Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) is a 69-year-old network of 26 independent liberal arts and sciences colleges and universities, serving more than 70,000 students. Its mission is to support member colleges and universities by advancing independent liberal arts and sciences education and helping underserved students succeed in college, career, and life. ACI achieves this by focusing on preparing a diverse student body to earn degrees, excel in the workforce and invest in their communities. Students thrive in the supportive, small-class environment and develop the key skills that employers demand - critical thinking, communication, collaboration, problem solving and civic competencies.

ACI seeks an experienced Director, Events & Scholarships to plan and execute programs and events as well as manage the scholarship distribution process. This position will report to and collaborate closely with the Executive Director, playing a critical role in ACI’s program and event experience as well as scholarship operations. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of experience in event planning and/or programming and will possess strong enthusiasm and passion for ACI and its mission. Graduates of ACI member colleges and universities are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Execute all aspects of event planning for the full life cycle of each event, including program and agenda development, speaker recruitment, venue selection, food and beverage, registration, marketing/communications and post-event evaluations.
Organize and manage semi-annual professional development conferences for staff interest groups for 26 colleges and universities.
Manage and maintain the database and listserv for marketing communications in coordination with the Director of Communications.
Organize and execute the annual benefit reception including program development, keynote and speaker recruitment, venue selection, food and beverage, volunteer recruitment, décor and signage.
Work in partnership with the CFO and ED to determine scholarship distribution packages for each member college and university; create language for distribution and disbursement mailings.
Collaborate with the financial aid office of each college and university to award funds granted during the fiscal year.
Develop and distribute annual electronic paperwork for financial aid directors and scholarship recipients.
Orient new financial aid directors with the ACI scholarship process by providing occasional webinars and written communication.
Formulate, analyze and report scholarship recipient data.

Qualifications & Skills

3+ years of event/conference planning and/or programming experience.
Experience working with venues, vendors, and managing a site visit.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Comfort working independently, virtually, and as part of a team.
Extremely organized with high attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to form and maintain relationships with staff, vendors, suppliers and volunteers.
Proficiency working with business technology, including the Microsoft Office Suite, Survey Monkey, Cvent, and Zoom.
Comfortable working occasional nights and weekends with light travel.
Passion and appreciation for the ACI mission.

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Director, Events & Scholarships