Thayer Academy · 2 days ago
Director of Special Events and Parent Programming
Thayer Academy seeks a dynamic and experienced Director of Special Events and Parent Programming to play a highly visible and impactful role at an exciting moment in the school’s nearly 150-year history. This role involves strategic planning, execution, and management of a comprehensive calendar of special events and parent programs that advance Thayer’s mission and strengthen community engagement.
Primary/Secondary Education
Responsibilities
Provide strategic oversight and execution of a robust annual calendar of special events, including but not limited to: the General’s Open Golf and Tennis Tournament, Reunion and Homecoming Weekend, the General’s Council Reception; The Valicenti Cup, The Last Hurrah!, Founders Day, Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day, faculty and staff appreciation events as well as alumni and parent socials
Lead all aspects of Advancement-related events, including sponsorship solicitation, auction and raffle procurement, ticket sales, guest lists, invitations, décor, program development, vendor management, and volunteer coordination
Play a central role in the planning and execution of a series of milestone events commemorating Thayer Academy’s 150th anniversary, including a gala dinner as well as events related to Thayer’s soon-to-be-launched Forever Forward Campaign, including donor receptions, dedications, and other campaign-related gatherings
Work collaboratively with the Executive Team of the Thayer Academy Parents Association (TAPA) to support meetings, budgeting, and event planning
Work collaboratively with the Head of School, the Senior Administrative Team, and the Advancement & Engagement Team to execute events that strengthen connection and community among parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty/staff, and friends of Thayer
Utilize Raiser’s Edge reporting and analytics to evaluate event performance, inform strategy, and develop best practices that maximize fundraising outcomes and promote inclusive community-building opportunities
Steward donor and volunteer relationships through the thoughtful and strategic use of events, as well as personalized communications and other forms of outreach, ensuring that constituents feel valued and appreciated
Attend and support Development and Advancement events, including occasional evenings and weekends, as required
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required
Three to five years of experience in development events, advancement, or related fields, with a demonstrated record of successfully executing high-quality events and securing event sponsorships and in-kind donations
Strong leadership and managerial skills, particularly in working with and motivating volunteers
Proven ability to manage budgets, set expense priorities, and identify opportunities for cost savings and in-kind support
Demonstrated analytical and fundraising skills, with the ability to identify opportunities, prioritize high-impact initiatives, and achieve results
Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information
Natural ability to build rapport with donors, volunteers, parents, and colleagues
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Ability to communicate effectively and compellingly with diverse constituencies
Strong relationship-building skills with faculty, staff, volunteers, and community members
Mature professional judgment and discretion
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
Ability to work independently while also thriving in a collaborative team environment
Excellent follow-through and attention to detail
Highly organized with the ability to manage competing priorities
Preferred
Familiarity with Raiser's Edge and the Microsoft Office Suite
Company
Thayer Academy
Located next to Braintree's historic district and just up the hill from the MBTA’s final Red Line stop is the historic 34-acre campus of Thayer Academy.