Purcell Marian Seeks Special Events & Alumni Engagement Coordinator

August 12, 2022

Special Events & Alumni Engagement Coordinator

JOB DESCRIPTION

Purcell Marian High School is hiring for a Special Events & Alumni Engagement Coordinator to manage our calendar of special and alumni engagement events as well as coordinate volunteer opportunities. This is a full-time 12 month position. The Special Event & Alumni Engagement Coordinate is responsible for planning and execution of special events and alumni engagement initiatives.

Position Objectives
Reporting to the Director of Development and working collaboratively with the Purcell Marian team, the Special Events and Alumni Relations Coordinator is responsible for planning and executing all special events including our signature Grand Event fundraiser.

This position develops and nurtures supportive relationships between Purcell Marian High School and its alumni by planning and implementing engaging alumni events and special event fundraising opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Leads and executes Purcell Marian’s Special Events to meet the school’s strategic objectives including: Homecoming Week (September) and Grand Event (April), and milestone class reunions
  • Collaborates with the Director of Development and Director of Communications to produce digital and print communication materials, including letters, emails, cards, social media campaigns, etc.
  • Cultivates and engages alumni through social and fundraising events to further develop the alumni community.
  • Evaluates event outcomes to recommend and implement decisions regarding logistics, venue, permitting, timing, contractors, ticket pricing, and collaborations
  • Develops and manages event timetables to ensure smooth and efficient execution of events 
  • Leads and executes the annual Grand Event (auction/dinner) fundraiser including sponsorship acquisition, and auction/raffle in-kind donations
  • Builds and manages team of volunteers for special event committees
  • Oversees the development and interactions of the Alumni Association leadership committee
  • In collaboration with the Director of Development, develops relationships to plan and execute class giving initiatives
  • Organizes and attends alumni gatherings (class luncheons, happy hours) and oversees post-event follow up
  • Maintains up-to-date list of class gatherings and promotes via Purcell Marian communication channels
  • With the support of Purcell Marian’s Development Associate, utilizes data donor management databases on a regular basis to develop analytical tools to increase alumni participation and event fundraising
  • Manage budget for event and alumni engagement expenses.
  • Develops a rapport with current students that continues and keeps contact during college years for future giving including assisting with The Walk (October) and Senior Circle (May) 
  • Helps to coordinate other planned school events, as assigned (such as Open House, Scholarship Award Night, and other school-related events).  Contributes to social media alumni channel under the director of Director of Development sharing alumni news, invitations, and events 
  • Coordination of vendors and volunteer for all events (catering, lighting, transportation, set-up, clean-up, staffing)
  • Under the direction of the Director of Development and Director of Communication, drafts copy for events, press releases, social media posts, and other written materials as needed
  • Carries out other projects and duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Exceptional organizational abilities and attention to detail
  • Ability to act decisively and think strategically with minimal supervision
  • Excellent project management skills, including planning initiatives and motivating participants to achieve goals
  • Ability to manage and complete multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Familiarity with branding, communications, and/or marketing preferred 
  • Ability and willingness to work outside of standard business hours, including weekends and evenings; This role requires frequent evenings and weekend and allows for a flexible schedule
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a high degree of professionalism, competence, and integrity in dealing with a variety of individuals
  • Prior experience with donor management database software preferred
  • Social media acumen

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree with 1-3 years experience in nonprofit, corporate or school event planning, development, or fundraising role
  • Purcell Marian alumni encouraged to apply, alumni affiliation not required for position
  • A strong team player, demonstrated self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills, requiring minimal supervision
  • Possesses the ability to work in a deadline driven and customer-service focused environment
  • Experience and skill in Salesforce or related donor databases is a plus 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Suite
  • Strong speaking and writing skills and keen attention to detail
  • Comfortability in working with diverse ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds of the student body, alumni base and broad community
  • Valid driver’s license and insurance
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends

Resume & Cover Letter Submission Instructions:

Qualified candidates should submit their cover letter and resume to Candice Jones Peelman cpeelman@purcellmarian.org 

Purcell Marian does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, age, sex, color or national origin. Compatibility and adherence to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, the educational philosophy of Purcell Marian, and personal values, together with professional competency and certification are factors that will influence the selection process. 

Applicants being considered for the offer of a new contract must: 1) agree to an online background check, FBI and BCI fingerprinting as a condition for employment 2) provide documentation of educational credentials including transcripts of college work and degrees and copies of the required license/certificate for the position. 3) complete an application for employment 4) provide a resume and three professional references. 

All new employees are subject to a criminal background check including FBI and BCI fingerprinting which must be made through the Archdiocese of Cincinnati ​prior​ to working with children.  

Archdiocesan employees will adhere to the Child Protection Decree for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. All employees of the Archdiocese are trained in this decree as a term of employment.  A copy of this decree can be found at http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/protecting-children/decree-on-child-protection/ 

Every employee must complete ​and maintain their SafeParish training by successful completion of monthly bulletins.

The physical demands of this job include but are not limited to: (1) moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another, (2) must be able to walk and stand for long hours, including adjusting or moving objects up to 20 pounds in all directions, (3) must be able to lift, move and carry supplies needed for events and will participate in set-up and tear-down event activities.  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 


Purcell Marian High School is a Catholic co-ed high school in the Marianist tradition serving a diverse population of students since 1928. Partnering with the Society of Mary, Purcell Marian was founded to teach faith and prepare graduates for post-secondary professional opportunities in our ever-advancing world. Purcell Marian is an authorized International Baccalaureate World School, which challenges students to ask questions, think critically, and develop research skills proven to help them later in life. We measure our success on our 3E Guarantee, which guarantees all graduating seniors are either Employed, Enlisted, or Enrolled at the time of graduation. 

Purcell Marian is focused on inclusivity and developing a diverse team.

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