University Advancement Event & Stewardship Coordinator

Central Washington University is recruiting an Event & Stewardship Coordinator to join our University Advancement team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a salary, depending on experience, from $40,716 - $54,204 annually plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~10,000 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for the seventh time in eight years, CWU is a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave.

The Role:

Central Washington University's Advancement department is in search of an Event & Stewardship Coordinator, based on the Ellensburg Campus. This position is responsible for the planning and coordination of internal department events focused on stewardship, donor relations, and cultivation. This includes direct efforts to enhance the overall event experience for CWU donors, alumni, and friends recognizing the impact of their support. The incumbent will manage the administration of the donor gift acknowledgement process and lead efforts in maintaining scholarship records. The Event & Stewardship Coordinator will collaborate with the engagement team, development officers, advancement leadership and partners across the university. The successful candidate will ensure that all event and stewardship efforts align with the university's objectives while providing a seamless and engaging experience for all participants. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be an integral part of an educational environment, contributing to the growth and development of students and the wider community. University Advancement Employees directly affect the vision, mission, and values of Central Washington University by creating and promoting a welcoming environment where students, faculty, and staff feel supported. All employees are expected to support CWU's commitment to diversity and to bring and support inclusion into the university environment.

Event Planning:
- Plan, organize, and execute a variety of events, including donor appreciation events, alumni events.
- Collaborate with team, faculty, and staff to identify event needs, objectives and alignment with university goals and values.
- Develop event timelines and schedules.
- Manage event logistics, including venue selection, catering, travel arrangements, and technical support.
- Develop and monitor event budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to financial guidelines.
- Manage event marketing campaigns through various channels.
- Coordinate on-site event operations, including registration, setup, and breakdown, while ensuring a positive attendee experience.
- Evaluate event effectiveness through feedback collection and analysis, recommending improvements for future events.
- Track attendance and maintain updated records.

Donor Stewardship and Scholarship Support:
- Manage administration of gift acknowledgement processes.
- Maintain templates for acknowledgment letters, ensuring consistency in tone, format, and content while reflecting the university values.
- Collaborate with staff members to ensure that donor acknowledgment aligns with the overall donor stewardship strategy.
- Lead efforts in maintaining scholarship records, working closely with supervisor, financial team, and financial aid.
- Monitor scholarship funds, ensuring proper allocation and spending in accordance with donor guidelines and university policies.
- Update scholarship criteria and monitor accuracy for current use.
- Maintain high level of confidentiality and respect for donor privacy at all times, ensuring that sensitive information is handled securely and ethically.

- Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Communications or related field, or any combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
• One-year proven experience in event planning or coordination.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with a diverse audience.
• Strong organizational skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
• Time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Experience managing budgets and resources.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required by event schedules.
• Demonstrated willingness and/or experience working with students and/or co-workers from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and experiences.
• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within higher education or a non-profit organization.
• Experience with customer relationship management software.
• Understanding of fundraising and donor cultivation processes in higher education.
• Experience managing budgets and resources.
• Proficient in using event management software and tools.
• Life experiences that demonstrate an ability to contribute to CWU's commitment to inclusion and diversity.
• Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students through various activities.

Competencies

• Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines and work schedules.
• Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
• Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
• Commitment to Diversity: Recognizes the value of diversity and helps create environment that supports and embraces diversity.

Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. This may be the job for you!

Salary: This position is based on the range 39 of the Washington State Classification Listing, which has a minimum annual salary of $40,716 and maximum annual salary of $54,204. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Schedule/Appointment: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (1-hr lunch) with some evenings and weekends

Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily in an indoor office setting with frequent in-person interactions. It is essential to be able to remain at a desk/computer workstation for prolonged periods of time, perform data entry and other computer-related tasks and create/maintain filing systems for departmental records. Some outdoor work may be required for events, must be able to stand/bend/walk and carry or lift up to 20 lbs. Some evening or weekend work and/or occasional travel may be required.

Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave.

An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program.