DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS AND PARENT ENGAG

The Director of Special Events plays a vital role in advancing the goals of the

Development Department.

Reporting directly to the Associate Head of School, the Director will strategize, plan, and

execute Advancement and fundraising events. This position is responsible for leading

and implementing events including the Extravaganza Gala and Auction, Cougar Classic

Golf Tournament, Carnival, Grandparents Days, Parent Receptions, and assisting with

Stewardship and Donor events. Other responsibilities include liaising with Parent-Led

Volunteer Committees such as the Teacher Appreciation Committee and

Mothers/Fathers Clubs. This person must work in concert with the strategic goals of the

Office of Advancement while developing and maintaining relationships with

cross-functional partners, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and vendors. Discretion,

dependability, flexibility, tactfulness, professionalism, and confidentiality are essential

attributes of the successful candidate.

This position requires creativity, strong project management skills, a track-record of

relationship building with colleagues and community members, excellent written and

verbal communication skills, attention to detail, high energy, and a passion for

Canterbury and its mission.

Duties and Responsibilities • Develops strategy and approach for Development events in support of

Canterbury's goals and objectives • Acts as project manager for each event ensuring all components are successfully

executed; builds and oversees time and action plans, event logistics, look and

feel of the event experience, guest lists, hiring vendors, etc. Provides hindsight

and analysis following each event. • Creates and maintains event budgets; offers efficient management of events to

ensure that revenue goals are met while staying within the approved budgets.

Manage event expenses to achieve acceptable cost-to-raise a dollar. • Strong event committee management and motivation skills to ensure

accountability and success of each event. Directs and oversees the

Advancement Team Executive Assistant as related to event planning and event

stewardship. • Works closely with the Communications team to develop and implement the

marketing, communications, and social media plans for all events • Serves as the primary point of contact with parent volunteers. Liaise with the

Mothers and Fathers Clubs and other parent volunteers to plan and execute

events, including Extravaganza, Carnival, Teacher Appreciation, etc. • Coordinate with the Database Manager to create various constituent lists for

mailings, invitations, annual reporting, and donor segmentation. • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications • Bachelor's degree required • 3+ years of experience in related position • Experience in coordinating, implementing, and/or managing complex, diverse

programs and events • Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately in written and oral

communications • Experience in development and/or working with volunteers preferred. • Must have excellent interpersonal and constituent relations skills • Must be able to successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously, meet

deadlines, and pay attention to details and accuracy • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a diverse community, including

superb interpersonal skills to interact effectively with guests, volunteers,

faculty/staff, vendors, and others • Strong organizational, administrative, and time management skills • Exhibit proficient knowledge in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office suite,

database software, and social media platforms