Director of Constituent Engagement & Special Events

Villa Maria Cathedral Preparatory Catholic School System, VMCPCSS, in the Diocese of Erie, Pennsylvania, is committed to understanding and living by Catholic core values and the Gospel truth. VMCPCSS, including Cathedral Preparatory School and Mother Teresa Academy, is seeking an experienced and motivated professional for the position of Director of Constituent Engagement & Special Events.

Villa Maria Cathedral Preparatory Catholic School System offers a unique combination of learning experiences with a 100% philanthropic-funded mission elementary school (kindergarten through 8th grade) and Christ-centered, coeducational, college preparatory high school (grades 9-12).

Using a collaborative approach with the Vice President of Advancement, the Director of Constituent Engagement & Special Events will develop, maintain, and cultivate relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of the schools to enhance solicitation strategies for prospects, develop stewardship strategies, and continue building the pipeline of new prospects from outside the school’s existing database through strategic outreach.

Essential job functions include:

• Lead the planning and execution of the annual reunion weekend and Young Alumni Happy Hour, working closely with class agents to market and coordinate their specific events during the reunion throughout the year.
• Organize, plan and execute events including but not limited to the Legacy Gala, Rambler Golf Classic, President’s Leadership Council, Mary’s Day activities, Athletics Hall of Fame, alumni gatherings, and regional events, as well as one-on-one events for President and the Vice President of Advancement.
• In conjunction with the Advancement team, secure sponsorships and donations for various events. This includes cultivating relationships with sponsors and donors. Communicate fundraising priorities and results via social media, emails, and print media.
• Recommend and develop donor cultivation and solicitation strategies, timing for visits, and manage follow-up activities to secure major gift fundraising.
• Facilitate/coordinate communication with prospects and nurture prospect relationships with the school and its leadership.
• Jointly create proposals tailored to the donor’s interests.
• Track all contact with top donors and prospects in Raisers Edge.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned by the Vice President of Advancement

The successful candidate should hold a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field and have three to five years of experience in advancement or a similar field. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook). Experience with Blackbaud and Canva software is a plus.

Key attributes for success in this position include:

• Exceptional professionalism and excellent customer service skills with a “service to others” philosophy
• Strong communication skills in oral and written form as well as interpersonal communication
• Proven track record as a relationship builder
• Excellent attention to detail and follow-up skills
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments and tasks with minimal supervision
• Works independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment

Please submit resume and letter of interest to:

Villa Maria Cathedral Preparatory Catholic School System

ATTENTION: Geri Haines, Human Resources Manager

250 West 10th Street

Erie, PA 16501

Or email to geri.haines@cathedralprep.com.

No telephone inquiries please