Events Manager

Department: Advancement and Alumni Relations

Classification: Public Relations & Mktg Spec 3

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 03

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations division is a comprehensive development and alumni relations enterprise with a staff complement of approximately 135 FTE. Functional units within Advancement include development/fundraising, alumni relations, stewardship and donor relations, advancement communications, special events, gift processing, research, prospect management, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations, information systems and management, and infrastructure services.

Advancement's mission is to build strong, lifelong relationships with George Mason University's alumni and constituents, while matching their philanthropic interests with the university aspirations and priorities. The division is committed to serving the needs of the university, our alumni, and the greater community by providing access to quality education and lifelong learning. Respect, service, integrity, collaboration, diversity, transparency, and creativity are the values that guide our work and culture.

About the Position:

The Event Manager serves as the primary operational lead for George Mason University's advancement events portfolio, reporting to the Director of Advancement Events. This position is responsible for hands-on planning, coordination, and flawless execution of donor and alumni engagement events that support the university's philanthropic goals. Working closely with the Director to implement strategic vision, the Event Manager manages all logistical aspects of events including vendor relationships, timeline management, budget tracking, and on-site coordination. This role requires exceptional project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple complex events simultaneously while maintaining the highest standards of quality. The Event Manager serves as the day-to-day liaison with campus partners, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure each event delivers an exceptional experience that strengthens relationships with Mason's philanthropic community.

Responsibilities:

Designs, Develops, and Executes Events:

• In collaboration with central and unit colleagues, design, develop, and execute events ranging from small donor and student meetings to large multi-day programs. Such events include, but are not limited to:
  • Recognition Society Events
  • National Leadership Council Events
  • Scholarship Donor Recognition Events
  • Faculty/Staff Donor Recognition Events
  • Volunteer Leadership Events
  • Ground Breakings
  • Naming Ceremonies - Individual Donor Recognition Events
  • Campaign Events
• Collaborates with Advancement Communications colleagues and other relevant Advancement staff to design and produce invitations and communication plans for events;
• Executes the strategic vision set by the Director of Advancement Events through detailed planning and flawless implementation of all assigned events;
• Develops comprehensive event project plans including timelines, task lists, vendor requirements, and logistics documentation for Director approval;
• Manages day-to-day vendor relationships, including soliciting bids, negotiating contracts within approved parameters, and ensuring service delivery meets quality standards;
• Creates and monitors detailed event budgets, tracking all expenses and providing regular updates to the Director on budget status and any variance concerns;
• Coordinates all logistical elements including venue selection, catering, audio/visual, transportation, accommodations, and event materials production;
• Serves as primary on-site event lead, managing vendor teams, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring seamless execution of all event elements;
• Maintains comprehensive event documentation including contracts, insurance certificates, permits, and post-event reconciliation reports; and
• Collaborates with campus partners to secure venues, coordinate security, arrange parking, and ensure compliance with university policies.

Events Metrics and Reporting:

• Prepares post-event reports analyzing attendance, budget performance, and stakeholder feedback for Director review and strategic planning;
• Implements continuous improvement initiatives based on Director guidance and lessons learned from each event;
• Collects and compiles comprehensive event data including attendance figures, demographic breakdowns, engagement touchpoints, and participant feedback for Director analysis;
• Ensures all event activities are recorded in PatriotForce (Affinaquest);
• Maintains accurate event tracking systems in Salesforce CRM, ensuring all attendee information, interactions, and follow-up actions are properly documented;
• Conducts post-event surveys with attendees, gathering quantitative and qualitative feedback on event experience, content value, and engagement effectiveness;
• Documents and reports event issues in real-time, escalating significant concerns to the Director for strategic resolution; and
• Creates visual event summaries including photo documentation and highlight reels for use in donor stewardship and future event promotion.

Other duties as assigned within the scope of the role. 

Required Qualifications:

• Considerable (generally three to five years) end to end event planning experience;
• Experience working with vendors;
• Experience working with data and spreadsheets for mass mailings, communications, reporting, and data review;
• Strong knowledge of event planning;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Skill in strategic thinking and translating vision into actionable plans;
• Skill in building collaborative relationships across organizational boundaries;
• Skill in conflict resolution and diplomatic problem-solving;
• Skill in event reporting;
• Ability to manage multiple events;
• Ability to work effectively with C-suite executives, board members, and major donors;
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and tight deadlines;
• Ability to think creatively while maintaining fiscal responsibility;
• Ability to influence without direct authority and build consensus among diverse stakeholders; and
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive donor information.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field;
• Experience with Salesforce, or similar;
• Experience with MicroStrategy, or similar;
• Experience with Anthology, or similar;
• Some experience (generally one to two years) event planning for higher education fundraising; and
• Knowledge of event planning in higher education fundraising.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Events Manager at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, including your current supervisor, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.

Posting Open Date:  December 19, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  January 5, 2026

Open Until Filled:  Yes