Director of Student Events - Seattle Promise

Opportunity Description

Seattle Colleges District is looking to hire a Director of Student Events in Seattle Promise.

Salary Range for this position is $79,467 to $109,739 annually (depending on experience). The anticipated starting salary for this position is $90,000 annually.

Opportunity is open until filled, first review of materials will begin July 1st, 2026.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Sr. Director of Student Success for Seattle Promise, the Director of Student Events provides strategic, operational, and programmatic leadership for student-facing events and orientation experiences that advance Seattle Colleges and Seattle Promises mission and strategic objectives. This position exercises discretion and independent judgment in the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of high-impact events that collectively serve 2,000 - 4,000 students annually across multiple campuses and community sites throughout Seattle.

The Director leads the design and delivery of a comprehensive portfolio of programs across the colleges and city, including:

Discover Seattle Colleges

Explore Seattle Colleges events

Seattle Promise Readiness Academy events

Campus Connect Orientation

Seattle Promise Graduate Reception

These events shape the institution and programs visibility, reputation, and student pipeline by engaging thousands of prospective and current students, families, educators, and community partners each year. The role requires strong collaboration with district and college leadership, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to ensure cohesive, student-centered experiences aligned with institutional priorities.

As a visible member of the Seattle Promise team, the Director builds and sustains relationships with internal and external partners, including campus stakeholders, K-12 partners, community-based organizations, business leaders, public officials, and volunteers. The position also supports additional events and initiatives as assigned.

This position may supervise interns and student workers as necessary to support program needs.

Seattle Promise and this position are funded by the City of Seattles Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy (FEPP) which has the goal of transforming the lives of Seattles children, youth, and families by leading with race and social justice by providing Seattle residents access to educational opportunities from preschool through post-secondary. The FEPP Levy is currently funded through June 30, 2032.

About Us

We are a district of three distinct colleges: North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College and five specialty training centers. Which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington, we are leaders in change and innovation.

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will gain access to a great benefits package including:

• Competitive Pay Rates
• Promotional Opportunities
• Great Medical, Dental, and Retirement plans
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• Transportation benefits
• Tuition Waivers
• PEBB Wellness Plan
• Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice, including committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

Application Procedures:

• Attached current Resume
• Attached cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online

Notice to Applicants:

Please note that Seattle Colleges has moved to holding interviews virtually using video conference options such as Zoom or Teams. As such, if you are selected for an interview, please be prepared to hold your interview virtually.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a regular basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Seattle Colleges is unable to extend post-completion optional practical training (OPT) to F-1 students who receive STEM degrees.

What you will be working on:

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the strategic development, expansion, and assessment of Seattle Promise student event and orientation programming aligned with program enrollment, access, and student success goals.
• Design innovative, equity-centered event experiences that support college awareness, onboarding, persistence, and completion for diverse student populations, building off a well-informed foundation of evidence and experience within the program.
• Partner with district and college leadership to align events with Seattle Colleges strategic plan and Seattle Promise priorities.
• Utilize data and participant feedback to evaluate program effectiveness and inform continuous improvement.
• Represent Seattle Promise in cross-functional planning efforts related to outreach, recruitment, onboarding, and student engagement.

Operational Leadership

• Direct the planning, coordination, and execution of large-scale, multi-site and multi-mode events serving 2,000 - 4,000 prospective and current Seattle Promise students annually.
• Develop and manage comprehensive event timelines, logistics plans, run-of-show documents, and risk management protocols.
• Coordinate event registration systems, communications, and participant tracking processes in collaborating with the Seattle Promise Communications, Outreach, and Student Success teams.
• Ensure accessibility, inclusivity, and high-quality customer service across all events and programs.
• Oversee vendor relationships, facility scheduling, transportation logistics, and technology needs.
• Partner closely with the Seattle Promise Communication, Outreach, and Student Success teams to promote events and maintain consistent branding.

People Leadership

• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate interns, student staff, temporary staff, and event volunteers.
• Foster a collaborative team environment that centers equity, inclusion, and student success.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, and community partners.
• Serve as a key point of contact for stakeholders involved in event planning and execution.
• Mentor student leaders and ambassadors who support event delivery and peer engagement.

Financial Leadership

• Develop, manage, and monitor event budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with program goals and resources.
• Identify cost-effective strategies while maintaining high-quality program delivery.
• Track expenditures, reconcile budgets, and prepare financial reports as needed.
• Explore opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and resource leveraging to support program sustainability.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Support additional Seattle Promise and Seattle Colleges events, initiatives, and special projects.
• Participate in division, district, and college committees and workgroups.
• Contribute to broader student success and enrollment initiatives.
• Perform other duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position as needed

This description is not intended to cover every aspect of this job, we are a team that works together to meet the needs of those we serve, and every member of the team is expected to contribute, even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this posting.

What you bring as a candidate: (Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)

• Bachelors degree in higher education administration, student affairs, communications, public administration, or a related field.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in event management, student programming, orientation, or related areas in education or nonprofit settings.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing large-scale events or programs involving diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds, including historically underserved populations.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and build partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with event management tools, registration systems, and standard office software.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by event schedules.
• Supervisory or team leadership experience, including student staff or volunteers.
• Must hold valid drivers license, the ability to drive vehicles within city limits, and reliable automotive transportation.
• Familiarity and proficiency with various technologies, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, student database systems and student success technologies.

Physical Demands and Disability Accommodation

Persons with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with Seattle Colleges. This includes, but is not limited to, recruitment, application, interviewing, hiring, training, termination, conditions of employment, and any other employer-supported activities. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources.

OFFICE SETTING:

Seattle Colleges follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants:

• Ability to operate office equipment, receive and interpret data, and prepare various materials
• Ability to exchange information with supervisor, lead, co-workers, and students
• Ability to provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, and work at a computer exercising repetitive hand motion
• Work is performed primarily in office settings with frequent interruptions and encounters noises typical of these settings

Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement

Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, hair texture or protective hairstyles, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of "bullying" behaviors, including "cyber bullying."

Students, employees, and applicants at Seattle Colleges can reach the Title IX Coordinator or ADA/Section 504 Coordinator for questions about discrimination, harassment or grievance procedures.

Background Check Statement

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position. In addition to the background check, candidates will complete Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form WA HB 2327 as required.