Bishop O’Dowd High School

Director of Events

Contract type - 11 month, exempt

Salary range - $80,000 - $100,000 DOE

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Bishop O’Dowd Mission/Charism

Mission: Bishop O’Dowd High School is a Catholic college-preparatory community, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, that educates its diverse student body to build a more just, joyful and sustainable world.

Charism:

Finding God In All Things Calls Us to:

Community in Diversity,

Strength of Character,

Academic Excellence,

Kinship With Creation,

Social Justice,

Joy

Job Summary

Bishop O’Dowd High School Development Department engages and cultivates alumni, parents, past parents, friends, corporations, and foundations to advance the vision and mission of the school. The department seeks a Director of Development Events to provide leadership and direction in the planning and execution of high-quality events, including two fundraising events that constitute the core of the role throughout the year, 2-3 smaller stewardship events and production partnership on an alumni reunion.  The Director of Development Events makes connections to constituents throughout the school and community; produces exceptional events that advance the school’s brand and cultivate prospects and donors; manages key volunteers; partners with Development team members to achieve annual fundraising goals; and develops, maintains, and promotes a sponsorship program for O’Dowd which meets goals. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), the successful candidate will bring strong project management and event planning experience, energy, and an ability to partner successfully with parent volunteers and other key stakeholders to launch events in alignment with O’Dowd’s culture, strategic priorities, and brand. 

Key Responsibilities

Event Management

• Guide and execute fundraising and planning for the 2 key fundraising events 

• • Develop and manage event execution and planning for the 2 key fundraising events, including the timeline, definition of responsibilities for department colleagues and other internal stakeholders (facilities, catering, custodial and other campus directors), vendor relations, show-flow, program and speaker support, revenue components (auction items, raffles, etc.) and expenses and communication (social media posts, RSVP reminders/confirmations, special instructions for guests, presentation materials/talking points, and peer-to-peer outreach). 

  • For the Crab Feed event, create and implement revenue generating opportunities to meet revenue goals including sponsorships, raffles, ticket sales. Manage the kitchen/catering and table serving planning by partnering with the kitchen staff and volunteers.

  • For the Transforming Lives Dinner event, partner with CDO, other key development colleagues and volunteers to ensure that fundraising goals for individual giving are integrated into event planning. 

  • Proactively handle arising issues and troubleshoot emerging problems on the day of the event. 

  • Ensure post-event activities including settlement, feedback and support for fulfillment of any event guest purchases (auction items, raffles, etc.).

• Manage venue, planning timeline, program and guest experience for 2-3 stewardship events through the year.

• For the Alumni Reunion, serve as event production lead, providing expertise and support with floor layout, catering, rentals, alcohol & event licenses, guest registration, show flow, etc.

• Manage the work of a shared assistant (30% role devoted to event support) to assist with guest registration, communication and event logistics.

• In partnership with the CDO, develop a roadmap and feedback to improve future events.

Volunteer Management & Donor Stewardship

• Coordinate and support volunteer efforts associated with the two key annual fundraising events; serve as staff liaison for all event-related committees, prepare materials for committee meetings, and assist with fulfillment of assigned tasks and manage ongoing volunteer succession and engagement strategies

• In partnership with the CDO, develop comprehensive post-event strategies to deepen attendee connectivity; engage development team members to support strategic outreach.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in department-wide efforts in support of the Parent Pledge Program, Fiscal Year End and Calendar Year End solicitation efforts and weekly stewardship calls.

• Attend development related events and schoolwide functions as needed to connect with constituents.

• Understand the School’s academic program and its campus culture.

• Demonstrate support and respect our mission, vision, core values, and Catholic identity.

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Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

• 3 or more years of experience in event management, nonprofit fundraising, or related fields.

• Experience managing volunteers and volunteer committees.

• Familiarity with Bay Area private event venues and vendors.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Organized self-starter, with impeccable attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.

• Ability to work in a high-paced environment and effectively pivot from one project to another.

• Ability to manage projects with several variables, set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline, and ensure accountability.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Collaborative work style with a focus on providing exceptional service across multiple constituencies.

• Knowledgeable in or willingness to learn the school’s event data management software, including Greater Giving, or whatever event platform is being used by the department. Training is provided.

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.

• Computer proficiency including familiarity a donor database, MS Office and Google Office Suites

• Available for evening and weekend activities.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Additionally, all personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit your cover letter, resume, references, and salary requirements.
https://bishopodowd.bamboohr.com/careers/223?source=aWQ9MTc%3D 

Pre-employment background screening is required for all positions. For more information on Bishop O’Dowd High School, please see our website at: http://bishopodowd.org.

Bishop O’Dowd High School is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment policies and procedures. It follows the Diocese of Oakland's policies prohibiting illegal harassment, retaliation, or discrimination. However, as a Roman Catholic high school with a stated mission, goals, and objectives that clearly reflect the teachings and educational philosophy of the Diocese of Oakland, Bishop O’Dowd High School reserves the right to require all current and prospective employees to commit to carrying out their duties and responsibilities in a manner that clearly and unconditionally demonstrates support of and respect for the school’s mission and Catholic identity. Persons who in good conscience are unable to agree to this commitment should not seek or accept employment at Bishop O’Dowd High School. As a faith-based institution, we reserve the right to use religion as a criterion in hiring decisions, as permitted by law, as it relates to performing essential job duties.