Ascension Catholic Academy | Minneapolis, MN
Salary Range: $66,068 - $71,068
PURPOSE OF POSITION The Director of Events and Partnerships is a creative strategist that supports the Advancement Department of the Church of the Ascension, a multi-cultural Catholic community on the near north side of Minneapolis, and the schools that comprise Ascension Catholic Academy including Ascension and John Paul II in Minneapolis and St. Peter Claver, and St. Pascal in St. Paul. This position will operate in alignment with Ascension Parish’s mission of providing a sanctuary in which all are invited to recognize, acknowledge, and live in God’s presence.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES Employment in and by the Roman Catholic Church is substantially different from secular employment. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals, or laws of the Church or the Archdiocese, such that it can embarrass the Church or give rise to scandal. It is preferred that this employee be an active, practicing Roman Catholic. Reasonable accommodation for the religious practice of employees not of the Roman Catholic faith will similarly be provided.
REPRESENTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES Lead the strategy, implementation, and solicitation of gifts through key Ascension Catholic Academy events; guide and support the execution of Board Member hosted events and school site specific events. Lead and strengthen Ascension Catholic Academy’s volunteer program; Provide work direction and supervise Volunteer Manager; steward and cultivate existing partnerships within individual schools, sister parishes, and across the ACA organization with a focus on increasing volunteerism, engagement, and contributed revenue. Discover and identify new partnerships that align with ACA’s mission.
- Manage Ascension Catholic Academy signature events which will include ACA-wide 8th grade Celebration and President Circle gatherings. Facilitate planning committee meetings in conjunction with ACA’s President, Vice-President of Advancement, and contracted event planner. Support committee solicitation efforts and manage prospect lists. Lead sponsorship process and serve as point of contact with sponsors to coordinate details of sponsorship including billing, recognition, website updates, and other logistics. Work collaboratively with Communications on print and PR needs. Recruit, organize and steward event volunteers, creating job descriptions, and ensuring adherence to required background checks and training if applicable.
- Support the implementation and execution of fundraising events conducted by schools, principals, and board members. Assist in cultivating and stewarding event leaders, sponsors, donors, and volunteers; provide strategic direction and support to ensure fundraising success and growth.
- Provide strategic direction for donor stewardship engagement and acquisition activities such as donor visits and tours, events at school sites and the Ascension Church, Second Collection efforts with sister parishes, and other events as they arise.
- Lead and strengthen strategy of Corporate Sponsorship program to discover, cultivate, solicit and steward current and prospective corporate sponsors. Manage prospect lists, proposals, and reporting.
- Lead and strengthen strategy of ACA’s Volunteer program. In partnership with Volunteer Manager work with principals and school leaders to determine volunteer needs and opportunities for both individuals and groups to engage on our campuses with scholars and school leaders throughout the year, including summer SLAM program. Ensure volunteer data is being captured in Raiser’s Edge.
- Coordinate, track, and monitor current partnerships within individual schools and across ACA to grow engagement and deepen levels of commitment to sustain ACA’s mission. Serve as ACA’s leadership point of contact for partnerships that are site specific within schools.
- In partnership with Manager of Data Services ensure contact information is inputted and updated when necessary to strengthen overall health of database.
- Meet regularly and work directly with the ACA’s Vice-President of Advancement, the Advancement Team, and other leaders on special projects as needed. Provide input in developing targeted plans, approaches, and goals as it pertains to donor engagement and event fundraising.
- Occasional evening and weekend hours required.
- Other tasks as needed.
The responsibilities listed above are representative responsibilities intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications required of the position. More detailed listing of duties and tasks may be outlined in supplemental documents. Assigned responsibilities may change, as the needs of Church of the Ascension change.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
- 3-5 years of non-profit fund development experience, specifically in the areas of event fundraising and volunteer management
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Track record of creating and strengthening relationships and partnerships to support an organization’s mission.
- Demonstrated ability to work with a high level of thoroughness and attention to detail.
- A working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), database management programs, internet research and basic office-oriented equipment. Experience with Raiser’s Edge software is a strong preference.
- High standards of excellence and a “do whatever it takes to accomplish the job” attitude.
- Ability to work with little supervision. Possess sound judgment with ability to balance independent action with adequate communication with the Vice-President of Advancement.
- High level of multitasking ability. Self-motivated with creative and efficient use of time and resources in planning and managing various responsibilities to meet tight deadlines.
- Commitment to basic fundraising ethics and strong confidentiality principles.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with individuals of various skill sets and personalities.
Schedule: 40 hours per week, 12 months a year; some evenings, early mornings, and weekend obligations
Email resume to Shannon Baier at
sbaier@acamn.org