Job Title: Development and Marketing Director
Reports to: Principal and Pastor
Location: Rhodora J Donahue Academy | Ave Maria, FL
Classification : Salaried/Exempt
Overview
The Rhodora J. Donahue Academy, the parish school of Ave Maria Parish, is seeking a full time Development and Marketing Director. The Development and Marketing Director is responsible for the overall planning, coordination, and execution of all fundraising activities, gift solicitation and stewardship. Responsibilities include school fundraising and development, database management, communications and constituent relations activities that create a supportive climate for school/parish growth. This year-round position is fully supportive of the Catholic religious mission of school.
Job Responsibilities
Development /Stewardship:

• Plan, manage, and implement annual giving, major gifts, and capital campaign for the school and church. This includes but is not limited to: prospect identification and research, cultivation, solicitation, gift processing, database management, acknowledgments and stewardship.
• Educate and engage key volunteers (e.g. Parents Association) in implementing mission based fundraising and participation in school/church events.
• Responsible for the planning, management, promotion and implementation of all fundraising and friend raising initiatives including donor appreciation dinners, golf tournament, annual gala, Steak Cook-off and alumni and parishioner events.
• Works to create and support a culture of philanthropy within the school and parish.
• Set priorities to meet annual goals in development
• Marketing Management
• Responsible for the planning, management, and implementation of marketing efforts
• Manage advertisement budget. Working closely with Admissions Director to coordinate the external and internal marketing efforts and initiatives that attract and retain students
• Responsible for setting and maintaining professional writing and design standards for all marketing and development communications. This includes, but is not limited to: Print publications including parish bulletin, school newsletter/magazine, marketing materials, giving program brochures and direct mail pieces
• Media relations and coverage of school and parish events including promotion and communications to local media and archdiocesan communication vehicles.
• Constituent and Alumni Relations

Event Management:

• Identify, recruit, and engage volunteers for development efforts including
• Event planning, management and implementation
• Work closely with the school board, PTO, parish councils, staff and volunteers to assist them in school/parish activities and events.

• Bachelors degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or a similar field
• Must be a practicing Catholic
• Ability to appreciate and communicate a passion for Catholic education
• Experience in development, sales, marketing, communication, and/or volunteer management.
• Strong Fundraising and gift solicitation experience or skills
• Ability to create visual marketing materials
• Demonstrated leadership and effectiveness in developing and accomplishing organizational goals
• Ability to build a team, effectively recruiting and managing volunteers
• Ability to conceptualize and execute strategic plans
• Ability to interact confidently and effectively with school staff, students, alumni, donors, trustees, school administration, parish councils, parishioners and community organizations
• Knowledge of or the ability adapt to Software Used at Ave Maria including: Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Publisher; Renweb; ParishSoft, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.