Alumni Relations, Analysis Skills, Athletics, Background Investigation, Best Practices, Budget Management, Business Growth, Communication Skills, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Customer Support/Service, Donor Relations, Driver's License, Educational Administration, Event Management, Executive Assistant Skills , Fundraising, Fundraising Campaign, Higher Education, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Legal, Marketing, Microsoft Access Database, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Multitasking, Nonprofit, Operational Strategy, Organizational Skills, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Project/Program Management, Public Affairs, Public/Media/Press/Analyst Relations, Stewardship, Strategic Planning, Systems Analysis, Time Management, University/School Policies, Vendor/Supplier Management, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills
Posting Details
Posting Details
Business Title Senior Director, Events and Engagement Posting Category Administrative and Professional Salary Grade 09 Salary Plan Professional Non Bargaining Hiring Range /Pay Rate Department University Advancement, VP Department Description Position Location Main Campus FTE 1.0 Job Summary
Strategic leadership position responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating high-impact events and engagement initiatives that support fundraising, alumni relations, donor stewardship, presidential priorities, and community engagement goals. Develops and implements a comprehensive events and engagement strategy designed to enhance institutional visibility and strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, community partners, and key stakeholders. Works collaboratively across University Advancement, the Office of the President, academic colleges, athletics, and external constituents to coordinate signature Cleveland State University (CSU) events and experiences that advance CSUs mission and strategic priorities. Serves as a strategic advisor and project lead for major CSU and presidential events, ensuring excellence in planning, execution, and constituent experience. Develops innovative engagement opportunities that foster philanthropic support and deepen stakeholder connections to CSU. Performs other functionally related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelors degree preferably in communications, hospitality management, public relations, marketing, nonprofit management, higher education administration, or related field.
- Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in event management, advancement, alumni relations, public affairs, or related field.
- Experience planning and executing complex, high-profile events for senior leaders and external stakeholders.
- Experience managing budgets, vendors, and multiple concurrent projects.
- Leadership experience.
- Valid drivers license and ability to establish and maintain driver eligibility under CSU Driving and Motor Vehicle Policy.
- Ability to travel (10% estimated); availability for evening/weekend events.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in higher education, nonprofit fundraising, or campaign environments.
- Knowledge of donor engagement strategies and advancement best practices.
- Experience supporting executive leadership and coordinating presidential- or executive-level events.
- Proficiency with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms, event management systems, and event analytics tools.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
- Knowledge of planned giving, major gift fundraising, and alumni engagement strategies.
- Skills in direct fundraising, managing campaigns, communications, and collaborating with volunteers.
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational communication skills.
- Exceptional judgment, insight, and discernment skills.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to analyze organizational challenges, develop strategic plans lead change initiatives, and manage innovation.
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects priorities simultaneously in deadline-driven environments..
- Ability to thrive in a deadline-oriented workplace and an evolving customer service-oriented environment.
- Ability to provide strategic operational leadership that drives business growth and fosters large-scale partnerships and collaborations.
- Commitment to innovation and progressive growth,.
- Executive-level vision and leadership capabilities, including articulating organizational goals, developing strategic direction, and aligning teams to achieve shared objectives.
- Strong institutional perspective with exceptional critical thinking, writing, and relationship-building abilities.
- Must have exceptional insight and discernment skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint.
Requisition Number PT0703852S Date grant, position, or appointment expires (For Funds Available, Temporary, and Waiver of Posting Special Instructions to Applicants Applicant Instructions
Offer of employment is contingent on satisfactory completion of the Universitys verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or University policies or practices, including but not limited to a criminal background check.
Applications will be exclusively accepted online at http://www.csuohio.edu/offices/hrd/employment.html. Mailed or emailed application materials will not be accepted.
Hours per week 40 Work Schedule
Typically, Monday Friday, 8:00 AM 5:00 PM. Availability for evening/weekend events.
Advertising Copy Full Time/Part Time Full Time Posted Date 05/19/2026 Close Date/Application Deadline Open Until Filled Yes Review Begins 05/27/2026 Tentative Start Date
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
(Open Ended Question)
- Do you require any type of accommodation, should you be invited to campus for further screening? Please contact CSU at (216) 687-3636 if you need accommodation.
Yes
No
- Are you able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation?
Yes
No
- Do you have a Bachelor's degree?
Yes
No
No Response
- Do you have four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in event management, advancement, alumni relations, public affairs, or related field?
Yes
No
- Do you have experience planning and executing complex, high-profile events for senior leaders and external stakeholders?
Yes
No
- Do you have experience managing budgets, vendors, and multiple concurrent projects?
Yes
No
- Do you have leadership experience?
Yes
No
- Do you have a valid driver's license and establish driver eligibility under the University's Driving and Motor Vehicle Policy?
Yes
No
- Do you have the ability to travel off-campus and work a flexible schedule?
Yes
No
No Response
Application Documents
Required Documents
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application