Special Events Manager

Special Events Manager

Lakeside School's 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 Lakeside's 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 school's 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, Head's 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 and advice for ROAR, the Parent and Guardian Association's 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: $86,500 - $92,000 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 Lakeside's online application system. The position will remain open until filled.