Assistant Director for Presidential Events

This position is housed in the Office of Events & Programming at Davidson College and reports to the Associate Director for Presidential Events. Alongside the Associate Director, the Assistant Director for Presidential Events at the President’s House ensures that guests experience a high-level of hospitality. This team manages a unique blend of event coordination and residential stewardship responsibilities, including all details for a wide range of events at the President’s House, campus events hosted by the President’s Office, all faculty meetings, and meetings and retreats for the Board of Trustees. This position will also assist the Associate Director in serving as the primary point person for the President’s House, managing the flow of people and projects within the residence with care and respect. 

Event Planning & Execution

• Serve as the primary point person for a diverse range of in-person and hybrid events as assigned, making independent decisions regarding programming, logistics, and staffing, ensuring a standard of excellence. Events include:
  • Select high-touch events within the President’s House
  • Student-focused events such as First and Last Day of Class celebrations, occasional pop-up events, Senior Toasts, Orientation “Sweet Sendoff,” etc.
  • Monthly faculty meetings and lunches 
  • Select, smaller events for the campus community hosted by Human Resources * and other departments
• Support the Associate Director for Presidential Events as needed for more complex events such as Board of Trustees meetings, End of Year Employee Celebration, and other.
• Support the Associate Director for Presidential Events in leading a collaborative planning process for spring Commencement exercises.
• Build, track and manage event budgets, ensuring all expenses and revenues are reconciled and stay within available budgets
• Occasionally support events outside of your portfolio during all-hands-on-deck weekends such as Reunion and Wildcat Weekend as a member of the Office of Events and Programming. 

Residential Stewardship & Protocols

• Follow and enforce protocols for how staff and vendors move through the President’s House.
• Partner with the Associate Director in serving as the on-site manager for various residential projects, ensuring facilities work and external vendor visits are conducted efficiently and with minimal disruption to the household.
• Maintain inventory of event assets (linens, service ware, etc.) within the President’s House, ensuring resources are high-quality and ready for immediate use.

Vendor & Partner Relationships

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with on-campus partners (Campus Police, Physical Plant, Technology Services) and off-campus vendors (caterers, florists, rental companies).

Events Team Contribution

• Contribute to a culture of excellence and support of each other in the Office of Events and Programming

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• 1-2 years of event management experience. Experience in high-touch hospitality, executive-level events, or VIP guest relations preferred.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality while working in private residences or sensitive environments.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills; a results-driven mindset with the ability to handle high-pressure, last-minute, and urgent requests.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, professional briefings to college leadership.
• Ability to problem-solve independently and maintain composure in high-stress situations, making decisions that align with the best interests of Davidson and its guests.
• A high degree of care for physical spaces; ability to follow and enforce protocols for property maintenance and security.
• Ability to lift 20+ pounds, move event supplies, travel across campus on foot or by golf cart, and work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Flexibility and willingness to work a non-traditional schedule, including frequent evenings and occasional weekends