Assistant Director of Events

St. Andrew’s School develops the independence, character, mind, and spirit of its students to prepare them for lives of citizenship, service, and purpose. All our students live, learn, and play in the natural beauty of our 2,200-acre campus. At the center of our community are curious, motivated, and diverse students who are accepted without regard to their families’ means. Each young person is challenged and valued, and students are truly known by the life-long mentors who teach, coach, and advise them. Human connection, face to face, is the foundation of our program. Friendship and joy define our spirit; “faith and learning” is our motto. To learn more about St. Andrew’s, visit our website at www.standrews-de.org.

Reporting to the Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship, the Assistant Director of Events provides high-level strategic leadership, creative vision, and expertise in the planning and execution of compelling, mission-driven events that engage and strengthen the St. Andrew’s community, including alumni, parents, donors, and friends.

As St. Andrew’s prepares for its 100th anniversary celebration in 2029 and an increase in major gift fundraising, this role will play a key part in advancing the school’s philanthropic and engagement goals by delivering exceptional experiences that reflect the values and mission of the school. The assistant director collaborates with the office of the head of school, the associate heads of school, the director of donor relations & stewardship, and a variety of school leadership and departments to define requirements and secure support for event execution while also coordinating stakeholders and event staff during the event lifecycle to ensure high-quality events. 

Essential Functions

• Lead the execution of advancement and schoolwide events that support fundraising, stewardship, alumni engagement, and community-building objectives.
• Serve as a thought partner to the Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship and the Associate Head of School to ensure events align with institutional priorities.
• Develop and manage comprehensive annual event calendars, project timelines, budgets, and integrated communication plans to be shared well in advance of events with all stakeholders.
• Organize event logistics in accordance with school policy, including catering, A/V, décor, florals, transportation, photography, and accommodations. 
• Analyze event outcomes and ROI using metrics to improve effectiveness and impact.
• Oversee site selection and vendor negotiations for all off-campus events. 
• Prepare event briefings and information packets for leadership and stakeholders.
• Design and produce print and digital assets, e.g. name tags, place cards, agendas, event registration websites.
• Oversee guest management, including guest list compilation, invitation distribution, RSVP tracking and reporting, pre- and post-event communications.
• Serve as the primary liaison with event speakers and internal clients throughout the lifecycle of the event.
• Schedule and lead pre-event meetings with all departments and stakeholders detailing and communicating all event requirements. 
• Schedule and lead post-event meetings with all departments and stakeholders.
• Develop a robust system for managing event data, feedback, and analytics to enhance strategic planning.

Events Examples (not inclusive of all events)

• Fall Family Weekend
• Homecoming
• Spring Arts Weekend
• Board Meetings
• Hooper/United Conference
• Guest lecture events and other special on campus events
• Coast to Coast Toast
• VI Form & Alumni Dinner
• Commencement
• Reunion Weekend
• Offsite receptions, programs, and dinners

Marketing Specific Functions

The Assistant Director of Events will work closely with the Communications Team to create and coordinate event specific items:

• Create save-the-date announcements for all events to be sent to appropriate constituents two to three months in advance of events, when applicable.
• Create event invitations to be sent six weeks prior to all events.
• Ensure consistency with school branding and messaging across all event materials, e.g. program, handbooks, signage and other event materials as needed.

Job Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ experience in coordinating events or fundraising activities, preferably at a school or university. 
• Experience with developing and coordinating events focused on major gift fundraising preferred. 
• Detail-oriented, with well-developed organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work successfully on a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to represent St. Andrew’s appropriately with prominent guests and school officials. Polished, professional demeanor and demonstrated ability to interact effectively with visitors and school leadership.
• Resourcefulness in problem-solving and grace under pressure. Demonstrated professional judgement.
• Ability to set and manage priorities for self and juggle multiple projects, moving them forward simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Office Suite, Blackbaud products; knowledge of social media.
• The flexibility to work some early mornings, late evenings and occasional weekends and travel.

Physical Requirements

• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

This job description is intended to describe the basic, critical elements of the job and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job.

Conditions of Hire

A thorough background check, inclusive of fingerprinting, drug screen and physical is required as a condition of employment. In addition, applicants must complete satisfactory reference checks and confirmation of compliance with federal and state employment laws.

Benefits at St. Andrew's School

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Two health plan options to ensure you and your family have access to quality care.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off and holidays to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to resources and programs promoting physical and mental well-being.
• Health Savings Account which includes St. Andrew's School match.
• Life and AD&D Insurance at no cost to you.
• Retirement Plan - 403(b): St. Andrew's School will match your contributions. In addition, rollovers are permitted from other 403(b) plans.

To Apply

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 285-4211. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance. St. Andrew’s School is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diverse candidates of all backgrounds, faith, and persuasions, and seek to foster an inclusive, welcoming community environment. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and resume to:

Attn: Human Resources
St. Andrew’s School
350 Noxontown Road
Middletown, DE 19709
[email protected]