HALF MOON BAY, California
Palos Verdes Peninsula, California
Posted: 12-Nov-25
Location: Los Angeles, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: $85,000-$95,000, DOE
Categories:
Preferred Education:
Windward School, a grade 7-12 college-preparatory, independent day school in vibrant West Los Angeles, is currently seeking an experienced Special Events Manager to join our Advancement Department.
A nationwide leader in educational models and practices that excite students about learning, Windward is committed to building a nurturing, inclusive culture. We welcome teachers and staff members who bring skills, qualities, and experiences that demonstrate an understanding of and ability to support our work fostering a diverse school community.
At Windward, we are dedicated to cultivating an environment that encourages and supports growth and belonging amongst all community members. Windward teachers, parents, and administrators work together to inspire our students to be responsible, caring, well-informed, ethical, prepared, and well-balanced young adults.
For more information on what Windward has to offer, please visit windwardschool.org/about/careers.
Windward School is looking for a Special Events Manager to help create welcoming and inclusive events for our community that reflect the Windward brand and mission of the School. This position will assist in the planning and execution of between 50-60 Windward School events annually including but not limited to: Advancement events, donor and campaign events, Admissions events, Alumni and Parent of Alumni events, school and faculty/staff events, Spirit Week, and Graduation.
Primary Responsibilities:
General Event Coordination:
- Organizes, plans, and submits set up forms for events and coordinates event needs with Facilities, Security, Catering and Technology
- Arranges food and beverages, orders audiovisual equipment, creates and sends invitations, orders event signs and materials, and ensures appropriate décor (florals, linens, color schemes, etc.) matches the Windward brand
- Creates and revises room layouts for events
- Develops and manages event timelines, programs, and budgets
- Assists with venue research and site selection
- Sources vendors and serves as liaison with vendors on event-related matters
- Assists with managing on-site set up and break down
- Prepares name tags, materials, gifts, registration lists, seating cards, etc. as needed
- Manages RSVP lists for Advancement events and coordinates with Advancement Services to update database with attendees
- Orders promotional gifts and supplies for events
- Collaborates with Communications to design event-related materials, including logos, postcards, posters, banners and other promotional materials, and then ensures their timely printing and distribution
- Collaborates with Communications to send event related emails and reminders to parents and faculty and staff and use website and social media to help promote events
Additional Event Responsibilities:
- Manages bi-weekly calendar meeting for Facilities, Security, Catering and Technology departments and other relevant event stakeholders
- Responsible for managing event software including but not limited to Kissflow Event Forms, Eventbrite, Greater Giving, and Paperless Post
- Serves as a liaison with parent/guardian volunteer committees including Decor, Faculty/Staff Appreciation, Party Book, Spirit Wear, Spirit Week, Spring Soiree, and Windchella
- Manages Spring Soiree auction including inputting descriptions into Greater Giving, working with parent co-chairs to create online catalog by uploading images, and working with Advancement Services to create materials needed for event
- Manages planning of Spirit Week with parent co-chairs including creating schedule, selecting and managing vendors, and creating layout and set up plan
- Manages Senior Awards for Graduation as well as ticket requests, parking requests, and seating arrangements
- Manages all aspects of Night on the Bridge planning with parent co-chairs including selecting and managing vendors and creating layout and set up plan
Manages Windward Gift Ordering and the Spirit Wear program, including online store and pop-up sales.
This is a great chance to be part of a dynamic, close-knit, independent school culture and community.
We offer competitive compensation and benefits, including:
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- Paid Holidays, Vacation and Wellness days
- Retirement Plan, including up to 6% employer match
- School-paid Life and Disability Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account Plans
- Annual $2,000 FlexCheck
- Annual $2,500 Lunch Allowance
- MetLife Group Home & Auto Group Discount
- Access to Peak Performance Center to promote physical and mental health
- Wellness Initiatives, including Chair Massages, free Wellness Coaching, Self-Care Reimbursement, and much more!
- Employee Assistance Program
- Upon acceptance to Windward School by the Admissions Committee, employees may apply for tuition remission for their children
- Nurturing, supportive and inclusive community
- And much more!
Salary Range: $85,000-$95,000, depending on experience.
To Apply: All interested candidates should send a resume and a cover letter via the Application link.
EOE
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years’ experience in event planning and management
- Strong proficiency in Google Drive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, mail merges
- Experience with Raiser’s Edge, Greater Giving (or similar auction software), Eventbrite, Social Tables, and Photoshop helpful
- Ability to work effectively with staff and volunteers
- Outstanding ability to work collaboratively and be a positive, enthusiastic team member
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Proven ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent organization and detail-oriented
- Must be available to work evenings and weekends as needed