Events Manager (Development) in London

University College School (UCS) is delivering a major fundraising campaign (Tomorrow's Trailblazers) leading up to its 200th anniversary in 2030.

Centred on expanding bursary provision and enhancing school facilities, this campaign relies on deep engagement across our whole community; parents, Old Gowers, donors, and friends.

The Events Manager (Development) leads the strategic planning, end-to-end execution, and post-event analysis of all DACE events.

This role is responsible for delivering high-impact events that drive engagement, support donor stewardship, build alumni networks, and advance the school's philanthropic goals.

The Events Manager (Development) works in the Development Office and reports to the Director of Development (Do D) or the Deputy Director in their absence.

The Development and Community Engagement Office (DACE) runs a comprehensive programme of events to fundraise (both directly and indirectly), steward donors, raise awareness, build community engagement, promote mentoring and networking, and more generally engage our community (parents, Old Gowers, donors and friends).

The Events Manager (Development) will be responsible for delivering the suite of DACE events.

They will take the lead on planning, organising and delivering these events, as well as evaluating, analysing and improving these events.

They will manage the full programme of events, including identifying what events allow DACE to deliver their objectives, working with internal and external stakeholders The role will be term time + 2 weeks.

This will be determined by the Events Manager (Development) and the Director of Development.

There will be a requirement for evening and weekend work as dictated by the DACE events schedule., Under the Health and Safety Act 1974 we all have a responsibility to ensure a safe working environment for everyone who comes within our working environment.,

• Develop a deep understanding and appreciation of the ethos, vision and strategy of UCS to then plan, implement and promote events for the advancement of the Foundation
• Develop, implement, and evaluate an innovative, target-aligned events strategy supporting UCS and DACE priorities.
• Plan, organize, and execute the full suite of DACE events (including but not limited to alumni reunions, formal dinners, fundraising events, donor receptions).
• Constantly work to improve and optimise both individual events, and the events programme.
• Work with the relevant UCS staff (maintenance, catering) to organise, co-ordinate and attend all Development events that are of the highest possible standards.
• Ensure all post-event follow-up after is timely, efficient, effective and professional.
• Build relationships with key internal and external partners in order to deliver high quality, impactful events.
• Collaborate with the DACE team to create compelling event invitations, web copy, brochures, and promotional materials.

Work with the rest of the Development Office to support wider initiatives.

• Manage event budgets, monitor expenditure, negotiate with suppliers, and ensure cost-effective resource allocation.
• Database Management - CRM
• Ensure that records on the School's CRM for Old Gowers, donors, parents, pupils and friends are maintained accurately and efficiently both electronically and on file and in accordance with GDPR regulations.
• Ensure all information is obtained ethically in compliance with GDPR and PECR.
• Safeguarding & School Policies
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons at the school.
• Adhere fully to all UCS policies, including Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities, Fire Safety, and Safeguarding/Child Protection.
• Other
• Build strong, professional relationships with Old Gowers, donors, parents, academic/support staff, and senior leadership.
• Manage and supervise office volunteers or temporary staff as appropriate.
• Actively follow all relevant UCS policies including 'Equal Opportunities,' Fire and Health & Safety regulation.
• Attend support staff and academic staff meetings as and when required.
• Undergo training as required and in-line with departmental objectives.
• Regularly devise and assess Development Office processes to ensure the smooth running and effectiveness of the department.
• Carry out any other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job, the title of the post and its grading as requested by the Do D, the Deputy Director or the Headmaster.

To Note DACE will offer time back for work outside of normal working hours delivering events. This would be discussed case by case with the Director of Development

Essential

• Experience of event organisation and management.
• Excellent organisational and administrative systems and skills
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Adaptive and calm under pressure
• Self-motivated and goal/target orientated.
• Team player
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required by event schedules.

Desirable

• Ability to demonstrate personal experience of working in a professional environment which demands excellent organisational and administrative systems and skills.
• Evidence of personal focus on relationship-building and customer service.
• Experience of managing individual contacts as well as institutional contacts.
• Experience of using a CRM database.
• Arrangements for the Appointment

University College School was founded in 1830 to promote principles of liberal scholarship.

That remains our first and overriding aim.

Intellectual curiosity, breadth of study and independence of mind combine to achieve academic excellence; they are not subordinate to it.

UCS remains true to the liberal traditions of its founders and continues to work hard to foster independence of mind among its pupils, to value their individuality and to create a diverse and inclusive community.

Academic results are excellent.

Music and drama are very strong at UCS and the school offers an outstanding range of co-curricular activities and enrichment opportunities.