Job Details

Job Description:

The Assistant Director of Foundation Events is responsible for managing Foundation events from inception through completion, providing full logistical oversight for each event, including pre-event planning, on-site execution, and post-event evaluation and follow-up. This role encompasses two primary areas: serving as the Foundation event lead for a variety of high-impact functions such as fundraising, stewardship, alumni engagement, and special initiatives, and providing comprehensive logistical and production support to the broader Foundation team. The Assistant Director ensures that all Foundation events are strategically aligned with the Foundation's goals and are delivered with excellence.

Responsibilities Plan and execute FIT Foundation events under the direction of the Executive Director of Events and in collaboration with the Foundation team, event owners, and volunteers. Serve as the lead responsible for developing timelines, coordinating internal and external stakeholders, and executing all logistical details leading up to, during, and following each Foundation event. Manage all logistical aspects of Foundation events execution including venue research and selection, vendor contracting and coordination, entertainment booking, catering, transportation, AV, dcor, and staffing/volunteer oversight. Maintain Foundation event budgets from initial planning through final reconciliation while ensuring alignment with fundraising goals and expense constraints. Coordinate with the Foundation Communications Coordinator on event-related collateral, invitations, promotional materials, and social media content. Lead day-of Foundation event operations, manage on-site logistics and serve as the manager-on-duty to ensure flawless event execution. Coordinate and lead volunteer and staff briefing for Foundation event check-in, serving as the primary point of contact for all Foundation event check-in logistics and related materials or collateral. Manage post-Foundation event wrap-up processes, including budget reconciliation, debrief meetings, and feedback collection. Ensure that all Foundation events communicate a strong sense of the FIT mission and reflect the Foundation's commitment to excellence and innovation. Work closely with the Assistant Vice President for Advancement to ensure Foundation events are strategically aligned with fundraising, stewardship, and engagement goals, while managing event planning workflows and execution. Establish event workflows, schedules, and execution plans to align with Foundation-specific objectives and deadlines, ensuring efficient and goal-oriented event delivery. Coordinate directly with external vendors, venues, and partners on behalf of the Foundation. Manage high-level donor, alumni, and industry events that require flexibility, discretion, and responsiveness to shifting priorities and leadership direction. Lead volunteer and staffing coordination for Foundation events, ensuring all roles are aligned with the events strategic purpose and guest experience expectations. Responsible for evening and weekend work in accordance with the Foundation's event calendar and fundraising priorities.

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position; other duties may be assigned consistent with the classification of the position.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required. Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Strong logistical and operational skills with proven experience managing complex event timelines, vendor relationships, and event-day production preferred. Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously. Demonstrated experience managing event budgets.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Strong logistical and operational skills, with proven experience managing complex event timelines, vendor relationships, and event-day production. Exceptional organizational and multitasking ability. Ability to direct multiple events simultaneously. Knowledge of event budget management. High level of professionalism, interpersonal skill, and communication abilities. Independent decision-making skills and the ability to act with discretion and judgment. Ability to work evenings and weekends as event schedules require. Collaborative, creative, and solutions-oriented mindset in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Information:

Please note all offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of the background check process.

Salary

Salary: $90,000 - $95,000 per year; commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Work Schedule

Days/Hours: M-F, 35 hours per week, in person; work schedule subject to change based on needs of the department.

Benefits

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) provides comprehensive employee benefit programs designed to help keep our faculty and staff and their families healthy, safe, happy, and productive. Our programs also include a variety of components to help our employees improve the quality and balance of their work and family lives, and to help them prepare for their futures. Retirement Plans Health Care Plan and Dental Plan Employee Assistance Program Flexible Spending Account Commuter Benefit Plan FIT Tuition Exemption Program Paid Time Off (Vacation, Personal, Sick and Holidays) 4-day Summer Workweek Qualifying Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

For a full list of FIT benefits, visit our benefits webpage .

Pay Equity by State Employers

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.

Visa Sponsorship

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship by the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

FIT is firmly committed to creating an environment that will attract and retain people from a range of backgrounds. FIT is firmly committed to creating a learning and working environment that encourages, utilizes, respects, and appreciates the full expression of every individual's ability. The FIT community fosters its mission and grows because of its rich, pluralistic experience. FIT is committed to prohibiting discrimination, whether on the basis of race, color, creed, age, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, sexual and reproductive health decisions, uniformed service, height, weight, any lawful source of income, status as a victim of domestic violence or as a victim of sex offenses or stalking, whether children are, may be or would be residing with a person or conviction or arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. FIT is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, including the opportunity for upward mobility for all qualified individuals. Applications from veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged. Inquiries regarding FIT's non-discrimination policies may be directed to the Chief Equal Employment Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, 212.217.3360.

Annual Security Report

The safety and well-being of FIT's students, faculty, staff, and visitors is of paramount importance. Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, FIT publishes an annual report containing crime statistics and statements of security policy, accessible here: Safety Statistics . A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request by contacting Public Safety's administrative office number at (212) 217-4999.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The working conditions for this position will be primarily in an office space. The physical requirement for this position will require constant sitting, occasional standing, occasional bending, occasional walking, and occasionally lifting 10 lbs. or less.

Application Instructions:

In order to be considered for this position, please submit the following documents online: Resume Cover letter Unofficial Transcript A list of three references with telephone numbers and email addresses

Returning Applicants - Login to your FITNYC Careers Account to check your submitted application material.

Review of applications will begin immediately until the position is filled.

Please note that due to the volume of applications, we will not be able to contact each applicant individually.

Additional information about the Fashion Institute of Technology can be found at: http://www.fitnyc.edu .

About Fashion Institute of Technology:

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), part of the State University of New York and an internationally renowned college of art, design, business and technology with a strong emphasis on liberal arts, invites nominations and applications for an Assistant Director of Foundation Events.