Immediate: Assistant Director of Events, Alumni and Family Engagement - Sandy Spring Friends School

Founded in 1961, Sandy Spring Friends School is a progressive, coed, academically-rigorous day and boarding school serving approximately 620 students from age three through 12th grade. The campus is located on 140 acres in the historic Sandy Spring area of Montgomery County, Maryland, and the School is approved by the Maryland State Board of Education and accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland Schools.

Our school’s culture, rooted in the idea that collaboration engenders achievement, can be traced to our Quaker heritage and abiding belief in the Quaker values of simplicity, equality, integrity, stewardship of the environment, and peaceful resolution of conflict.

Assistant Director of Events, Alumni and Family Engagement (in-person)

Summary: The Assistant Director of Events, Alumni, and Family Engagement at Sandy Spring Friends School (SSFS) plays a key role in fostering community spirit and building connections among alumni, parents, and families. Reporting to the Director of Institutional Advancement, this position is responsible for creating and implementing engagement strategies through events and relationship-building efforts, cultivating strong support and involvement within the SSFS community.

Responsibilities include:

1. Event Planning and Coordination:

• Plan, organize, and execute a variety of events, including alumni reunions, family engagement activities, and community-wide events, ensuring they reflect the values and mission of SSFS.

• Oversee all logistics, including vendor management, budgets, timelines, and on-site coordination, ensuring high-quality experiences that connect alumni, parents, and families to the school.

• Collaborate with other departments to support school-wide initiatives, ensuring events align with overall institutional goals and community needs.

2. Alumni Relations:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with SSFS alumni, keeping them connected to the school through events, programs, and meaningful communications.

• Coordinate with the communications team to produce alumni-focused content, including newsletters and digital updates to share stories, achievements, and opportunities for involvement.

• Engage alumni through networking, mentoring, and volunteer opportunities that encourage ongoing participation and support.

3. Family Engagement:

• Cultivate relationships with current and alumni parents, fostering a welcoming and inclusive community.

• Organize and oversee family engagement events, including the annual Parent Association Auction, to enhance family involvement in the SSFS experience.

• Serve as a liaison between families and school administration, addressing concerns, facilitating communication, and encouraging feedback to continuously improve the family experience.

4. Volunteer Management

• Recruit, train, and manage alumni and parent volunteers for events, committees, and other school initiatives.

• Recognize and celebrate the contributions of volunteers, promoting a culture of appreciation within the SSFS community.

5. Fundraising Support

• Work with the development team to align events and engagement initiatives with fundraising goals, including annual giving and major campaigns.

• Cultivate relationships with alumni and parents to inspire philanthropic support for SSFS, and steward donors to ensure they feel valued and connected.

6. Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of event participation, alumni and family engagement activities, and volunteer contributions using the school's CRM system, Veracross.

• Prepare reports to track engagement metrics and provide insights that guide strategic planning for alumni and family programs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in event planning, alumni relations, fundraising, or related fields, preferably within an educational or nonprofit setting.

• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute events, build relationships, and engage alumni, parents, and volunteers effectively.

• Proficient in Canva for creating visually compelling graphics that align with brand guidelines and support marketing initiatives across digital and print platforms.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong ability to engage and inspire diverse groups within the community.

• Strong organizational skills with the capability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

• Acute attention to detail and high level of professionalism.

• Proficiency with G-Suite product including Classroom and experience with CRM such as Veracross systems, experience with Canva and multi-media support for both internal and external communications.

• Ability to work evenings and weekends to support various school events and activities.

• Commitment to the mission and values of Sandy Spring Friends School and the Quaker tradition.

Physical Requirements: Daily desk work including significant amounts of telephone and computer time; as part of daily routines, the ability to move around a large campus with uneven pavement and managing stairs; frequent walking inside and outside responding to campus issues and/or checking on various departmental progress.

Please note that the School has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination.

Summary of Benefits:

Salary: $65,000 - $80,000

At SSFS, we offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. Our benefits include:

• Comprehensive Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy.

• Disability & Life Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage, along with life insurance for peace of mind at no cost to employees.

• Retirement Savings: 403(B) plan with employer contributions to help you save for the future.

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off, including holidays and parental leave.

• Employee Assistance: Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

• Tuition: Financial aid available to children of SSFS employees.

• Childcare Discounts: Discounted After Care and Summer Camp programs for employees' children.

• Convenience Perks: Free parking, free lunch, and access to our library and gym facilities.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for growth through tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, and ongoing professional development initiatives.

• Campus Amenities: Work in a beautiful, historic campus with walking paths. We are a smoke-free, environmentally conscious community.

Commitment to Diversity: Sandy Spring Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or a person's status as a qualified candidate with a disability in administration of its educational program, admission policies, financial aid program, staff hiring, and other school-administered programs.