Associate Director of Donor Engagement and Events Lead, Finance Research Centers, Wharton School

About the position

The Associate Director of Donor Engagement and Events Lead is responsible for oversight, coordination, and execution of events, meetings, and conferences for Finance at Wharton. This position works with departmental and school leadership to support the strategic priorities of Finance at Wharton and ensure consistent branding of events, building relationships across Wharton and Penn. This person also serves as a key point of contact for external constituents, including donors, alumni, industry partners, and high-profile guest speakers. The Associate Director reports to the Managing Director of Finance Research Centers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning and execution of key institutional events for Wharton’s finance research centers, including conferences, industry programming, guest lectures, and other externally facing events.
• Work with center faculty directors and department leadership on program development.
• Manage all event logistics with the aid of event management software for planning and review purposes.
• Manage event budgets and ensure tracking of all key performance-related metrics for events.
• Support donor cultivation and stewardship across the finance research centers.
• Motivate and direct key partners involved in event planning and execution, including team members, other departments, faculty stakeholders, external participants, student and temporary workers, vendors, and volunteers.
• Coordinate the involvement of school leaders and high-profile guests in events.
• Manage school approval for speakers and speaker media releases.
• Oversee arrangements related to security or protocol for high-profile guests.
• Manage the planning and execution of center advisory board meetings, including the scheduling of meetings, creation of materials, and communications with board members.
• Collaborate with communications and marketing team members on event promotions and branding.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Arts and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in leading the planning of complex events and managing event budgets.
• Strong organizational and project management skills and a willingness to work collaboratively across teams and departments.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with fellow staff members, school leadership, alumni, donors, and other high-profile stakeholders.
• The ability to manage multiple responsibilities, work to deadlines, and exercise independent judgment and discretion.
• Experience with event management software.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
• Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children.
• Generous retirement plans including Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans.
• Substantial time away from work for personal needs.
• Long-term care insurance for faculty and staff.
• Wellness and work-life resources.
• Professional and personal development resources.
• Access to University resources and cultural activities.
• Discounts and special services for faculty and staff.
• Flexible work options.
• Forgivable loan for home buying or improvements in West Philadelphia.
• Adoption assistance for qualified expenses.