Alumni Events Director

Alumni Events Director

The USC Alumni Association seeks an Alumni Events Director who is a creative strategist, collaborative partner, and experienced event leader to oversee signature programs that engage the Trojan Family worldwide. Reporting to the Executive Director of Alumni Experience, this role manages a diverse portfolio of high-profile events, including Alumni Awards, Homecoming, Football Weekenders, and the Volunteer Recognition Dinner, while also providing event expertise and support across the Alumni Association.

The Director supervises a team of three staff members and partners closely with university leaders, alumni volunteers, and vendors to deliver events that deepen alumni engagement and strengthen a culture of philanthropy at USC. The role requires proven experience managing large-scale events, strong budget oversight skills, and the ability to lead with creativity, diplomacy, and operational excellence.

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 frequent 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 (40%)

• Lead the planning and execution of USC's alumni event portfolio, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and alumni engagement goals.
• Innovate event formats with hybrid, digital, and sustainable practices to reach diverse alumni audiences globally.
• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility while identifying opportunities for sponsorship, partnerships, and cost-saving strategies.
• Track impact through alumni feedback, data, and CRM integration to measure ROI and inform future planning.

Team Leadership (20%)

Event Logistics & Experience Design (20%)

Stakeholder & Vendor Engagement (10%)

Market Research & Innovation (10%)

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words, and actions, a strong commitment to USCs Unifying Values of 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 range for this position is $100,000 $120,000. 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 candidates 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 USCs comprehensive benefits.