Associate Director

The Office of the Chancellor at Rutgers University–Newark (RU-N) leads the strategic direction, operations, and public presence of one of the nation’s most diverse public research universities. RU-N is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution ( HSI ), Minority-Serving Institution ( MSI ), and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution ( AANAPISI ), and serves as an anchor institution deeply connected to the city of Newark. Within the Office of the Chancellor, the Office of Strategy and Operations advances the Chancellor’s priorities through institutional planning, cross-campus coordination, and signature events that bring together students, faculty, alumni, donors, elected officials, and community partners. We seek collaborative, mission-driven professionals who want their work to have visible impact on campus and in the community.

Rutgers University–Newark (RU-N), an urban public research university and anchor institution located in Newark, New Jersey, is seeking an Associate Director of University Events. Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff and Vice Chancellor for Strategy and Operations in the Office of the Chancellor, the Associate Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing high-visibility institutional events and ceremonies that advance the Chancellor’s strategic priorities and executive agenda.

This is not solely a logistical role. The Associate Director must be highly strategic, capable of handling last-minute VIP requests, politically sensitive engagements, donor considerations, and media coordination. The position works cross-functionally across the institution to design, implement, and formally evaluate events for continuous improvement. Core events include Homecoming, Commencement, and Convocation, as well as the full range of Chancellor-sponsored programs and engagements described below.

The Associate Director works closely with academic schools, Student Affairs, Facilities, Public Safety ( RUPD ), Marketing and Communications, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs ( ORSP ), the Rutgers University Foundation, and external partners to coordinate all logistical and strategic components of high-visibility events. Sound budget management, relationship stewardship, and adherence to reasonable timelines are essential expectations of this role.

This position requires a flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends during peak event periods. This position does not carry direct supervisory authority over regular employees.

This position is responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Homecoming (in partnership with the Rutgers University Foundation)

• Commencement

• Convocation

• Chancellor’s Speaker Series

• Leadership retreats

• Ribbon cuttings

• VIP events hosted by the Chancellor

• Provost’s Office — Faculty awards events and faculty socials

• Athletics awards events

• Chancellor’s Signature Events such as the Chancellor’s STAR Night (in partnership with the Rutgers University Foundation)

• Research summits and symposia (through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs))

• Press conferences in partnership with the VC for Marketing and Communications, with the exception of emergency operations

• Hosted events for elected officials or donors

• Board events (working with Central for Board of Trustees and Board of Governors) and Advisory Board meetings

Bachelor’s degree required in Event Management, Communications, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.

Minimum 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in event planning and management, preferably in higher education, nonprofit, or corporate environments.

Microsoft Office Suite (required); event management and registration software (e.g., Cvent, Eventbrite, or equivalent); space reservation and scheduling systems (e.g., EMS or equivalent); audiovisual and production coordination tools; social media platforms; procurement and contract management systems consistent with Rutgers University policy.

This is a hands-on position requiring evening and weekend work during peak event periods.

The Associate Director must be able to lift and move boxes and event materials up to 50 lbs. Travel to off-site venues and other campuses is required as needed.

A flexible work schedule is essential.

The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.