Manager of Community Engagement & Events

The Willows Community School
Located in Culver City, The Willows Community School is a developmental kindergarten through 8th grade non‑profit, co‑educational independent school enrolling 475 students annually. Recognized as a balanced, progressive educational leader, The Willows’ academic program incorporates experiential learning and thematic instruction into cutting‑edge curriculum and integrates technology and the arts into the classroom. The Willows is strongly committed to financial assistance and seeks a broad‑based student body with a diverse range of race, ethnicity, economics and learning styles.

Manager of Community Engagement & Events
The Manager of Community Engagement & Events is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of a year‑round portfolio of all school events intended to cultivate and steward all constituents. Working closely with the Director of Development, Director of Advancement, the development and facilities teams, and the Willows Parent Association (WPA), the Manager helps bring The Willows’ mission to life through thoughtful, creative, and well‑executed events that reflect the heart and spirit of our school. This role is designed as a highly collaborative, hands‑on position combining project coordination and successful execution with hospitality and constituent relations components.

Reports to
Director of Development

Ideal Candidate

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively across departments and build positive working relationships with diverse constituencies including families, colleagues, trustees, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, community members and vendors

Effective time‑management skills and ability to handle a fast‑paced work environment

The ability to remain calm, flexible, and solutions‑oriented under pressure; uses creative, strategic thinking and sound judgement to identify challenges, develop solutions, and resolve issues in a timely manner

Energy and enthusiasm for creating successful, smooth, well‑coordinated event experiences for the community

Proactive and adaptable with attention to detail, and comfort with handling both behind‑the‑scenes logistics as well as front‑facing hospitality and constituent services

Participate and initiate opportunities that demonstrate one's growth, knowledge, and skills

A strong commitment to supporting a warm and vibrant independent school community

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Events Management

Collaborate with administration, staff and volunteer leadership, conceptualize events, including the purpose of the event, targeted audience, key themes, budget, messaging, location, and vendors

Build and maintain relationships with vendors

Partner with key staff or departments on all event logistics including calendaring, coordinating RSVP’s, event set‑ups, catering, audio/visual, day of event details, post event acknowledgements and more

Liaisons between the development office and the facilities team

Assists with writing, designing, and producing publications and materials associated with the events

Attends events and is a point person to ensure that all runs smoothly; manages and participates alongside the facilities team during event set‑up to ensure successful event layouts and troubleshoot as needed

Facilitates and manages offsite school events as necessary

Coordinates weekly meetings with facilities reviewing upcoming events and set‑ups; create detailed event timelines, production schedules, checklists, etc.

Works with Directors of Advancement and Development on community communications for upcoming events

Participates in regular Calendar Committee meetings to review all‑school calendars

Oversees catering for various committee meetings and events

Fundraising and Community Events

Work closely with the development team and WPA volunteers to execute fundraising and community building events

Actively contribute to the development team’s goals and initiatives

Constituent Relations

Collaborates with development team members to develop events and activities designed to cultivate relationships with all constituents both internally and externally (new parents, current parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, trustees, Board of Governors, faculty and staff)

Assists with neighborhood relations (e.g., coordinating with Culver City for event permit)

Responsible for coordinating all details related to internal campus events (e.g., coordinating grade level exhibitions with faculty and staff)

Represent the School professionally and warmly in interactions with parents, trustees, faculty, students, alumni and grandparent communities, community partners, and vendors

Skills / Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Minimum of 3 years of experience in related field; experience in an independent school, nonprofit, hospitality, or similarly high‑touch environment is preferred

Great communication skills and experience working with volunteers is preferred

Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and projects effectively

Creative and strategic thinker

Able to work both collaboratively and independently in fast‑paced work environments

Proficient in Office and Apple software/products; knowledge of Raisers Edge, Finalsite, Veracross and Jotform a plus

Availability to work evenings and weekends as required by the School’s event calendar

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This full‑time, exempt position offers a salary range of $75,000 - $90,000, commensurate with experience.

Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Medical, dental and vision insurance covered at 100% for employees

Life insurance and long‑term disability coverage

Generous retirement plan with an employer discretionary contribution

Flexible spending account (FSA)

Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays

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