Director of Events

Bishop O’Dowd High School

Director of Events

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 events to provide leadership and direction in the planning and execution of high-quality events, including two fundraising events that raise a combined $700,000 annually.  The director will ensure well-coordinated, safe, and joyful celebrations and programs. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the successful candidate will bring strong project management and event planning experience, energy, and an ability to work with parent volunteers and other key stakeholders to launch events in alignment with O’Dowd’s culture, strategic priorities, and brand.

Founded in 1951, Bishop O’Dowd High School is a Catholic college preparatory high school serving 1,250 diverse students in grades 9-12 who come from all parts of the East Bay and beyond. Informed by Catholic values, the mission of O’Dowd is to educate and inspire its students to build a more just, joyful, and sustainable world. For more information, visit the school’s website at www.bishopodowd.org.

Responsibilities:

Guides and implements fundraising and planning timelines for key events working in close collaboration with Development colleagues and volunteers
Manages fundraising volunteer committees, including recruiting and succession planning, for the school’s two large fundraising events, Transforming Lives Dinner and the Crab Feed and Auction
In conjunction with CDO, develops event programs, speakers, and special guest opportunities
Develops and manages event timeline and execution, detailing roles and responsibilities and day-of timeline well in advance
Manages all event-related budgets, reports, communications, vendor relationships and venue responsibilities
Working with volunteers and colleagues, secures sponsorships and donations for events
Guides events with attention to time and financial considerations, and ensures compliance with school policies and procedures
Serves as an advisor and support to Development Department colleagues for their events, providing expertise and help with venue, catering, rentals, alcohol & event licenses, guest registration, show flow, etc.
Proactively handles arising issues and troubleshoots emerging problems on the day of the event
Develops a roadmap and feedback to improve future events
Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Development Officer

Qualifications:

Possesses excellent organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal
Detail-oriented with project management skills and experience
Demonstrates sound judgment, effective decision-making, and problem-resolution skills
Ability to finish tasks in a timely manner
College degree preferred
3-5 years of events/fundraising experience preferred
Proven experience with networking and relationship building
Solid aptitude with Microsoft Suite, G Suite, fundraising, and auction software
Available for evening and weekend activities with advance notice

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.