Narragansett, Rhode Island
Narragansett, Rhode Island
East Providence, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island
Posted: 18-Jun-26
Location: Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Job Summary:
The Special Events Coordinator and Development Assistant plays a key role in supporting Portsmouth Abbey School's Development Office by assisting in the planning and execution of fundraising events, helping coordinate the School’s Centennial Year-long celebration, and providing general administrative support. This entry-level position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to support high-profile events and initiatives, while ensuring efficient operations within the Development Office. The role will be critical in lending support to celebrate Portsmouth Abbey’s 100-year legacy and engagement with alumni, families, and the broader community.
Responsibilities:
Centennial Event Planning and Execution:
- Support the planning and execution of Portsmouth Abbey’s Centennial Year-long celebration, assisting in the coordination of signature events, regional gatherings, and on-campus activities.
- Assist with logistical details for Centennial events, recording registrations, printing and assembling invitations, creating nametags, and setup to create a seamless experience.
- Support collaboration with vendors and campus partners to support event needs, ensuring alignment with Portsmouth Abbey’s traditions and standards.
- Help ensure each event reflects the School’s Benedictine values and legacy while fostering engagement with alumni, families, and friends. Event Coordination and Management:
- Assist in coordinating other fundraising and stewardship events, including donor receptions and community-building events, ensuring that each event aligns with the School’s strategic objectives.
- Help maintain event timelines, track budgets, and ensure smooth event operations, particularly related to the Centennial events.
- Assist in overseeing logistics for volunteer and staff coordination, ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities during events. Administrative Support:
- Provide general administrative assistance to the Director of Special, Centennial and Campaign Events and the Development Office team, including managing schedules, preparing meeting materials, answering phones, and handling correspondence.
- Assist with invoicing and maintaining accurate event records.
- Enter event information into Raiser’s Edge and maintain accurate updates.
- Assist with preparing reports and communications, including thank-you letters, impact reports, and event invitations.
- Performs additional responsibilities as required to support the team’s objectives and needs.
Event Coordination and Management:
- Assist in coordinating other fundraising and stewardship events, including donor receptions and community-building events, ensuring that each event aligns with the School’s strategic objectives.
- Help maintain event timelines, track budgets, and ensure smooth event operations, particularly related to the Centennial events.
- Assist in overseeing logistics for volunteer and staff coordination, ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities during events.
Administrative Support:
- Provide general administrative assistance to the Asst. Head of School for Dev. & Alumni Affairs and the Development Office team, including managing schedules, preparing meeting materials, answering phones, and handling correspondence.
- Assist with invoicing and maintaining accurate event records.
- Enter event information into Raiser’s Edge and maintain accurate updates.
- Assist with preparing reports and communications, including thank-you letters, impact
- reports, and event invitations.
- Performs additional responsibilities as required to support the team’s objectives and needs.
Marketing and Promotion:
- Support the Communications Office in helping develop marketing strategies for the Centennial events, including social media campaigns, email outreach, and print materials.
- Help maintain and update content on the Development and Alumni Affairs section of the website, ensuring it reflects the Centennial celebrations.
- Assist with promotional efforts for Centennial events, ensuring alignment with the School's messaging and goals.
Qualifications:
Experience in boarding schools preferred but not required
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
At least one year of experience in event coordination or administrative support, preferably in a nonprofit, educational, or event-planning setting.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with donor management software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge) is a plus.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
High attention to detail, with a professional approach to all tasks.
Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required by Centennial events and other development activities.
Desire to be engaged in a Catholic residential community
Alignment with the School’s mission of Ability to work flexible hours and travel, including evenings and weekends
Other Qualifications:
All prospective employees must be able to clear a background check prior to beginning employment.
Salary: Commensurate with experience and education.
Benefits:
403b
Health/Vision insurance
Dental Insurance
Life Insurance
Short-term disability (TDI)
Long-term disability
AD&D
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition Remission
Contact: Interested applicants should email resumes and cover letters to hr@portsmouthabbey.org
