Special Events Manager

About the role

The Lakeside School’s Advancement team seeks a Special Events Manager to lead the planning and execution of key schoolwide and advancement events. Reporting to the Director of Institutional Philanthropy, this role partners closely with colleagues across the school and serves a broad range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Provide support and advice for ROAR, the Parent and Guardian Association’s annual gala, coordinating closely with volunteer leaders and school staff.

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.

Pay

Salary Range: $86,500 - $92,000 based upon experience and education.

Benefits

• 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

To apply, 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.

About the Advancement Team

Lakeside School’s Advancement team is an 11-person team responsible for stewarding relationships and advancing philanthropy in support of the school’s 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 school’s endowment. Through disciplined relationship management, clear institutional messaging, and strong stewardship, the team helps ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of Lakeside School.