Director of Programs and Special Events

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Sarasota seeks a mission-driven Director of Programs and Special Events to lead fundraising events and engagement programs that support the school’s mission and priorities.

You will oversee program leadership, major advancement events such as the Gala and Golf Tournament, donor stewardship, budgeting, vendor management, and collaboration with faculty, alumni, and community partners.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead educational mission-driven programs, including guest speakers and symposiums.
• Plan and execute major Advancement events (Annual Gala, Golf Tournament, donor events).
• Develop event sponsorships and revenue opportunities in collaboration with the Director of Advancement.
• Cultivate prospective supporters and strengthen donor relationships.
• Oversee budgets, timelines, vendors, volunteers, and post-event evaluations.
• Collaborate with Advancement, administration, and community partners to align events with goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Relationship building

Budgeting / Financial stewardship

Event management tech

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Event-management software

Vendor coordination

Job description

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

Reports to: Principal

Location: Cardinal Mooney High School |Sarasota, FL

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/