Alumni/ae Engagement and Events Coordinator

Commonwealth School seeks a full-time Alumni/ae Engagement and Events Coordinator to start after April 1, 2026. The Coordinator plays a critical role in Commonwealth School’s Advancement team. At Commonwealth, advancement includes fundraising, alumni/ae relations, parent/family relations, and events.

ABOUT COMMONWEALTH SCHOOL

Commonwealth is an independent day school in Boston's Back Bay, serving students in grades 9–12. The school is known for its rigorous academics, low (5:1) student-teacher ratio, strong program in the arts, and unparalleled access to the city’s many resources. In the warmth of a small yet richly varied community, we work closely and collaboratively as we strive, as our mission suggests, to educate young people from diverse backgrounds to become knowledgeable, thoughtful, and creative adults capable of careful analysis, fruitful cooperation, and responsible leadership. Faculty and staff value trust and respect, shared stewardship, autonomy, accountability, creativity, and enjoyment (see our fully articulated norms here). Detailed information about the school is available on our website.

Commonwealth School deeply values professional development for faculty and staff, and this role offers significant exposure to all facets of fundraising, event planning, and alumni/ae relations. As a member of a small, nimble Advancement team, the Coordinator will have the opportunity to learn industry best practices and methodology and to take on greater responsibilities over time.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Alumni/ae Engagement
The Alumni/ae Engagement and Events Coordinator devises and implements alumni/ae-relations strategies, communications, and programs; is the primary point person for alumni/ae queries; and works strategically to deepen connections with the alumni/ae community. They manage Commonwealth Connect, the school’s alumni/ae-engagement platform, and conduct regular outreach to facilitate meaningful connection and communication with the alumni/ae community. 

The Coordinator will be the point person for Commonwealth’s first-ever Alumni/ae weekend in November 2026. As project manager for this important event, the Coordinator will collaborate with colleagues on the Advancement and Communications teams to devise and execute creative direction, logistics, programming, and communications with key stakeholders, including faculty/staff, alumni/ae champions, and the greater Commonwealth community. 

Parent and Family Engagement
As the point-person for parents and guardians in non-academic matters, the Coordinator helps foster connection between the school and families and supports efforts to strengthen the current family community. The Coordinator also runs the All-Family Meetings on Zoom and supports the Faculty/Staff Appreciation Committee, which puts on an appreciation luncheon for faculty and staff each year.

In keeping with Commonwealth’s commitment to equity and inclusion, it is important that engagement opportunities for parents and guardians be accessible to all. Recent examples of successful family gatherings include a picnic in a local park, a walking tour of Boston history led by a current parent, and a bowling night at a T-accessible alley. The Coordinator will champion this inclusive approach to building community.

Events
The Alumni/ae Engagement and Events Coordinator plans, oversees, and directs all event logistics for advancement, alumni/ae, and parent events. They manage logistics and create detailed event plans, budgets, and timelines and work closely with Commonwealth’s Chef Manager to coordinate food and beverage. For events outside of school and beyond Boston, the Coordinator will research, identify, secure, and coordinate venues, catering, rentals, and other items as needed. 

Administrative Duties
As one of two advancement coordinators, the Alumni/ae Engagement and Events Coordinator performs regular tasks using Raiser’s Edge NXT, including gift processing, event registration, and data analysis. The Alumni/ae Engagement and Events Coordinator will be one of three staff members to cover the school’s front office one or two afternoons each week.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree and 2–3 years of experience in a professional role, preferably in a nonprofit or educational environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Strong organizational, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Commitment to collaboration and strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects, adapt, and prioritize
• A high level of professionalism, flexibility, diplomacy, and responsiveness with a range of constituencies
• A high degree of computer literacy, including proficiency using Google Workspace and learning new technology
• An interest in learning and growing as a professional in the advancement, educational leadership, or nonprofit field
• Familiarity with independent schools a plus

JOB STATUS
This is a full-time, exempt position. Daily attendance is required, and some evening and weekend work will be necessary during the academic year for events that take place outside of normal business hours. While this role primarily works in person, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., there is an opportunity for some remote work (i.e., one remote day each week).

 BENEFITS

• Competitive medical and dental insurance
• Retirement plan with 8% employer contribution following one year of employment
• Four weeks’ vacation in first year of employment: two weeks typically used in the summer months, one week each in December (inclusive of holidays) and March during the school’s winter and spring breaks
• Reduced work hours for eight weeks in late June to early August
• Additional benefits information available upon request

Interested candidates should use Quick Apply or email a cover letter and résumé to Alisha Elliott ’01, Director of Advancement ([email protected]).

Candidates who would benefit from accommodations at any point during the application process are encouraged to reach out to Clinton Williams, our Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ([email protected]).