Special Events Manager

Special Events Manager 

 

Carolina Day School (CDS) seeks a dynamic and energetic individual for the position of Special Events Manager. The Special Events Manager reports to the Senior Director of Development and Community Relations. This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing a variety of school events that support community engagement, fundraising, and student experiences. This role involves working closely with faculty, staff, parents, and volunteers to ensure events align with the school's mission and strategic goals. 

Key Responsibilities:

Event Planning & Execution

• Plan and execute a range of special events, including the school’s one fundraising gala each spring. Other events may include a Back-to-School celebration, Homecoming festivities, Grandparents and Friends Day, Parent Appreciation Week, and other various community events.

• Develop event timelines, budgets, and logistics plans to ensure seamless execution.

• Coordinate with vendors, caterers, entertainment, and other service providers.

• Manage venue selection, setup, decor, and technical requirements.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work with the Advancement team to ensure events align with fundraising and community-building goals.

• Responsible for coordinating robust volunteer teams to support the goals of development and alumni events by recruiting, training, managing and cultivating parents and alumni volunteers.

• Collaborate with the Parent Association, volunteers, and staff to support school events.

• Supports other Advancement Office initiatives, including the Annual Fund, Alumni Relations, and special campaigns, as needed and assigned.

Marketing & Communications

• Coordinate event promotions, invitations, and RSVP tracking.

• Work with the marketing team to create event materials, including programs, signage, and digital content.

• Utilize social media, email campaigns, and the school website to promote events.

Logistics & Operations

• Oversee event setup and breakdown, ensuring all details are managed efficiently.

• Track event expenses, process payments, and ensure events stay within budget.

• Utilize appropriate project management and event management software to manage complex data, particularly to track auction items and sales, and event attendees.

• Maintain records of event participation and feedback for future improvements.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.

• 2+ years of experience in event planning, preferably in a school or nonprofit setting.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to multitask, manage deadlines, and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

• Proficiency in event management software, databases, and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Willingness and ability to work both traditional and non-traditional business hours. Some night and weekend work and local travel are required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in fundraising and donor relations.

• Knowledge of independent school culture and traditions.

• Familiarity with CRM platforms (e.g., Blackbaud, Raiser’s Edge).

• Proficiency in event fundraising software, preferably Greater Giving.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to create meaningful events that foster school spirit, community engagement, and philanthropic support.

Americans with Disability Specifications:

 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

 

Work Environment:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 

 

To Apply: Visit our website to submit your resume and cover letter.

 

 

 

About Carolina Day School

Carolina Day School is committed to fostering a community of innovative thinkers, compassionate leaders, and lifelong learners. Guided by our mission, we inspire students to think critically, communicate effectively, and act with courage and integrity, equipping them to make a meaningful impact in an ever-changing world. Our philosophy is rooted in engaging students intellectually, building strong character, and encouraging each individual to maximize their potential within a supportive and close-knit community.

At Carolina Day, we believe that our strong culture of philanthropy is essential to advancing our mission. Our generous community of families, alumni, faculty, and friends plays a vital role in sustaining the people, programs, and opportunities that define a Carolina Day education. We are proud to cultivate lasting relationships built on trust, shared purpose, and a deep commitment to our students and the future of our school.