The Lab School of Washington’s Office of Institutional Advancement (IA) seeks an experienced professional to lead our community engagement and events efforts. The Community Engagement and Events Manager is responsible for building, nurturing, and activating the Lab School’s parent community while also leading the strategic planning and execution of the school’s major events. This role serves as the primary liaison to the Parents’ Association of the Lab School (PALS), leads parent engagement and oversees all major institutional events including the Annual Gala, graduation, admissions events, and community programs. This position blends relationship-building, community leadership, and high-level event strategy and execution to strengthen the Lab School’s culture, visibility, and mission impact.
The ideal candidate is very organized and adept at long-term planning, thrives in a fast-paced work environment, has independent school experience, and is a team player. The Manager will report to the Director of Annual Giving, with close collaboration with the Chief Advancement Officer and the Associate Head of School.
Department: Office of Institutional Advancement
Location: 4759 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC
Type of Opportunity: Position begins July 1, 2026; full-time; 12 months
Compensation Range: $80,000-$90,000
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Community Engagement and Parent Relations
- Create and support meaningful avenues for parent participation in the life of the school.
- Serve as the primary liaison to the Parents’ Association (PALS), building strong partnerships with parent leadership and volunteers.
- Guide PALS leadership in planning and executing parent-focused community-building events such as the Fall Fair, Book Fair and Chili Cook-Off
- Identify and manage grade level representatives in support of Lab’s philanthropy and community building initiatives.
- In partnership with Admissions/Enrollment Management, oversee parent ambassador and Parent Buddy programs to welcome and onboard new families.
- Collaborate with Admissions/Enrollment Management to survey and/or interview families leaving Lab prior to graduation.
- Provide background information, as requested by the Head of School and Chief Advancement Officer, on parents who may be considered for Board service.
- Contribute to the school magazine and other publications as requested.
- Support school leadership and broader institutional priorities.
- Work with school leadership and faculty to plan and manage a robust lecture and speaker series that positions Lab as a leader in LD education.
Events Strategy & Execution
- Plan, oversee, coordinate, and execute all major school events, including:
- Annual Gala
- Graduation
- Admissions events
- Alumni and community receptions
- Parent Mingles
- Manage events from inception through execution, including:
- Concept development, timelines, budgets
- Invitations, registration, RSVP tracking
- Vendor coordination and logistics
- Day-of event management
- Post-event evaluation and reporting
- Work closely with the Director of Annual Giving, CAO and volunteer leadership on the Annual Gala, including auction, sponsorships, and awards programs.
- Lead and support volunteer committees involved in fundraising and event execution.
- Oversee event-related websites, communications, graphics, publications, and messaging.
Operational Systems
- Manage event platforms, registrations, and related data systems.
- Oversee event communications including email campaigns, invitations, and internal staff itineraries.
- Create and manage event request and planning systems to streamline internal processes.
- Track attendance, engagement, and ROI year-over-year to assess effectiveness and guide strategic improvements.
- Input and manage data in appropriate systems
- Identify and procure branded merchandise for the Lab School community.
What We Offer:
- A collaborative team environment within a renowned educational setting
- A mission-driven organization focused on helping students reach their full potential
- Professional development opportunities
Qualifications & Attributes:
- Bachelor’s degree required
- 5+ years of experience in community engagement, advancement, events, or related roles focused on relationship building
- Proven success in relationship-building, volunteer management, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex, high-profile events and multiple projects simultaneously.
- Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Highly detail-oriented, proactive, and strategic.
- Creative problem solver with excellent judgment and discretion.
- High integrity and ability to handle confidential information with tact.
- Comfortable working with diverse constituencies: parents, trustees, faculty, staff, students, vendors, and community members.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- High energy, flexible, and enthusiastic about working in a school environment.
- Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required for events and community responsibilities.
Why This Role:
This position sits at the center of Lab’s community life — shaping parent experience, strengthening school culture, managing major moments, and ensuring the school presents itself with excellence, warmth, and strategic intent to both internal and external audiences.
Physical Demands:
Ability to lift and transport materials and supplies weighing up to 20–25 lbs. Ability to stand for long periods of time. Frequent walking, reaching, and bending. Fine motor skills and steady hands.
Work Environment:
The daily work environment is characteristic of a school setting, where noise levels can shift quickly from quiet clinical spaces to busy, high-activity areas. The successful candidate must be comfortable working in a fast-paced atmosphere, managing frequent transitions throughout the day, and maintaining professional focus despite common classroom distractions. The employee may be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.
To Apply: Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a completed Lab School employment application to this web address.
The Lab School does not discriminate against qualified applicants or students on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid or other policies and programs.
