The posting
Job Description
Job Purpose
The position is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of advancement and presidential special events designed to cultivate, engage, recognize, and steward donors, alumni, and other University constituents. Working closely with the President’s Office and Advancement team, the position manages event logistics, communications, vendors, volunteers, and follow-up activities to ensure events are executed professionally, effectively, on time, and within budget.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Directs end-to-end planning and implementation of advancement and presidential special events focused on donor and constituent cultivation, engagement, recognition, and stewardship, including event logistics, production needs, timelines, and program materials.
• Coordinates event communications, publicity, invitation and mailing lists, and electronic marketing in collaboration with the Office of the President, Advancement, and Marketing and Communications.
• Collaborates with Advancement colleagues to identify, cultivate, secure, and steward event sponsorships, including coordination of sponsor benefits and recognition.
• Coordinates vendors, contracts, and event expenditures, ensuring services and costs align with established budgets, timelines, and University requirements.
• Recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers, graduate interns, and work-study students involved in event preparation and execution.
• Manages events on site, coordinating vendors, staff, and logistics, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring a high-quality guest experience.
• Oversees post-event activities, including vendor settlement, donor and constituent follow-up, return of rented or borrowed materials, and event-site restoration; evaluates outcomes to strengthen future events and engagement strategies.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism, discretion, responsiveness, and attention to detail when representing the Office of the President, Advancement, and the University.
• Works evenings and weekends as required to support University events and activities and performs
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree preferred
Skills:
Strong organizational, project management, and written and verbal communication skills; ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and event details in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment; strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally with donors, senior leaders, vendors, and other internal and external constituents; demonstrated attention to detail, sound judgment, discretion, and problem-solving ability; ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Experience:
Experience in event management, advancement, fundraising, donor relations, or a related field, preferably in higher education or a similarly complex organization. Experience coordinating vendors, event logistics, communications, and budgets. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace and demonstrated ability to work with relational databases, email marketing platforms, and other event or constituent-management systems. Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technology and software platforms.
Salary: Mid-$40,000s, commensurate with qualifications and experience
About Us
About Batten University
Batten University (batten.edu) is Coastal Virginia's premier university of the liberal arts and sciences. Situated on a 300-acre park-like campus in Virginia Beach, Batten University annually enrolls more than 5,000 learners in all programs in all locations, including nearly 1,700 students in undergraduate, graduate and online programs. Students thrive in average class sizes of 12, and nearly 90 percent of new graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of graduation. Through its Environmental Guiding Principles, the University incorporates a commitment to sustainability in every aspect of campus life. Batten University is an inclusive community dedicated to scholarship and service grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, inspiring students to build meaningful lives through engagement in Coastal Virginia's dynamic metropolitan region, the nation and the world.
Location
Batten University has often been defined by its desirable and unique location in Coastal Virginia. Located in Virginia Beach, the University is just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay on a beautiful 300-acre park-like campus. The area is home to a host of business, governmental, and cultural institutions, as well as rich historical and natural resources. Nestled in the heart of one of Virginia’s largest metropolitan areas, Batten University is physically insulated from the bustle of the city traffic, and yet the vast resources of its surrounding urban area are easily accessible. Our region is proud of its vibrant city life, sandy beaches, and rich history. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com/explore.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Batten University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered on the basis of skills, experience, and qualifications without regard to race, religion, color, creed, gender, national and ethnic origin, age, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, the presence of non-job-related medical disability, or any other legally protected status.
