Associate Director of Community Events and Engagement

Job Description

Associate Director of Events and Community Engagement, Bishop O'Connell High School, Office of Advancement

Exempt, Full-Time, In-Person Comprehensive Benefits Package

To apply: Please send your resume and letter of interest to employment@bishopoconnell.org by June 17, 2026, and include "Associate Director of Events" in the subject line of the email.

Position Summary: Bishop O'Connell High School seeks an energetic, organized, and relationship-driven professional to serve as Associate Director of Events and Community Engagement. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, this position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the school's signature fundraising and community-building events, including the Annual Gala & Auction and the Golf Tournament, while cultivating business and corporate sponsorships that support the school's mission.

The Associate Director additionally serves as the primary liaison to the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and Boosters, collaborates closely with school leadership, volunteers, and community stakeholders, and contributes as an active member of the Advancement Team. This position plays a vital role in strengthening engagement among parents, alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and friends of Bishop O'Connell while advancing the school's fundraising and community relations goals.

Responsibilities Events Management

Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of the school's Annual Gala & Auction,Golf Tournament, and other community engagement and fundraising events.
Develop and manage event timelines, budgets, logistics, vendor relationships, contracts,and event production details.
Coordinate event committees and volunteers, ensuring effective communication anddelegation of responsibilities.
Oversee event registration, sponsorship fulfillment, auction procurement, guestexperience, and post-event stewardship.
Evaluate event outcomes and provide reports, recommendations, and performancemetrics to Advancement leadership.
Ensure events reflect the mission, values, and standards of Bishop O'Connell High School.

Corporate and Business Sponsorship Development

Identify, solicit, secure, and steward business and corporate sponsorships for fundraising events and school initiatives.
Develop sponsorship packages and customized partnership opportunities that align with donor and corporate interests.
Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, corporate partners, alumni-owned businesses, and community organizations.
Coordinate sponsor recognition and fulfillment across event, print, digital, and promotional platforms.
Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to integrate sponsorship efforts into broader fundraising and engagement strategies.

Parent Volunteer Liaison

Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Parent-Teacher Organization and the Boosters.
Attend PTO and Booster meetings to support communication among the parent volunteers, the school administration, and the Advancement Office.
Assist in coordinating PTO-sponsored activities and volunteer engagement opportunities.
Foster strong partnerships with parent leaders to encourage community participation and philanthropic support.
Provide guidance and administrative support as needed to help the PTO achieve its objectives.

Advancement Team Participation

Serve as an active and collaborative member of the Advancement Team.
Support annual giving, donor stewardship, alumni relations, communications, and other Advancement initiatives as assigned.
Assist with donor cultivation events, campaign activities, and school-wide engagement efforts.
Maintain accurate records of sponsorships, event participation, and constituent interactions within the school's database.
Contribute to strategic planning and departmental goal setting.
Represent Bishop O'Connell professionally at school, community, and donor events.

External Engagement Management

Manage community relationships with sending schools and local non-profits that O'Connell regularly supports.
Fulfill sponsorship requests, provide auction donations, advertisements, etc., to approved groups.
Ensure that O'Connell's brand is properly represented with our community partners.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, business, nonprofit management, public relations, or a related field.
Three to five years of experience in event management, fundraising, development, community relations, or a related field.
Demonstrated success in coordinating large-scale events and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Experience securing sponsorships, partnerships, or external funding support.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and customer-service skills.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage budgets, deadlines, and logistics.
Knowledge of event management and fundraising software platforms.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by events and school activities.

Personal Characteristics

Embrace and support the mission and values of Catholic education.
Demonstrate initiative, creativity, and a strong work ethic.
Build positive relationships with parents, alumni, donors, volunteers, faculty, staff, and community partners.
Be a collaborative team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
Exhibit professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
Possess enthusiasm for community engagement and advancing the mission of Bishop O'Connell High School.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and move event materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
Ability to stand, walk, and work extended hours during events.
Ability to travel locally for meetings, sponsorship visits, and school-related functions.

About Bishop O'Connell High School

Bishop O'Connell High School is a coeducational, college-preparatory school in Arlington, Virginia, rooted in the Catholic faith and dedicated to educating young men and women in the tradition of academic excellence, service, leadership, and spiritual growth. The Office of Advancement works to build meaningful relationships and secure philanthropic support to sustain and advance the school's mission.

About the Employer

Our mission is to provide students an education rooted in the life of Christ and to foster the pursuit of excellence in the whole person.