Communications & Events Lead (m/ž)

The Central and Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA) is looking for a dynamic, hands-on Communications and Events Lead. In this role, you aren't just managing tasks; you are building experiences. You will work directly with the Executive Director to translate strategic goals into high-quality professional learning events and compelling narratives that resonate across our network of international schools. This is a role for a proactive problem-solver—someone who enjoys the "big picture" of educational transformation but finds satisfaction in the "fine print" of flawless execution. We are a small, agile team. This means you will have a high degree of autonomy and the opportunity to leave your mark on everything we do. - Project Architect: You will take new ideas—partnerships, programs, or grants—and build the plans, timelines, and workflows to bring them to life. - Brand Storyteller: You will own CEESA's voice. You'll manage our monthly newsletter, social media presence, and website, ensuring our communication is as professional and forward-thinking as the schools we serve. - Event Producer: From virtual webinars to multi-day regional conferences, you will lead the end-to-end delivery. You'll manage registrations, coordinate with world-class speakers, and ensure every attendee has a seamless experience. - Operational Grounding: You will be the "anchor" for a fast-paced Executive Director, keeping initiatives on track, managing budgets, and refining the systems that make our work sustainable. The Opportunity The Central and Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA) is seeking a hands-on Communications and Events Lead who can turn ideas into high-quality professional learning experiences and market them effectively to our member schools. Working closely with the Executive Director, you will translate priorities into deliverable projects, well-run events and clear communications. You will be the architect of our story and the producer of our most pivotal experiences. This role is for a forward-thinking innovator who can see the big picture of educational transformation while managing the intricate details that make it happen. Role Profile: The Entrepreneurial Partner You are a strategic thinker who thrives on "what if?" but excels at "here is how." You will support the Executive Director by converting strategic priorities into actionable projects, well-marketed communications and high-quality professional learning events.You are not just supporting the mission; you are actively shaping how it is communicated and delivered to our community of international schools. You are able to work independently, driving your own success while working in concert with a small, tight team. Key Responsibilities 1. Strategy, Innovation & Implementation - Act as a Strategic Partner: Work with the Executive Director to scope and launch new programme ideas, partnerships and professional learning opportunities, turning concepts into plans, timelines and deliverables. - Drive Future Growth: Move beyond maintenance to improvement. Identify risks, recommend solutions, and define the scope and goals of new initiatives that align with CEESA's mission. - Governance Support:Prepare concise post-event and periodic programme summaries (attendance, feedback themes, budget vs actual, recommendations) to support ED and Board decision making. 2. Marketing and communications - Own the Narrative: Own CEESA’s core communications: monthly newsletter, website updates and social content calendar, ensuring a consistent, professional voice across internal and external communications. Marketing Strategy: Create and execute event marketing plans that drive registrations and member engagement (campaign plans, messaging, email/newsletter promotion, social promotion and performance tracking - Compliance & Trust: Maintain GDPR-aligned data handling across registration, email lists and digital platforms, following CEESA policies and escalating risks promptly 3. Event delivery and member experience - End-to-End Execution: Own end-to-end delivery of workshops and webinars: planning, registration, run-of-show, speaker/presenter coordination, attendee communications and post-event follow-up including feedback collection. - Grant Utilization: Design and coordinate grant-funded activities, ensuring the programme maximises member value and meets grant requirements. - On-Site Leadership: Lead on-site delivery when required, including venue liaison, speaker support, tech checks, signage, transportation coordination, and attendee communications 4. Operations & Financial Stewardship - Project Management: Manage project plans and delivery tracking, ensuring timelines, deliverables and budgets are met, with clear updates. - Financial Oversight: Prepare event budgets, coordinate presenter contracts and track post-event invoicing in partnership with the Business Manager (budget vs actual, payment status, documentation). - Process Improvement: Updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), templates and checklists that standardise event delivery and reduce operational friction..

What You’ll Bring: - Entrepreneurial Mindset: You don't wait for a manual. You see a process that could be better, and you suggest a solution. - Digital Fluency: You are a "digital native" comfortable with Google Workspace, Zoom Events, CRM tools, and basic design (like Canva). You use data and analytics to see what's working and what isn't. - Clear Communication: You write with clarity and speak with diplomacy. You can manage a diverse range of stakeholders—from school heads to corporate partners—with confidence and poise. - Adaptability: You thrive in a hybrid environment and are ready to travel within the region when the mission calls for on-site leadership. Qualifications: - Education: Minimum Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Event Management, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field (or Bachelor's Degree and equivalent experience). - Experience: Proven end-to-end delivery of events/programmes plus practical marketing/communications experience (social, email/newsletter and web updates), with evidence of working to timelines and budgets. - Language: Native level fluency in English. - Croatian Citizenship or Permanent Residence. The "CEESA Factor" (Cultural Fit) - Human Connection: You are service-oriented and collaborative, calm under pressure and able to support others effectively in a people-centred environment - Entrepreneurial Spirit: You bring solutions, not just problems. Bring confident ownership and a polished, proactive style- bringing confidence, ownership, and flair to your work. - Dynamic Collaboration: You possess the unique strategies and patience required to Provide structured prioritisation support to a fast-moving Executive Director, keeping initiatives on track, serving as the grounding force for high-energy visionary leadership.