Director of Programs and Special Events

Diocese of Venice, Inc.; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School is seeking a Director of Programs and Special Events to lead planning, coordination, and execution of fundraising events and engagement programs. You will work within the Advancement team to strengthen relationships with alumni, parents, donors, and community partners while generating philanthropic support for the school.

The role requires experience in planning and executing major events, sponsorship development, and volunteer coordination, with strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience planning and executing successful events, preferably including fundraising and sponsorship development.
• Exceptional organizational, project-management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, build relationships, and work with diverse constituents.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and execute mission-driven educational programs and events.
• Plan, manage, and execute major Advancement events (e.g., Annual Gala, Golf Tournament).
• Develop event sponsorships and revenue-generating activities.
• Cultivate prospective supporters and strengthen donor relationships.
• Oversee event budgets, timelines, vendors, volunteers, and post-event evaluations.
• Collaborate with Advancement, school administration, and community partners.

Skills

Event planning

Fundraising

Sponsorship development

Volunteer coordination

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Company

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High

Title:Director of Programs and Special Events, Full-Time

Reports to: Principal

Location: Cardinal Mooney High School |Sarasota, FL

Classification: Salaried/Exempt

Overview

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School seeks a mission-centered, relational, and strategic professional to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of fundraising events and engagement programs that advance the mission and strategic priorities of the school. As a member of the Advancement team, the Director is responsible for creating meaningful experiences that strengthen relationships with alumni, parents, donors, and community partners while generating philanthropic support for the school.

Job Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Develop, coordinate, and execute educational mission-driven educational programs, including but not limited to securing guest speakers, organizing symposiums and special presentations, and creating meaningful experiences for students, family, alumni, and other community members.
• Special Event Leadership: Plan, manage, and execute major Advancement events, including the Annual Gala, Golf Tournament, donor-recognition events, campaign receptions, and other school fundraising and community-building initiatives.
• Fundraising & Sponsorships: Develop event sponsorships, underwriting opportunities, and revenue-generating activities in collaboration with the Director of Advancement.
• Donor Engagement: Create opportunities to cultivate prospective supporters, strengthen existing donor relationships, and expand philanthropic participation.
• Program & Financial Management: Oversee event budgets, timelines, vendors, volunteers, committees, logistics, and post-event evaluations to ensure operational excellence and financial accountability.
• Advancement Collaboration: Work closely with Advancement colleagues, school administration, and community partners to align events and programs with the school's broader fundraising, engagement, and stewardship strategies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing successful events, preferably including fundraising, sponsorship development, and volunteer coordination preferred.
• Exceptional organizational, project-management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, develop relationships, and work collaboratively with diverse constituents.
• Strong financial stewardship, attention to detail, creativity, and proficiency with event-management technology.
• Commitment to the Catholic mission, values, and educational philosophy of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School.

Please note: State of Florida law requires fingerprinting and clearance through the Florida DOE Background Screening Clearinghouse for all school-based positions. For informational purpose only: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Position Type

Full-time

Area of Interest

Schools