Associate Director, Alumni Events

The USC Alumni Association seeks an Associate Director of Alumni Events who is a collaborative partner, creative problem-solver, and experienced event professional to support the execution of signature programs that engage the Trojan Family worldwide. Reporting to the Alumni Events Director, this role plays a key leadership role in delivering a diverse portfolio of high-impact events, including Trojan Huddles, Alumni Weekend, and Spring Week.

The Associate Director will oversee event planning and logistics, contribute to strategic event design, and manage key relationships with campus partners, alumni volunteers, and vendors. This role may supervise student workers and is expected to model strong project management, communication, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate brings experience executing complex events, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

This is a hybrid-fixed position under our current work arrangement plan, with the expectation of an on-site presence for 3 days/week on the University Park Campus. Late nights, weekends, and occasional out-of-town travel are required for this position.

University Advancement is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all, where all advancement staff and our stakeholders have the opportunity to connect, belong, and grow while supporting the University of Southern California's mission, values, and goals.

Responsibilities

Event Planning & Management (45%)

• Lead the planning and execution of assigned alumni events, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and alumni engagement goals.

• Manage event timelines, run-of-show, and logistics to deliver seamless, high-quality experiences.

• Partner with internal teams and external vendors to execute event components, including venue, catering, production, and guest experience.

• Support innovation in event formats, including hybrid and digital components, to engage diverse alumni audiences.

• Track event outcomes, attendee feedback, and engagement data to inform continuous improvement.

Project Management and Operations (15%)

• Develop and manage event budgets in collaboration with leadership, ensuring fiscal responsibility.

• Oversee project plans, workflows, and timelines across multiple concurrent events.

• Ensure compliance with university policies, accessibility standards, and risk management protocols.

• Maintain accurate records in CRM and event management systems.

Event Logistics & Experience Design (20%)

• Lead logistical planning for assigned events, including timelines, run-of-show, accessibility, and safety protocols, while supporting the Events Director on complex, large-scale programs.

• Partner with campus departments and external vendors to deliver high-quality, seamless event experiences.

• Integrate technology, design, and engagement strategies that elevate the attendee experience.

• Ensure compliance with university policies, ADA requirements, and industry best practices for risk management and safety.

Stakeholder & Vendor Engagement (10%)

• Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned events and a supporting liaison to university leadership, alumni boards, donors, and external partners on larger programs.

• Support vendor sourcing, contract coordination, and relationship management to ensure quality and value.

• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to align events with broader engagement and fundraising strategies.

Market Research & Innovation (10%)

• Monitor trends in event management, alumni engagement, and the Los Angeles market to inform event planning.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of new engagement strategies, including interactive formats and digital platforms.

• Support revenue-generating events and identify opportunities for growth and improved sustainability.

• Provide data-informed insights and recommendations to enhance event strategy and alumni experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.

• Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

• Minimum of 3-5 years of event planning experience.

• Experience supporting or executing large-scale, complex events.

• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform well under pressure.

• Familiarity with event-related software, CRM, and communications tools.

• Availability for evenings, weekends, and travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with university or alumni events.

• Experience working with volunteers or advisory boards.

• Knowledge of the Los Angeles event landscape.

• Experience managing budgets and vendor relationships.

• Familiarity with strategic planning and translating goals into execution.

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment toUSC's Unifying Valuesof integrity, excellence, community, well-being, open communication, and accountability.

Required Documents

Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.

Compensation and Benefits

The budgeted salary for this position is up to $80,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

To support faculty and staff well-being, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents' health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USC's comprehensive benefitshere.