Community Relations & Signature Events Manager

National Association of Independent Schools; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in Dallas is seeking a Community Relations & Signature Events Manager to cultivate a vibrant community through strategic events and volunteerism. This role focuses on enhancing community engagement and executing impactful initiatives aligned with the organization's mission. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, and a background in event planning. Join a dedicated team and contribute to fostering a sense of belonging and connection within the community.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in community engagement and event planning preferred.
• Strong organizational and project management skills required.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead community engagement initiatives.
• Plan and execute a portfolio of signature events.
• Serve as a key partner to the Associate Head of School.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Project Management

Interpersonal Skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Digital Event Platforms

Event Data Analytics Tools

Job description

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Relations & Signature Events Manager plays an essential role in cultivating a vibrant, inclusive, and mission-driven Alcuin community. Through thoughtful events, purposeful volunteerism, and strategic partnership development, this role fosters experiences that reflect and reinforce Alcuin’s values of lifelong learning, global citizenship, and authentic connection. In partnership with the Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement, the Manager ensures that every engagement moment—whether celebratory or service-oriented—strengthens the school’s identity and deepens community investment in Alcuin’s vision and future.

JOB SCOPE

This position leads the design, coordination, and execution of engagement initiatives that bring Alcuin’s mission to life—from parent onboarding and volunteer leadership to hallmark school events that celebrate milestones and build lasting connections. The Community Relations & Signature Events Manager serves as a key strategic partner to the Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement, operating with independence, creativity, and collaboration to ensure community initiatives align with school-wide goals and foster a strong sense of belonging.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Community Engagement & Volunteer Leadership

• Design and lead inclusive parent and community engagement initiatives that cultivate a strong sense of belonging among new and returning families.

• Manage the Room Parent Program to ensure clear, consistent communication between families and school leadership, serving as a liaison for community input and feedback.

• Collaborate with the Parents’ Club to activate and steward parent volunteers, aligning efforts with institutional priorities in advancement, events, and school-wide initiatives.

Event Visioning, Strategy & Execution

• Plan and execute a portfolio of signature events that foster connection, celebrate milestones, and reflect Alcuin’s mission; including, but not limited to Advancement fundraisers, Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day, and community celebrations.

• Lead cross-functional coordination with Security, Facilities, faculty, and staff to ensure events are safe, well-executed, and mission-aligned.

• Partner with academic leadership to support meaningful student-centered events such as the Extended Essay Banquet, Senior celebrations, and parent education programs.

Strategic Advancement & Institutional Alignment

• Serve as a key partner to the Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement, advancing special projects and strategic initiatives that deepen community engagement.

• Maintain and manage the main Alcuin calendar, ensuring consistency, clarity, and strategic alignment across divisions.

• Design and produce compelling event collateral and promotional materials that elevate Alcuin’s brand identity, drive fundraising engagement, and cultivate community pride and participation.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Participate in ongoing professional development in event strategy, community engagement, and independent school advancement by attending workshops, conferences, and relevant training opportunities.

• Engage in the life of the school through active participation in designated functions, meetings, and events, as outlined in the Employee Handbook, employment agreement, or at the request of school leadership.

• Engage in essential aspects of daily school operations, such as carpool or supervision, as needed, reflecting a spirit of teamwork and shared responsibility across the administrative team.

• Take on additional projects or responsibilities as assigned by the Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement or the Head of School in alignment with institutional goals.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Required

• Ability to provide documents verifying authorization to work in the U.S.

• Must pass Criminal Background Checks, Reference Checks and Drug Testing

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple events.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to engage with diverse families, alumni, and volunteers.

• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and advance the strategic, logistical, and relational needs of senior leadership in high-visibility settings.

• Proficiency in digital event platforms, interactive donor engagement technology, and event data analytics tools.

• Must be able to work in an environment of constant demands and frequent interruptions

• Ability to interact and communicate appropriately and professionally with parents, students, and colleagues

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Adherence to the highest ethical standards with the ability to act with discretion and diplomacy

• Sound judgment in maintaining the strictest of confidentiality of sensitive information

Preferred

• 3-5 years of experience in community engagement and event planning

• Experience in a non-profit setting

• Multilingual or bilingual abilities a plus