Special Events Manager
Job Location:
Seattle, WA - USA
Yearly Salary:
Posted on:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
FTE:1.0
Appointment Year: Full Year
Employment Classification: Exempt
Lakeside Schools Advancement team seeks a highly skilled Special Events Manager to lead the planning and execution of key schoolwide and advancement events. Reporting to the Director of Institutional Philanthropy and partnering closely with colleagues across the school this role manages a portfolio of high-profile events and supports Advancement and alum engagement initiatives.
The Special Events Manager serves a broad range of stakeholders including students families alums and donors and plays a critical role in delivering events that reflect Lakesides values and strengthen community connection. The successful candidate will bring strong project management skills exceptional attention to detail and a collaborative service-oriented approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. The Special Events Manager exercises independent judgment and discretion in event strategy resource allocation budget management vendor selection and operational planning. The role independently evaluates competing institutional priorities and develops solutions that advance school and advancement objectives. This role follows a hybrid work model with a minimum expectation of three in-office days per week.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Institutional Event Leadership
- Lead the planning and execution of the schools four annual endowed lectureships including facilitation of the Speaker Selection Committee speaker contracting and negotiation travel and hospitality content planning marketing coordination and full event logistics
- Serve as institutional lead for Commencement managing all aspects of planning and execution including logistics vendor relationships run-of-show development rehearsal coordination communications and day-of operations.
- Plan and execute Grand Day an annual event welcoming grandparents and special friends to campus.
- Lead special one-time schoolwide events such as major milestone celebrations.
Advancement and Philanthropic Events
- Partner with Advancement leadership to develop recommend and implement event strategies that support donor cultivation stewardship pipeline development and institutional engagement goals
- Evaluate and recommend event positioning guest experience strategies engagement tactics and resource investments to advance fundraising and relationship-building goals.
- Partner with program leads to plan and execute donor engagement events including the Lakeside Fund Kickoff Heads Circle Reception and Leadership Circle Reception providing strategic guidance on event design guest experience logistics and execution.
- Partner with alum engagement lead to plan and execute alum events and reunions providing guidance on event strategy guest experience logistics and resource allocation to advance institutional engagement goals.
- Analyze event participation engagement and fundraising outcomes; assess effectiveness against institutional objectives; and recommend strategic improvements to enhance future performance and impact.
Parent and Community Events
- Provide support andadvice for ROAR the Parent and Guardian Associations annual gala coordinating closely with volunteer leaders and school staff.
Operational Responsibilities
- Develop and manage event budgets; evaluate competing resource needs; and make recommendations regarding expenditures vendor selection and allocation of institutional resources in alignment with departmental priorities.
- Negotiate and manage vendor contracts including venues catering AV rentals and production partners.
- Establish project plans timelines and production strategies prioritizing competing demands and adjusting plans based on organizational needs
- Lead cross-functional planning with internal partners resolving competing priorities and ensuring alignment across departments
- Analyze event outcomes and recommend improvements to enhance effectiveness efficiency and impact over time
- Develop standards processes and best practices for institutional events to improve efficiency effectiveness and community engagement.
- Assess operational financial and reputational considerations related to events and make recommendations to school leadership regarding planning execution and resource allocation.
Requirements and Qualifications
- 5 years of experience managing complex multi-layered events from concept through execution.
- Experience managing budgets and negotiating vendor contracts.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and with volunteers.
- Ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences and stakeholder groups.
- Ability to articulate the mission values and strategic priorities of Lakeside School to donors alums and community partners.
- Ability to stay calm under pressure.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Familiarity with independent schools higher education or nonprofit advancement.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range: $86500 - $92000 based upon experience and education. Lakeside School is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding candidates and provides a competitive compensation package. Lakeside School offers a competitive compensation package and a comprehensive set of benefits including:
- Employer-paid medical dental and vision insurance (based on FTE)
- Dependent medical and vision subsidy
- Retirement with generous employer contribution
- Life/disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible spending accounts
- Free lunch
- Free parking
- Bus/bike benefits
- Housing assistance program
- Reduced facility rentals
- Employee Discount Program
- Computer loan program
- Paid holidays and vacation
- Use of school library and gymnasium
- Mentoring
- Professional Development
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter resume and at least 3 references via Lakesides online application system. The position will remain open until filled.
About the Advancement Team
Lakeside Schools Advancement team is an 11-person team responsible for stewarding relationships and advancing philanthropy in support of the schools mission and strategic priorities. The team works in close partnership with school leadership faculty volunteers and trustees to engage alums families and friends in meaningful philanthropic investment.
The Advancement team is responsible for raising more than $3 million annually for the Lakeside Fund in addition to securing support for capital projects and the schools endowment. Through disciplined relationship management clear institutional messaging and strong stewardship the team helps ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of Lakeside School.
Working at Lakeside
Lakeside School is committed to sustaining a community in which individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds teach learn and thrive together. To learn more about working at Lakesideincluding professional development mentoring benefits and opportunities for involvementplease visit theCareerspage on the Lakeside School website.
Required Experience:
Manager
About Company
The mission of Lakeside School is to develop in intellectually capable young people the creative minds, healthy bodies, and ethical spirits needed to contribute wisdom, compassion, and leadership to a global society.
