Special Events and Advancement Associate

Silicon Valley International School•Palo Alto, CA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

Silicon Valley International School (INTL), a Pre-school to 12th-grade private bilingual language school, is looking for a Special Events Advancement Associate to join our team. The Advancement Department is responsible for the school’s development, fundraising, community building, and alumni relations. The Department has the honor of being the school's advocate for goodwill, spirit, and philanthropy. The ideal candidate should have a passion for working in a fast-paced, team-oriented, and multicultural environment. They should possess the ability to be forward-thinking, to anticipate the implications and consequences of situations, and to take appropriate action to be prepared for possible contingencies. They should be capable of maintaining high-performance standards and have the ability to adapt to changing work environments, priorities, and organizational needs. The candidate should be able to work well under tight deadlines, maintain positive emotional stability, and provide logistical planning and coordination of events and activities in collaboration with the Chief of Advancement. The ideal candidate should welcome constructive feedback and be open to continuing to learn and grow in their role and our unique environment. The ideal candidate will be someone who has experience working in a Development or Advancement environment within a non-profit organization or school environment for philanthropic events. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout employment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience
5+ years of experience in Development/Advancement or administrative roles, preferably within academic or nonprofit settings
Cultural competency and the ability to work effectively across diverse cultures
Strong technical proficiency, including MS Office Suite and Mac OS; familiarity with web technologies; ability and willingness to learn new technologies
Proficiency in graphic design or art, including desktop publishing and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign)
Experience with Blackbaud or similar database systems, including data entry, maintenance, and reporting
Strong attention to detail with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced, team-oriented, multicultural environment
Excellent communication, writing, and editing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse population
Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and follow through on multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to manage, initiate, and complete multiple tasks within deadlines
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment
Exercises sound judgment and maintains confidentiality with discretion
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to provide prompt and courteous customer service to all school constituents
Requires access to a private vehicle for local travel and a valid and current California Driver’s License
Ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs
Availability for occasional evening and weekend work, including overtime during peak event periods
Ability to remain seated for an extended period of time or on feet for extended periods, up to 12 or more hours, and to navigate a variety of environments, including stairs and uneven terrain.
Capacity to perform fine motor tasks with precision, including gift assembly, floral pinning, and basic equipment troubleshooting within time-sensitive settings.
Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and climb ladders as needed to support event setup, décor placement, and signage installation.
Ability to safely lift, carry, and maneuver event materials, including boxes and small furniture, weighing up to 50 pounds.
Flexibility to work a demanding, non-traditional schedule, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, based on operational and event needs.
Demonstrated resilience and emotional stability, with the ability to maintain a professional demeanor and effectively perform responsibilities in fast-paced, high-pressure, live event environments.

Nice To Haves

Preference for experience in Keynote and iMovie
Strong aesthetic sensibility preferred
Fluency in Mandarin, French, or German is a plus but not required

Responsibilities

Oversees the planning and execution of all Advancement events, including major programs such as the Soirée du Vin Wine Auction, Annual Gala & Auction, Art Gallery Display, as well as receptions, campaign events, and presentations.
Monitoring and tracking event timelines
Coordinating logistics and managing outside vendors
Preparing, distributing, and tracking invitations
Tracking advertisements and solicitations, developing donor relationships, and managing select direct solicitations
Managing auction items and donation materials, including organizing contributions, writing descriptions, sourcing photos, and following up with donors
Coordinating event volunteers, including communication, meetings, and gift organization, and providing support as needed
Serving as a point of contact for event-related communications with participants, volunteers, donors, and stakeholders
Supporting capital campaign efforts through a variety of donor events
Performing other duties as needed to support the department’s goals and objectives