Events Manager

McLean School (mcleanschool.org), an independent, co-educational, K-12 day school in Potomac, Maryland, seeks applicants for the Events Manager position to begin immediately. McLean School has for almost seventy years been helping students realize their full potential by providing a comprehensive college preparatory program that emphasizes small classes and differentiated instruction. Through our Abilities Model®, we embrace both traditional learners as well as those with dyslexia, ADHD, executive functioning issues, and anxiety. We recognize and teach to individual strengths, responding to areas of challenge, but never defining students by them.

This exciting opportunity will challenge a dynamic and driven professional to help build community and school spirit through detailed execution of some of the school’s most important and complex events including the Fall Family Walk, Annual Celebration & Fundraiser, Cecily’s Advocacy Conference, Grandparents and Friends Day, Parent Socials, Spring Family Carnival, and a host of other smaller events (fundraisers, social events, sporting events, academic events, and cultural events). The primary objective is to ensure well-coordinated, safe, and joyful celebrations and programs. The successful candidate will bring strong project management, event planning experience, energy and an ability to work with parent volunteers and other key stakeholders to launch events in alignment with McLean’s culture, strategic priorities, and brand. 

The Events Manager will report directly to the Director of Development with a dotted line to the Director of Community Inclusion and External Relations. This position is external-facing and accomplished through deep collaboration with McLean’s Parents Association and by effectively leveraging the skills and contributions of the parents, trustees, friends, alum, faculty, staff, and volunteers. 

Position Description 

• Plans, organizes and executes events, and activities for the school community


• Coordinates facilities, rentals, entertainment, and all event details


• Establishes timelines, monitors budgets, and ensures payment of appropriate vendors and service providers


• Solicits and helps to coordinate parent volunteers


• Works with the Director of Communications and Marketing and is responsible for communicating with various stakeholders to promote Parents Association events and ensures everyone is well informed of details and expectations. 


• Plans events with attention to financial and time constraints, and ensures compliance with school policies and procedures.


• Proactively handles arising issues and troubleshoots emerging problems on the day of the events  


• Develops roadmap and feedback to improve future events

Qualifications & Experience

• Possesses excellent organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal


• Detail-oriented with project management skills and experience 


• Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills


• Ability to finish tasks in a timely manner 


• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups 


• College degree preferred


• 3-5 years event planning experience preferred  


• Working knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, Excel


• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends, based on the event requirements

Salary Range: $55,000-$70,000

McLean School is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, genetic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please contact the Director of Executive Support & Recruitment, Robin Speller.