Assistant To Event Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Connelly School of the Holy Child is a Catholic, college preparatory school, committed to the intellectual, spiritual, artistic, physical, and social development of young women in grades 6 through 12. The school emphasizes academic challenge, joy of learning, and education of well-rounded women of faith and action. The Holy Child community welcomes students and families of different faiths and diverse backgrounds. In keeping with the philosophy of our founder Cornelia Connelly, Holy Child values the uniqueness of each individual and fosters a life of service to others. 

Description & Details: 

Connelly School of the Holy Child seeks an energetic, highly organized, and detail-oriented Events Manager to lead the planning and execution of fundraising, donor, alumnae, admissions, and schoolwide events. Reporting to the Development Office, the Events Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of event production, ensuring a seamless experience for guests while advancing Holy Child's mission, community engagement, and fundraising goals. While event planning and execution comprise the primary focus of the role, the Events Manager also provides operational support to the Development Office to enhance efficiency, constituent engagement, and fundraising success throughout the year. 

The successful candidate will be a skilled project manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and enjoys collaborating with colleagues, vendors, volunteers, and community partners. 

Key responsibilities:  

• Event Planning and Management 

• Lead the planning and execution of Development and key schoolwide events from concept through post-event evaluation. 

• Develop project plans, timelines, budgets, and event logistics to ensure successful execution. 

• Coordinate all event details, including registration, catering, rentals, audiovisual needs, signage, transportation, guest management, and facility setup. 

• Oversee event setup and breakdown, ensuring a high-quality guest experience. 

• Manage event calendars and planning schedules in collaboration with school leadership and department partners. 

• Gala and Fundraising Events 

• Serve as the primary project manager for the School's annual Spring Gala & Auction. 

• Coordinate event logistics, sponsorship fulfillment, auction operations, and guest experience. 

• Work closely with Development staff, volunteers, and vendors to support fundraising goals. 

• Track event expenses and revenue in partnership with the Business Office and Development team. 

• Assist with donor stewardship and recognition activities associated with fundraising events. 

• Schoolwide and Community Events 

• Coordinate major institutional events in partnership with Admissions, Athletics, Academics, and School Leadership. 

• Support events such as Open House, Head of School Dinner, Blue/Gold Games, donor receptions, alumnae events, and other key community gatherings. 

• Ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with the School's mission and brand standards across all events. 

• Vendor and Budget Management 

• Identify, negotiate, and manage relationships with event vendors, venues, caterers, and service providers. 

• Secure high-quality services while maintaining fiscal responsibility. 

• Manage event budgets, contracts, invoices, and payments in coordination with the Business Office. 

• Maintain accurate event records, timelines, and expenditure reports. 

• Event Communications and Evaluation 

• Coordinate event invitations, registration materials, signage, programs, and event-related communications in partnership with the Communications Office. 

• Monitor registration and attendance data. 

• Conduct post-event evaluations and provide recommendations for future improvements. 

• Manage event recordkeeping, attendee tracking, and reporting. 

• Development Operations Support 

• Provide administrative and operational support to the Development Office, particularly during periods of lower event activity. 

• Assist with event-related data management, reporting, and constituent record maintenance in school fundraising and engagement platforms. 

• Support donor stewardship efforts through gift acknowledgment processes, mailing coordination, and event-related follow-up. 

• Maintain event documentation, vendor records, timelines, and departmental procedures to support organizational continuity and efficiency. 

• Assist with special projects, data cleanup, and other Development initiatives as assigned. 

• School Engagement 

• Maintain an active presence on campus to build relationships and effectively represent Holy Child's mission and culture. 

• Support a collaborative and service-oriented culture consistent with the school's values and traditions. 

• This individual will have an active presence on campus to ensure they may accurately represent how Holy Child is living out the mission of building the next generation of women of Actions Not Words. 

Requirements

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience 

• Three to five years of event planning, hospitality, fundraising, or related experience 

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills 

• Strong written and verbal communication abilities 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with attention to detail 

• Experience managing budgets and vendor relationships 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. 

• High professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information 

• Commitment to embrace the school's mission and values 

• Strong understanding of, and respect for, Catholic faith, beliefs, and practice 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Experience planning fundraising or donor engagement events 

• Experience in an independent school, nonprofit, or higher education setting 

• Familiarity with Veracross, Raiser's Edge, OneCause, or similar platforms 

• Experience coordinating large-scale events with multiple stakeholders 

• Knowledge of event registration and auction software 

Physical Demands:  

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as events require 

• Ability to assist with event setup, breakdown, and on-site event management 

• Able to lift small items of up to 20 pounds 

It has been and will continue to be the policy of Connelly School of the Holy Child to be fair and impartial in all of its relations with applicants for employment and to make all employment related decisions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, or any other categories protected by federal, state, or local law. Decisions regarding employment will be based solely upon job-related factors. 

Benefits

• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental & Vision) 
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA) 
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D) 
• Paid Time Off
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability 
• Training & Development