Special Events Manager

The Blake School•Hopkins, MN

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Blake School’s Institutional Advancement Office seeks a highly skilled special events manager to lead the implementation of advancement and key schoolwide events. The special events manager is an integral member of Blake’s 11-person advancement team. Reporting to the chief advancement officer and partnering 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 donors, alumni, families and students, and plays a critical role in delivering events that reflect Blake’s values and strengthen community connection. A successful manager brings 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 judgement and discretion in event design, resource allocation and budget tracking, vendor selection and operational planning. The manager plays an essential leadership role by directing logistics, staffing, vendor coordination and more for large-scale school events. This role follows an in-person, on-campus work model.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
Three to five years experience managing complex, multi-layered events from concept to 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 stay calm under pressure
Ability to work positively in support of Blake’s mission, values and commitment to pluralism
Ability to work with multiple and changing priorities as part of a team
Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel and ability to learn new systems and software
Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in advancement, preferably direct involvement in development, alumni engagement, special events or communications
Experience using relational database, preferably Veracross or Raiser’s Edge
Experience managing project budgets

Responsibilities

Manage logistical details for advancement events
Coordinate on- and off-site event logistics including, but not limited to, registration, catering, event materials and equipment, audio visual resources and vendors
Develop event theme and design, floor plan and production timeline
Calculate and manage budgets and negotiate vendor and venue contracts
Reflect Blake branding through events
Ensure advancement staff are adequately prepared by sharing necessary event information and details in advance
Provide work direction to campus partners buildings and grounds, transportation and security and Taher food services to ensure strong coordination
Complete event follow-up, including debriefs, record-keeping, budget tracking, invoicing and thank you notes and gifts
Coordinate the Advancement Office’s annual events calendar
Generate, advise on and maintain the yearly calendar of events
Liaise with Head of School Office to build advancement and school events for year ahead
Coordinate signature school events in partnership with other departments and teams
Plan logistics and manage key details for large-scale school events including Homecoming, Convocation, Legacy Day and Commencement
Liaise between parent volunteers and buildings and grounds, transportation and security and contracted vendors as advisor for Parent Association events
Demonstrate interest in and support for the school’s mission by being an active member in the school community
Perform other duties as needed