Director, Advancement Events and Communications

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About Holy Family University

Holy Family University is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth founded in 1954. The University is a private institution in the Catholic tradition with campus locations in Philadelphia and Newtown PA. The main campus is nestled in the heart of a historic residential neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia that is vibrant and just minutes from the excitement of Center City. The Newtown campus is located in Bucks County surrounded by nature and a step away from parks, farmers’ markets and great dining.

One of the best parts of Holy Family University is our welcoming atmosphere--and that's not by chance. Our mission centers on creating an environment that encourages all members to get to know one another, learn from one another, and experience a range of perspectives and worldviews. Our community is strong because of this.

University Benefits

Holy Family University takes pride in offering a range of meaningful and flexible benefits designed to promote the health and wellness of our employees and their dependents. Our comprehensive benefits and resources focus on physical, mental and financial wellness to include medical, prescription, dental and vision. We did not stop there; we also offer our employees the following fringe benefits and more.

  • Commuter Benefits: Transit and park benefits through pre-tax payroll deductions
  • Half-Day Fridays: Enjoy half day Fridays in the summer
  • 403(b) Retirement: Discretionary match up to 5%; vested immediately
  • Time Off: 12 Paid Holidays, Vacation, Personal, Sick Days and a week off for Winter Break
  • Tuition Benefits: Employees or dependents pursuing a first Undergraduate Degree receive 100% tuition remission; employees pursuing a first Master’s or Doctoral degree, receive 100% tuition remission; eligible dependents pursuing a first Master’s or Doctoral degree, receive 50% tuition discount.
  • Alpha House: 50% Discount for Nursery, Pre-K and Kindergarten

Position Summary

The Director of Events and Communications leads the strategy, planning, and execution of advancement events and communications that strengthen alumni and donor engagement and foster a culture of philanthropy at Holy Family University. This senior role blends strategic vision with hands-on execution, ensuring that events and communications are impactful, creative, and aligned with university priorities.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving, the Director serves as a key leader within the Advancement team, collaborating closely with Alumni Engagement, Annual Giving, Donor Relations, and Marketing & Communications. The Director will oversee event strategy, budget management, and creative communications, while providing leadership to student staff and managing external vendors.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual with strong project management skills, experience with all channels of advancement communications, and have a commitment to Catholic higher education and to the mission, goals, and values of Holy Family University.

Direct Reports

Student workers, interns, and event/communications contractors or vendors as needed.

Essential Functions

Event Strategy & Management: Conceptualize, plan, and oversee a portfolio of advancement events (alumni, donor, and signature programs such as TigerFest Homecoming and Reunion) that strengthen alumni and donor relationships. Lead all aspects of event execution, including strategy, budget, vendor relations, communications, and day-of management.

Communications & Marketing: Create and manage alumni-facing communications, including e-newsletters, social media, and digital campaigns. Partner with University Marketing and Communication to ensure advancement communications align with institutional branding and messaging.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement Support: Partner with the Director of Annual Giving for Ready. Set. Roar! Giving Day and other multi-channel campaigns; collaborate with Donor Relations on cultivation and stewardship events.

Budget & Resource Management: Develop and manage budgets for events and communications projects. Negotiate vendor contracts and ensure effective use of resources.

Leadership & Collaboration: Mentor and oversee student workers and interns; provide guidance to volunteers. Build strong partnerships across campus and with external stakeholders.

Assessment & Innovation: Evaluate success of events and communications through surveys, analytics, and engagement metrics. Recommend creative, innovative approaches to enhance alumni and donor participation.

General Expectations

Employees are expected to accomplish assigned duties in an efficient, effective and competent manner and to strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed. Employees must understand the mission and demonstrate the core values of the University. Additionally, demonstrate the ability to work with diverse personalities, and harmoniously with students, faculty and staff, and the public. Employees are expected to follow and abide by all University policies, rules, regulations and guidelines.

Education & Experience Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in event and/or communications management, preferably within higher education advancement, nonprofit fundraising, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated experience with budget management, vendor negotiation, and cross-functional project leadership.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Strong leadership and project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated success in planning and executing high-impact events and communications.
  • Skilled in budget oversight, vendor management, and contract negotiation.
  • Creative thinker with ability to design engaging experiences and communications.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency with technology platforms (social media, email marketing, CRM/advancement software, AI and event management tools).
  • Commitment to Catholic higher education and to the mission, goals, and values of Holy Family University.
  • Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and occasional travel as events require.

Work Environment

  • Operates in an office environment, that may have frequent interruptions. The area is well-lit, temperature controlled and free from hazards. Noise level is generally quiet to moderate. May occasionally work outdoors in preparation for and attendance at university events.

Physical Requirements

Communicates frequently, in person, over the phone, or via a computer. Hearing is needed for extensive telephone and in person communication. Regularly required to sit for long periods of time; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms. Manual dexterity is needed in order to operate a computer keyboard. Operates standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

In addition:

  • Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
  • Occasional prolonged and irregular hours will be necessary.

Certification/Licensure

  • Valid driver’s license required

Other important information

  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends as events require.
  • Local and regional travel required. Valid driver’s license and automobile required
  • Should teleworking become necessary, employee must be willing and able to perform all parts of this job description while working from home, on campus or a combination, and be proficient or willing to become proficient in the technology needed to work remotely.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Holy Family University seeks to foster a welcoming and a healthy educational and work environment based on respect, the dignity of each person and the oneness of the human family. Holy Family University is dedicated to ensuring an environment free of discrimination or harassment of any kind, and promotes equal opportunity in its employment and education.

For more details on our commitment to nondiscrimination click HERE

We invite qualified applicants to view our open positions and apply directly at our career center by submitting a cover letter and resume.