Chicago, IL
On the road, West Virginia
Amherst, Massachusetts
Seminole, Oklahoma
Posted: 19-May-23
Location: Seattle, Washington
Type: Full Time
Events and Engagement Manager
Opportunity Statement
Villa Academy is an inclusive independent school community dedicated to developing the whole child in the Cabrinian tradition of “education of the heart.” Through dynamic, inquiry-based learning, Villa students become active agents of their own intellectual growth in preparation for lives of service and purpose.
Villa Academy seeks a full-time Events and Engagement Manager to join its team beginning June 1, 2023 (start date flexible). The Events and Engagement manager is responsible for planning and executing all school events, including our annual spring fundraising event, Opening Day activities, Admissions events, Grands Day, Graduation, Reunions and additional community events throughout the year. The Events and Engagement manager will partner with the Directors of Enrollment Management and Development to intentionally cultivate and strengthen family engagement with the school. Our aim is to foster and enhance connection between school and family to nurture and sustain our enrollment and strengthen our culture of philanthropy.
The ideal candidate will lead with great creativity, positive energy, and cultural humility, and have keen detail management and communication skills. Strong working knowledge of event planning and coordinating, program development, and event production is necessary. The position requires a collaborative, resourceful attitude. Every person on our team contributes to the success of this position and Villa’s busy events schedule.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide event management for a portfolio of recurring and one-time school, donor and alumni events.
- Provide high level production support for the school’s signature events to cultivate new donors, steward existing donors, engage alumni, actively fundraise, and increase support for Villa’s mission and programs.
- Support and collaborate with Development colleagues and campus partners to identify event vision and goals, messaging, team roles and responsibilities, program outlines, and communication timelines.
- Develop accurate event/project timelines and budgets, coordinate with on- and off-campus partners to manage venue contacts, catering partners, entertainment, parking, A/V, and other event logistics.
- Work with the Development team, develop event messaging including, but not limited to: save the date, invitation, and event communication content; event program outlines; speaker briefs & event scripts, etc.
- Project manage video storytelling projects as needed for event support.
- Work with Enrollment and Development colleagues to identify student ambassadors to serve as volunteers for Admissions and donor relations events.
- Support development and implementation of best practices for event coordination.
- Remain current with industry trends to inform event design and continually improve event program effectiveness.
- Lead event stakeholders in formal and informal event debriefs. Gather qualitative and quantitative data, analyze performance, distribute event wrap reports, and share recommendations to improve future event success.
- Develop and maintain excellent event stakeholder relationships, facilitating the success of programs held on Villa Academy’s campus.
- Regularly assess external vendors to evaluate rates and services. Negotiate agreements and prepare contracts for external vendor services, equipment, and support, ensuring smooth and mutually beneficial communications with Villa Academy.
- Review vendor invoices for accuracy and provide financial data and reconciliation to the Business Office.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree and two or more years of progressively responsible event experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Experience in not-for-profit management or fundraising environments preferred. Candidates with sales or hospitality experience will also be considered.
- Exceptional project management with competing timelines, priorities, and limited budgets.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) with ability to work successfully with a wide range of constituents Exemplary attention to detail. Must be able to prioritize and organize activities to accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to proactively anticipate needs and next steps, take initiative, exercise discretion, and apply sound judgment.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends and a valid driver’s license.
- A commitment to ongoing professional growth and curiosity, cultural humility, and antiracism, and an understanding of its critical role in academic excellence and institutional growth.
- Creativity, vision, and imagination; a strong work ethic and high level of integrity.
SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:
This position offers an hourly rate between $35-$40/hour, dependent upon education and experience. Villa Academy offers a robust benefits package for majority-time employees, including: health, dental, vision, health reimbursement account, flexible spending account, employer-paid life insurance, employer-paid AD&D, employer-paid long term disability, 401(K) retirement savings plan with employer contributions, employee assistance plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Please provide, via email, the items listed below (preferably in one PDF document):
- A cover letter detailing interest in and readiness for the role, addressed to Kelly Brackett at kbrackett@thevilla.org.
- A current resume including relevant educational experience and three professional references.
Villa Academy is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal rules and regulations. Villa Academy does not discriminate in admission, access, treatment or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, gender presentation, sex, sexual orientation, creed, age, national origin, marital status or ability.
