Job Details

Associate Director of Institutional Engagement

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Months Per Year: 12

Employment Status: Full-Time

Work Model: Hybrid Eligible*

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Seattle University's Core Competencies

Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives. 

Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.

Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions. 

Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making positive impact. 

Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.  

Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, purses excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.  

Position Description

Seattle University School of Law is committed to educating ethical lawyers who lead with distinction and dedication to justice. Grounded in its Jesuit Catholic tradition, the School of Law fosters innovation, collaboration, and academic rigor to prepare graduates for successful careers in law, business, and public service.

The Associate Director of Institutional Engagement is a critical leader within the Dean’s Office at the School of Law, reporting to the Assistant Dean for Administration & Chief of Staff. This position plays a strategic role in driving institutional engagement, managing events and communications, and fostering relationships that advance the mission and priorities of the School of Law.

The Associate Director will be instrumental in supporting initiatives like the Hybrid Hubs, which expand access to legal education in underserved communities, and in ensuring alignment with organizational goals through strategic collaboration with the Communications team. This role supervises staff, manages events of all sizes, and develops and oversees systems, processes, and complex projects that require high levels of diplomacy and strategic thinking.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Engagement & Leadership

• Collaborate with the Communications team to ensure alignment of projects and events with institutional priorities, effectively amplifying the School of Law's mission and vision.
• Partner with the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs to develop the Hybrid Hubs, expanding access to legal education in underserved communities.
• Serve as a liaison between the Dean’s Office and internal/external stakeholders, including students, faculty, alumni, and university partners, ensuring effective communication.

Event Planning & Management

• Oversee the planning, execution, and management of a high volume of law school events, ensuring strategic alignment and flawless execution, including events at Hybrid Hub locations.
• Track the completion of day-to-day event operations tasks, including facility scheduling, catering coordination, audio-visual setups, and other logistical arrangements.
• Supervise the Event Department Program Manager and student workers, fostering a high-performing team.
• Develop standardized event planning resources to increase efficiency across law school departments and foster buy-in from key stakeholders for smooth implementation and adoption.
• Coordinate with University Events for large-scale events, managing venues, resources, and logistics.
• Partner with Marketing & Communications and Technology & Media teams to ensure effective promotion and technological support for events.

Project Management & Operational Excellence

• Oversee the school-wide events calendar, ensuring effective scheduling and prioritization of resources.
• Support and advise the Dean in preparing for events, including creating briefing materials and remarks.
• Manage relationships with external organizations using School of Law facilities, including assisting with revenue-generating programs.
• Create and implement systems to improve efficiency and transparency in stakeholder engagement and communications.
• Advise the Dean and other leaders on decisions related to special projects, events, and institutional commitments.

Supervision & Team Development

• Supervise and mentor staff, promoting professional development and a collaborative team environment.
• Ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion principles are integrated into all aspects of the role.

Other Responsibilities

• Represent the Dean’s Office and School of Law in various forums as directed by the Chief of Staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the School of Law’s strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least four years of experience in event planning, project management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in managing institutional-level events with strategic impact.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience supervising staff and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Proficiency in technology and media tools for event management and promotion.

Preferred

• Experience in higher education or legal education settings.
• Familiarity with Seattle University's mission and alignment with Jesuit Catholic values.

Application Instructions

Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified. 

Compensation at a Glance

Salary Range: $70,000 – $85,000

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance

Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/ 

Hybrid Eligible

This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule after successful completion of an introductory work period of 3-6 months. This may mean that a hybrid eligible role will begin on-campus initially and then will transition to hybrid format following onboarding and training. Flexible work plans are subject to periodic review and may be changed or terminated at any time for any reason at the university’s discretion.