Entry Level Event Planner Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.

At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove and Hillsboro. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

Pacific University seeks a motivated and detail-oriented Athletics Annual Giving Coordinator to support the planning and execution of annual fundraising efforts benefiting Pacific Athletics. This entry-level role provides hands-on experience in donor engagement, digital fundraising, stewardship, and data-informed outreach strategies. The coordinator supports annual giving campaigns, giving days, donor call programs, and athletics-specific appeals and fundraising events, while also assisting with emerging technologies and AI-enabled tools designed to enhance donor engagement and participation. Working collaboratively with University Advancement and Athletics leadership, this role helps strengthen Boxer spirit and build a sustainable pipeline of athletics supporters. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional seeking experience in higher education philanthropy, digital engagement strategy, and athletics fundraising.

Salary Range: $45,000 - $50,000

Reports to: Director of Annual Giving

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Donor Retention & Growth

• Support implementation of strategies designed to increase athletics annual fund participation and improve donor retention year over year.
• Execute targeted renewal outreach to athletics donors, including segmented email, calls, fundraising events, and digital engagement efforts.
• Assist in identifying and engaging new athletics donors to expand the annual giving base.

Giving Day & Campaign Performance

• Coordinate athletics participation in university-wide giving days and annual campaigns, with a focus on increasing donor count and sport-specific engagement.
• Support execution of sport-specific appeals aligned with institutional fundraising goals.
• Track participation metrics and assist in reporting on campaign performance.

Engagement & Stewardship

• Collaborate with Athletics and Advancement to integrate donor cultivation and stewardship opportunities into athletic events.
• Support timely acknowledgment and recognition efforts to strengthen donor experience and retention.

Compliance & Collaboration

• Operate within NCAA guidelines and institutional compliance standards.
• Partner with Annual Giving, Alumni Engagement, and Athletics leadership to align outreach strategies and engagement efforts.

Annual Giving Support:

Digital & Direct Outreach

• Support execution of digital fundraising campaigns, including segmented email, social media, and AI-assisted outreach.
• Participate in call-down and texting initiatives to secure annual gifts and increase alumni and parent participation.
• Contribute to strategies that increase overall annual giving participation rates.

Data & Performance Tracking

• Maintain accurate donor records and contact reports in the CRM.
• Assist in tracking key performance indicators, including donor count, retention rate, participation rate, and campaign progress.
• Provide regular updates on outreach metrics and engagement results. Stewardship & Communications
• Draft and coordinate donor acknowledgments and annual giving communications.
• Support impact reporting and recognition efforts for athletics donors.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Support the planning and execution of broader University Advancement fundraising campaigns and engagement initiatives as assigned.
• Assist in tracking campaign progress and compiling data to measure participation, retention, and overall effectiveness.
• Prepare summary reports and dashboards to support performance analysis and strategic decision-making.
• Provide responsive donor relations support by managing phone and email inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist with event logistics and donor engagement activities that support cultivation and stewardship goals.

JOB SCOPE:

This position operates with a moderate degree of independence within established University Advancement strategies and institutional policies. The coordinator executes assigned initiatives, manages defined outreach efforts, and exercises sound judgment in day-to-day decision-making. Complex or high-level strategic decisions are escalated to the supervisor as appropriate.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY:

This position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities but may assist in coordinating student workers or volunteers during campaign or event activities.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior experience in athletics, fundraising, marketing, or customer engagement is preferred but not required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated interest in philanthropy, higher education advancement, or athletics fundraising.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with social media platforms.
• Comfort with technology and digital engagement tools; ability and willingness to learn fundraising CRM systems and AI-enabled outreach platforms.
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external constituents.
• Ability to analyze basic data and track participation metrics to support fundraising performance goals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience participating in or working with intercollegiate athletics programs.
• Prior experience in fundraising, sales, alumni relations, or customer engagement.
• Familiarity with NCAA rules and compliance considerations.
• Experience with CRM or donor management systems (e.g., Blackbaud, Salesforce, Almabase).
• Demonstrated interest in collegiate athletics culture and student-athlete success.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position is primarily based on Pacific University’s Forest Grove campus and may require occasional travel to the Hillsboro campus or other locations as needed. The role operates in a professional office environment but requires regular attendance at athletic events, competitions, donor gatherings, fundraising events, and stewardship activities. Evening and weekend work is required, particularly during athletic seasons, giving days, and peak campaign periods.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position operates within a collaborative, fast-paced University Advancement environment that emphasizes performance, accountability, and donor-centered engagement. The Athletics Annual Giving Coordinator is expected to demonstrate professionalism, responsiveness, and sound judgment in all interactions with donors, alumni, student-athletes, coaches, and campus partners. The role requires flexibility, initiative, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities, particularly during athletic seasons and campaign cycles. A high level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to NCAA compliance and institutional policies is expected. Success in this position requires a team-oriented mindset, comfort engaging with diverse stakeholders, and enthusiasm for supporting Pacific University’s mission and the success of its student-athletes.

HYBRID/REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY:

Hybrid

Schedule Expectations:

• Regular evening and/or weekend responsibilities

Travel Requirements: 

• Some travel required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Primarily sedentary work, involving extended periods of sitting and computer use.
• Occasional medium work, including lifting or moving objects up to 50 pounds (e.g., event materials, signage, or equipment).
• Ability to walk, stand, climb stairs, and move between campus facilities and athletic venues.
• Visual acuity sufficient to review written materials, electronic data, and digital communications.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter along with your Paycom application.  Persons who do not follow and complete the application process are not applicants and will not be considered for employment.

Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. During the selection process, we will strive to provide timely notifications. The selection process may vary from recruitment to recruitment but typically includes multiple interviews and may take several weeks depending on the position. All qualified applicants will be notified once the selection process has closed.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and continue to work without employer visa sponsorship, now or in the future.

At Pacific University, we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity-minded, and responsive. Our communal success rests on the recognition that complex problems and effective solutions are best approached by teams with a variety of diverse perspectives. and life experiences. As we continue to develop our equity practices, we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs where they are unsure if they can perform every function in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about how your background and skill set may qualify you for the role.

We, who make up Pacific University, aspire to become a community of purpose where everyone is enabled to be wholly and comfortably who they are; accountable for inclusive behaviors and practices; built on trust, civility, care, openness, and honest conversations often around critical subjects. We know that these values are critical to prepare for a global world with complex problems, through an asset-based mindset so that everyone is afforded an opportunity to succeed. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their contributions are valued, and they are provided opportunities to succeed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees. Current benefits include:

• Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)
• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
• Comprehensive dental and vision plans
• Generous retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
• Free mental health appointments
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
• On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
• Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are committed to fostering a non-discriminatory and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but are not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or via email at provost@pacificu.edu.