Description

Special Events & Parent Relations Manager

The Spence School, founded in 1892, is an independent school for girls and young women with an enrollment of 750 students in Grades K – 12. We are seeking a Special Events & Parent Relations Manager to join our collaborative team to provide important logistical support for our events and Development-related functions within the office. The Spence Development Office consists of 8 full-time employees who are responsible for advancing Spence's mission through fundraising, alumnae relations, and key school events. This full-time position serves as a central hub for the office and reports to the Director of Development.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of three years of professional experience in events management; knowledge of Development-related work and events preferred
• Exceptionally well-organized, accurate, and attentive to detail on a consistent basis
• Strengths lie in the ability to work in a fast-paced environment; manage multiple projects, tasks, and concurrent priorities simultaneously; and bring them to completion in a timely and thorough manner
• Ability to plan long-term, anticipate and implement next steps and meet deadlines
• Maintain a professional demeanor and possess a high level of interpersonal, verbal and communications skills in person, on the phone, via email and in written correspondence
• Must possess client services skillset and a customer service ethic with the ability to create a warm and welcoming environment
• Adept at problem-solving and using independent judgment in situations requiring initiative, diplomacy, and tact
• Discretion in handling confidential information
• Proven ability to manage budgets and teams, particularly as it relates to volunteer leaders
• Excellent command of office technology tools including Microsoft office suite and database software; Raiser's Edge experience preferred
• Must be flexible, forward-thinking, and willing to take on new responsibilities and initiatives and, when appropriate, suggest and deploy new systems for managing tasks
• Ability to work above and beyond regular hours, including evenings and weekends, as events require
• This position may require regional travel
• Moderate level of physical activity required

Responsibilities

Development Event Management

• Develop, plan and coordinate, in conjunction with appropriate colleagues, exceptional, high-level fundraising- and stewardship-related events, such as receptions, dinners, lectures, and committee meetings
• The position is responsible for FMX reservations, managing lists, RSVPs and nametags, securing and managing venues and vendors, reviewing contracts, managing production of creative materials, catering, a/v, and the creation of aesthetic event environments for positive guest experiences
• Collaborate with the Alumnae Relations Manager in planning and executing Reunion weekend. Support other alumnae events as required
• Coordinate and manage all event logistics for The School’s Commencement; serve as Lead member of Commencement Committee

Parent Association Management

• Serve as primary internal contact for the Parents’ Association, lead and inspire our parent volunteers
• Attend all PA meetings and sub-committee meetings as needed
• Facilitate events and activities on behalf of and in partnership with the PA
• Strategize around key volunteer roles and assist in the management, recruitment and retention of volunteers throughout the PA
• Oversee the PA budget, with the PA President, including accounts billable, contract management, negotiation and reconciliation
• Serve as liaison with the Parents’ Association for its bi-annual Benefit

Other

• Establish and maintain working relationships with service providers within and outside of the School, particularly the Head of School’s office, the Spence Kitchen, Facilities, IT, florists, caterers, and printers
• Other duties as assigned

Spence is committed to an equitable and inclusive program and a diverse faculty, staff and student body. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are therefore especially encouraged to apply.

Salary Range: $75,000 - $80,000