Standard University business hours

8:30am - 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am - 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

The Associate Director is a pivotal strategic partner within the Special Events team, shaping/executing high-impact events that advance the universitys mission and enhance its reputation. This role collaborates to lead event strategy, oversee operational planning and drive cross-functional collaboration to deliver exceptional experiences for diverse audiences.
Reporting to the Director, this role assumes ownership of signature initiatives spanning the full event lifecycle, from conceptualization and strategic planning to execution and evaluation. It requires proven project management capabilities, coordination of cross-departmental partnerships, expertise in event marketing/communications/logistics/stakeholder relationships, strategic problem-solving under pressure and management of concurrent initiatives while maintaining the highest quality/professionalism.

The role manages awards ceremonies, commencement-related activities, alumni programming and major institutional events. With significant autonomy, the role ensures events align with institutional goals and priorities and create meaningful engagement. It is essential to advancing the schools visibility, supporting strategic objectives, and delivering memorable experiences that reinforce the universitys reputation.

This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the Universitys 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.