Events Maestro: Gala & Alumni Engagement Lead

Georgetown Preparatory School; North Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgetown Preparatory School seeks a talented Director of Events to lead planning and execution of the school’s advancement and community events. You will drive signature events, alumni gatherings, donor receptions, and stewardship activities with a focus on mission-driven Jesuit values.

Reporting to the Senior Director for Advancement, you will manage budgets, vendor relationships, and auction activities while collaborating across campus and with external partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 7-10 years of professional event management experience.
• Experience managing fundraising events or in nonprofit/education advancement preferred.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication with donors, trustees, alumni, and leadership.
• Proficiency with event management software and CRM databases (Veracross, OneCause or similar).
• Ability to manage multiple projects under deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends for events.
• Commitment to Jesuit, Catholic education.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute signature advancement events (Prep Gala, alumni weekends, donor events).
• Create timelines, run-of-show docs, and post-event reports.
• Coordinate on-site execution with facilities, dining, and security.
• Manage external venues for off-campus events.
• Integrate fundraising goals (auction, Raise the Paddle, sponsorships) into event design.
• Oversee silent and live auctions, including procurement and tracking.
• Coordinate sponsorship fulfillment and sponsor touchpoints.
• Support stewardship events for major gifts and endowment donors.
• Develop event communications and manage guest lists and RSVP data.
• Lead volunteers on event days and ensure Jesuit identity and warmth.

Skills

Project management

Multi-tasking

Vendor negotiation

Donor relations

Discretion

Collaboration

Creative problem-solving

Institutional mission alignment

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Veracross

OneCause

Microsoft Office / Google Workspace

Job description

Georgetown Preparatory School seeks a talented Director of Events to lead planning and execution of the school’s advancement and community events. You will drive signature events, alumni gatherings, donor receptions, and stewardship activities with a focus on mission-driven Jesuit values.

Reporting to the Senior Director for Advancement, you will manage budgets, vendor relationships, and auction activities while collaborating across campus and with external partners.