Special Events and Advancement Associate

Silicon Valley International School (INTL), a Pre-school to 12th-grade private bilingual language school, is looking for a Special Events Advancement Associate to join our team.  The Advancement Department is responsible for the school’s development, fundraising, community building, and alumni relations. The Department has the honor of being the school's advocate for goodwill, spirit, and philanthropy.The ideal candidate should have a passion for working in a fast-paced, team-oriented, and multicultural environment. They should possess the ability to be forward-thinking, to anticipate the implications and consequences of situations, and to take appropriate action to be prepared for possible contingencies. They should be capable of maintaining high-performance standards and have the ability to adapt to changing work environments, priorities, and organizational needs. The candidate should be able to work well under tight deadlines, maintain positive emotional stability, and provide logistical planning and coordination of events and activities in collaboration with the Chief of Advancement. The ideal candidate should welcome constructive feedback and be open to continuing to learn and grow in their role and our unique environment. The ideal candidate will be someone who has experience working in a Development or Advancement environment within a non-profit organization or school environment for philanthropic events. This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout employment.The salary scale for this position ranges from $85,000.00 to $100,000.00Primary ResponsibilitiesEvent Coordination oversees the planning and execution of all Advancement events, including major programs such as the Soirée du Vin Wine Auction, Annual Gala & Auction, Art Gallery Display, as well as receptions, campaign events, and presentations. This includes, but is not limited to:Monitoring and tracking event timelinesCoordinating logistics and managing outside vendorsPreparing, distributing, and tracking invitationsTracking advertisements and solicitations, developing donor relationships, and managing select direct solicitationsManaging auction items and donation materials, including organizing contributions, writing descriptions, sourcing photos, and following up with donorsCoordinating event volunteers, including communication, meetings, and gift organization, and providing support as neededServing as a point of contact for event-related communications with participants, volunteers, donors, and stakeholdersSupporting capital campaign efforts through a variety of donor eventsCross-functional support: performing other duties as needed to support the department’s goals and objectivesPosition Qualifications/SkillsEducation & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience5+ years of experience in Development/Advancement or administrative roles, preferably within academic or nonprofit settingsCultural competency and the ability to work effectively across diverse culturesFluency in Mandarin, French, or German is a plus but not requiredTechnical & Creative SkillsStrong technical proficiency, including MS Office Suite and Mac OS; familiarity with web technologies; ability and willingness to learn new technologies, with preference for experience in Keynote and iMovieProficiency in graphic design or art, including desktop publishing and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign)Experience with Blackbaud or similar database systems, including data entry, maintenance, and reportingCore CompetiencesStrong attention to detail with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced, team-oriented, multicultural environment; strong aesthetic sensibility preferredExcellent communication, writing, and editing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse populationStrong organizational skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and follow through on multiple projects simultaneouslyAbility to manage, initiate, and complete multiple tasks within deadlinesAbility to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environmentExercises sound judgment and maintains confidentiality with discretionStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to provide prompt and courteous customer service to all school constituentsPhysical & Logistic RequirementsRequires access to a private vehicle for local travel and a valid and current California Driver’s LicenseAbility to lift and carry up to 35 lbsAvailability for occasional evening and weekend work, including overtime during peak event periodsPhysical Requirements and Work ConditionsThe physical requirements and work conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.Ability to remain seated for an extended period of time or on feet for extended periods, up to 12 or more hours, and to navigate a variety of environments, including stairs and uneven terrain.Capacity to perform fine motor tasks with precision, including gift assembly, floral pinning, and basic equipment troubleshooting within time-sensitive settings.Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and climb ladders as needed to support event setup, décor placement, and signage installation.Ability to safely lift, carry, and maneuver event materials, including boxes and small furniture, weighing up to 50 pounds.Flexibility to work a demanding, non-traditional schedule, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, based on operational and event needs.Demonstrated resilience and emotional stability, with the ability to maintain a professional demeanor and effectively perform responsibilities in fast-paced, high-pressure, live event environments.This description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice, based on the needs of the School. How to ApplyIf you would like to join our vibrant community, we welcome you to apply. Please submit a current résumé along with a cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the position.To ensure a thoughtful and complete review, only applications that include both a résumé and a cover letter will be considered. Please no phone calls or walk-in. Silicon Valley International School is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all applicants and makes employment decisions based on merit.  INTL prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic characteristics or information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. INTL will afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees as to all terms and conditions of employment, including, without limitation, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, transfer, discipline, and termination.