Director of Special Events and Parent Programming

Thayer Academy seeks a dynamic and experienced Director of Special Events and Parent Programming to play a highly visible and impactful role at an exciting moment in the school’s nearly 150-year history. Reporting to the Director of Development, this professional is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and management of a comprehensive calendar of special events and parent programs that advance Thayer’s mission, strengthen community engagement, and support fundraising and campaign priorities.

A key focus of this role will be helping to lead and execute a series of signature events marking Thayer Academy’s 150th anniversary in the fall of 2027, including a major celebratory gala. The Director will oversee all aspects of event strategy and implementation – concept development, scheduling, budgeting, fundraising components, vendor coordination, volunteer engagement, and post-event follow-up – while ensuring a consistently high-quality experience for all constituents.

In addition, the Director works closely with the Thayer Academy Parents Association (TAPA), providing leadership, guidance, and operational support to enhance programming for parents and guardians and to foster meaningful connections across the school community.

Finally, as Thayer launches into the largest capital campaign in its history, the Director will oversee and execute stewardship events and activities such as dedications of new spaces on campus, campaign donor recognition, and campaign special events, including working with gift officers on stewarding relationships with major donors and key volunteers to make them feel valued and appreciated by the Academy.  

Through both long-range and short-term planning, the Director of Special Events and Parent Programming will help increase alumni and parent participation, strengthen donor stewardship, and contribute to a more cohesive and engaged Thayer community, while advancing the broader goals of the Advancement & Engagement Office and Thayer Academy as a whole.

• Provide strategic oversight and execution of a robust annual calendar of special events, including but not limited to: the General’s Open Golf and Tennis Tournament, Reunion and Homecoming Weekend, the General’s Council Reception; The Valicenti Cup, The Last Hurrah!, Founders Day, Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day, faculty and staff appreciation events as well as alumni and parent socials.
• Lead all aspects of Advancement-related events, including sponsorship solicitation, auction and raffle procurement, ticket sales, guest lists, invitations, décor, program development, vendor management, and volunteer coordination.
• Play a central role in the planning and execution of a series of milestone events commemorating Thayer Academy’s 150th anniversary, including a gala dinner as well as events related to Thayer’s soon-to-be-launched Forever Forward Campaign, including donor receptions, dedications, and other campaign-related gatherings.
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Team of the Thayer Academy Parents Association (TAPA) to support meetings, budgeting, and event planning.
• Work collaboratively with the Head of School, the Senior Administrative Team, and the Advancement & Engagement Team to execute events that strengthen connection and community among parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty/staff, and friends of Thayer.
• Utilize Raiser’s Edge reporting and analytics to evaluate event performance, inform strategy, and develop best practices that maximize fundraising outcomes and promote inclusive community-building opportunities.
• Steward donor and volunteer relationships through the thoughtful and strategic use of events, as well as personalized communications and other forms of outreach, ensuring that constituents feel valued and appreciated.
• Attend and support Development and Advancement events, including occasional evenings and weekends, as required.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Three to five years of experience in development events, advancement, or related fields, with a demonstrated record of successfully executing high-quality events and securing event sponsorships and in-kind donations.
• Strong leadership and managerial skills, particularly in working with and motivating volunteers.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, set expense priorities, and identify opportunities for cost savings and in-kind support.
• Demonstrated analytical and fundraising skills, with the ability to identify opportunities, prioritize high-impact initiatives, and achieve results.
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Natural ability to build rapport with donors, volunteers, parents, and colleagues.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge and the Microsoft Office Suite preferred.

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and compellingly with diverse constituencies.
• Strong relationship-building skills with faculty, staff, volunteers, and community members.
• Mature professional judgment and discretion.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently while also thriving in a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent follow-through and attention to detail.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage competing priorities.

• $110,000 - $120,000

• Please click here to complete an application and upload your resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three to five references, including two present or past supervisors.
• Equal Opportunity Act: Thayer Academy is an equal opportunity employer. The Academy complies with and adheres to all state and federal anti-discrimination laws with respect to its employment practices. Thayer Academy does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin or ancestry, age, or disability, or any other category protected under state or federal law. This policy extends to recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, assignment, working conditions, promotions, transfers, termination, re-employment, education, tuition assistance, employee treatment, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. All employment-related decisions are made on a nondiscriminatory basis so as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity.
• Americans with Disabilities Act: Thayer Academy complies with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws. This means that we will not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability in any phase of the employment relationship including application for employment, hiring, promotions and/or advancement opportunities, termination, compensation, training, and any other conditions or privileges of employment.