Events & Communications Coordinator

Reports to the Marketing and Events Manager

Location : Maplewood Campus / Classification : Non-CBA Exempt

Salary Range : $55,000 -$65,000 : The starting salary is determined based on the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as budget availability.

Start Date : July 1, 2024

THE SCHOOL

Rochambeau, The French International School located in Bethesda, MD, provides a unique education combining the French curriculum with high-quality English instruction to around 1,200 students from ages 2 to 12th grade.

Our diverse student body, representing over 80 nationalities, benefits from our strong emphasis on inclusion and equity, supported by our dedicated faculty and staff.

THE POSITION

The Events and Communications Coordinator is a pivotal role within our organization, tasked with supporting the development and execution of all event-related activities.

Specifically, this position involves the tactical planning, organization, and management of external vendors and partners, ensuring seamless event execution while meticulously attending to every detail.

In addition to event logistics, this role assumes ownership of various tasks, anticipating questions, possibilities, and outcomes to proactively prepare and address potential challenges.

Furthermore, the Events and Communications Coordinator plays a crucial role in event communications, providing content for our website, social media channels, newsletters, and marketing materials, ensuring consistent messaging and brand representation throughout the event lifecycle.

Moreover, this role encompasses the management of our school boutique, overseeing stock, and inventory management, and occasionally engaging in sales activities at our mobile boutique.

Collaboration with the wider Communications and Events team is integral to success in this role, working closely with colleagues to leverage collective expertise and ensure synergy in event planning and execution.

Additionally, this position reports to and receives guidance from the Marketing & Communications Manager, contributing to the overall strategic direction of our communications and events initiatives.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

These examples of duties and responsibilities are intended only as examples of the various job duties. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is a similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.

Faculty and staff positions are school-based and in-person.

• Planning and Execution : Develop, coordinate, and implement with the Manager a comprehensive annual events calendar aligned with the school's strategic objectives by the end of the first quarter, ensuring representation of key initiatives and milestones.
• Financial and Budget Management : Assist in the development of a detailed events department budget for the upcoming fiscal year, including quarterly forecasts and expense tracking mechanisms, to be finalized by the end of the current fiscal year.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management : Expand the network of community partners and sponsors within the first half of the year, fostering mutually beneficial relationships to support event success and sustainability.
• Logistical Coordination and Event Planning : Develop and coordinate event timelines for all major school events by the end of the first quarter, ensuring key milestones are included.
• Data Analysis and Performance Reporting : Implement a standardized event performance reporting system, including key metrics and benchmarks, to be utilized for all events, with quarterly review meetings to analyze data and identify areas for improvement.
• Procurement Management and Cost Control : Reduce event supply costs by 10% by year-end through monthly tracking and implementation of cost-saving measures.
• Collaborative Partnership and Interdepartmental Coordination : Establish regular cross-departmental meetings to foster collaboration and alignment on event activities and initiatives, with at least two joint events planned and executed by mid-year.
• Information Management and CRM Utilization : Develop and maintain 100% accuracy in guest lists and registration records for each event by confirming data accuracy before events and conducting post-event data reviews..
• Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement Strategies : Recruit and retain active event volunteers by year-end, tracking engagement and implementing recruitment and retention strategies.
• Post-Event Evaluation and Feedback Collection : Coordinate event feedback collection within one week of each event, implementing a structured feedback collection process to provide valuable insights for event improvement.
• Visual Design and Brand Adherence : Create visual materials for all school events, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and timely completion before scheduled dates.
• Risk Assessment and Contingency Planning : Develop a comprehensive event risk management plan, including identification of potential risks and mitigation strategies, to be reviewed and updated annually to ensure compliance and minimize liabilities.
• Attendance & Punctuality : Reliable attendance is essential. Staff must be punctual and dependable to meet Rochambeau's needs.

Absences or tardiness disrupt work and burden colleagues. Attendance and reliability impact performance evaluation and continued employment.

Ability and willingness to work in-person, flexible hours with occasional evenings and weekends

Continual commitment to Rochambeau’s vision, mission, and values.

REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and possess at least one year of experience in events management, marketing, or a related area.

They should demonstrate a track record of taking ownership of tasks, coupled with creative problem-solving skills and the ability to translate strategy into actionable plans.

Excellent organization and project management skills; good attention to detail; demonstrated ability to handle a high volume of work with shifting priorities and meet short- and long-term deadlines

Outstanding interpersonal skills : demonstrated ability to build collaborative working relationships across diverse constituencies (colleagues, volunteers, vendors, and donors)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Background in specialized events planning and direct independent project management experience to oversee complex initiatives autonomously.

Demonstrated ability to navigate diverse challenges and deliver successful outcomes. Experience in graphics, video, and writing

• Familiarity with website management such as Finalsite or another school platform
• Familiarity with marketing programs such as MailChimp, Constant Contact, or similar programs
• Experience with task management systems such as Asana or similar programs
• Experience with Windows-based computer programs and technical proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google platforms
• Proficiency in Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, etc)
• Experience working in an independent school or college / university setting
• Bilingual English and French or strength in writing in one with good comprehension in the other

SPECIAL NOTE

Per Maryland House Bill 486, amended in House Bill 373, Rochambeau will contact the applicant's previous employers to request information relating to child sexual abuse or sexual misconduct.

Rochambeau is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We value all individuals, treat everyone with fairness and respect, and comply with Federal anti-discrimination laws.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. For assistance, contact Human Resources at (301) 798-4802.