Assistant Director of Events & Engagement in Boston, Massachusetts at Suffolk University

Location: Boston, MA | Boston, MA
Position Type: Full time | Full time

The Assistant Director of Events & Engagement manages the planning and execution of events, translating strategic priorities into high-quality programs and student experiences. Working in close collaboration with college leadership, the role supports the implementation of communications and content initiatives, supervises student leadership programs, and ensures effective coordination of event logistics and engagement efforts. The Assistant Director exercises independent judgment in managing operations, contributing ideas to enhance programming, and supporting initiatives that strengthen community, visibility, and the overall student experience.

Primary Responsibilities:

Program & Event Strategy and Execution

• In partnership with the Director of Operations & Engagement, manage the planning, coordination, and execution of events, including faculty recognition, retreats, research symposia, commencement celebrations, and student-focused programming.
• Translate strategic priorities and program goals into detailed event plans, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring high-quality execution.
• Serve as the primary point of coordination for event logistics, proactively managing details, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring seamless implementation.
• Exercise independent judgment in managing event operations and recommending improvements.
• Contribute ideas and recommendations to enhance existing programs and develop new initiatives aligned with engagement goals.
• Support admissions, onboarding, and orientation initiatives through planning, logistics, and implementation of student engagement experiences.
• Support budget tracking and management for events and programs, including monitoring expenses, maintaining records, and ensuring alignment with fiscal goals.
• Coordinate and execute ad hoc and emerging events as needed.

Content Strategy & Communications

• In collaboration with the Director of Operations & Engagement, support the development and execution of communications and content strategies for the college and related programs.
• Create, manage, and maintain digital and print content, including websites, newsletters, event materials, and promotional assets, with appropriate review from senior leadership.
• Coordinate and implement social media content, contributing ideas and recommendations to enhance engagement, voice, and reach.
• Manage communication channels, ensuring timely, accurate, and effective dissemination of information.
• Identify and develop content highlighting faculty, student, and alumni achievements, in collaboration with college leadership.
• Produce internal and external communications, including newsletters and program updates, ensuring alignment with institutional messaging and priorities.

Student Leadership & Supervision

• Lead student leadership programs, including ambassadors and student organizations, in coordination with the Director of Operations & Engagement.
• Oversee the CAS Ambassador Program, including recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, and ongoing program assessment.
• Advise and support other student groups as needed, including leadership development, event planning, and organizational effectiveness.
• Foster a positive student leadership experience by providing mentorship, clear expectations, and opportunities for skill development.

Operations & Administrative Coordination

• Monitor and manage shared email accounts, ensuring timely responses, appropriate triage, and escalation as needed.
• Help maintain departmental and college listservs to support effective internal communication.
• Support the functionality and upkeep of college and program spaces.
• Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support departmental and college priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• At least 3+ years of relevant professional or administrative experience, preferably in higher education or a related field
• Demonstrated experience coordinating events, programs, or projects from planning through execution
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across teams and organizational levels
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing or editing content for a variety of audiences
• Experience handling sensitive or confidential information with discretion
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn new technologies quickly
• Must be able to occasionally work evenings and weekends as needed for events

The salary range for this role is $60,000-$67,000.Salary Transparency

Suffolk University provides salary ranges as a good faith estimate of what it reasonably expects to pay for a role at the time the position is posted. The actual salary offered to the selected candidate will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to, the position’s scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s experience, education, training, and applicable legal requirements. The listed pay range reflects base salary only and does not include additional benefits or compensation.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Suffolk University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The University strives to recruit, develop and retain faculty and staff committed to educational excellence, the robust exchange of ideas, and engage in membership in a diverse and inclusive community.