assistant director event planner Brookline, MA
Job description
Seasonal summer positions are available with our summer camps. See all of our current available camp positions here.
Assistant Director of Events
Full-time, Year-Round Position
Immediate opening
About Dexter Southfield
Dexter Southfield is an independent day school where boys and girls in Pre-K through Class 12 develop their individual talents and build an ethical foundation for life. Students learn to lead and serve with character, confidence, and compassion. Our 36-acre campus is located on the Brookline-Boston line, just minutes from the city’s best museums, libraries, hospitals, performing arts venues, colleges, and universities—all of which serve as an extension of our classrooms. At Dexter Southfield, we approach everything we do with enthusiasm and commitment, living by our school’s motto: “Our Best Today, Better Tomorrow.”
We are seeking an Assistant Director of Events, who oversees all events organized by the School’s External Relations team. Under the supervision of the Director of External Relations and Chief Advancement Officer, this position will plan, oversee, coordinate, and run all aspects of events designed to engage the Dexter Southfield community, including alumni, parents, parents of alumni, and grandparents. This position is responsible for the school’s most essential and exciting events including Dexter Southfield Day, Back to School Nights, Grandparents and Grand Friends Day, Head of School Society Dinner, and the Evening of Gratitude, and will be a vital member of the team building the events strategy for the School’s Centennial in 2026. This position will work closely with the operations, fundraising, and administrative teams as well as the in-house catering company. The successful candidate will bring strong project management, event planning experience, leadership, energy, and an ability to collaborate with key stakeholders to execute events in alignment with Dexter Southfield’s strategic priorities and brand.
To be successful in this role, you must be able to:
Plans, organizes, and executes events under the purview of the External Relations team.
Coordinates all logistics including vendor management, facilities coordination, and operational needs.
Creates, communicates, manages, and meets timelines and detailed plans for successful events, including identifying and defining goals and metrics, collateral development, RSVP tracking and follow-up, and contract negotiation and supervision.
Works with Marketing and Communications team to create and execute invitations and communications.
Manages events budgets.
Manages the Engagement and Events Coordinator.
Proactively manages arising issues and troubleshoots emerging challenges with poise and confidence.
Conducts after-action meetings and creates plans for continuous improvement.
Skills and Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree, and 3-5 years of experience with event and/or project management experience. Preference for experience in the education field.
Excellent interpersonal skills and strong customer service orientation.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Managerial experience.
Ability to lead projects to completion; and the ability to plan, set and achieve meaningful objectives.
Ability to develop effective relationships with donors, alumni, volunteers, administration, faculty, staff, and vendors.
Ability to work events and weekends as needed for events.
At Dexter Southfield, we promote a culture of excellence that extends beyond academics, athletics, and the arts. We value a diverse and inclusive community in which different identities and perspectives are accepted and respected to create a sense of belonging for all.
