, and attendee management
Ability to work effectively with senior leaders, major and principal donors, faculty, and external partners with professionalism

Job Duties

Serve as the primary leader for all Central Philanthropy events by setting strategic direction and overseeing execution of events including high-profile philanthropic events
Develop and implement a unified, high-impact events strategy that supports donor cultivation, stewardship, prospect engagement, and institutional visibility
Partner closely with the Vice President and leadership of Central Philanthropy to ensure events reinforce organizational priorities, campaign goals, and senior-level initiatives
Liaise with Chief Development Officers and University units to centralize events on behalf of the schools
Serve as the final quality checkpoint for event strategy, logistics, run-of-show, and executional details across the events portfolio
Ensure events are consistently branded, mission-forward, inclusive, and aligned with the philanthropic tone and values of the university
Serve as a key liaison between Central Philanthropy and various University stakeholders ensuring alignment of event goals, messaging, and participation
Translate fundraising strategies and donor objectives into meaningful, engaging event experiences
Act as a trusted partner to frontline fundraisers, ensuring events support relationship-building and next-step strategies
Build strong working relationships with campus partners to ensure clarity, consistency, and shared ownership of event outcomes
Assign projects, manage workflows, establish quality standards, and guide event planning processes across the team
Foster a collaborative, professional environment that emphasizes excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement
Mentor and develop event staff, supporting growth, innovation, and best practices
Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring responsible stewardship of University and donor resources
Negotiate and manage contracts with venues, caterers, production partners, and other vendors
Monitor expenditures, approve invoices, and identify efficiencies while maintaining high standards
Establish and track metrics to assess event effectiveness, donor engagement outcomes, and return on investment
Incorporate feedback, data, and industry best practices to continuously refine event strategy and execution
Perform other related duties as assigned