School Overview:
Founded in 1960 by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy High School is an independent, Catholic, college preparatory school for girls in grades 9-12. Expanding on nearly 200 years of experience in the instruction of adolescent girls, Mercy is proud to carry forward the extraordinary legacy of Mercy education, which began in Baltimore in 1867. Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, we deliver a rigorous education marked by academic excellence and personal attention. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Mercy provides an education that is distinguished by innovation, enabling students to form habits of lifelong inquiry, critical thinking, and courageous action in a global society. In the tradition of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, our work reflects a commitment to hospitality, service, justice, and compassion. More than 8,000 Mercy graduates bring their Mercy values into the world, in Baltimore, and beyond. It is an exciting time to join “Team Magic” and to help showcase our growing school.
Summary:
Mercy High School seeks an Annual Fund & Events Manager to join the Advancement team in August 2024. This key position manages donor engagement and development, the annual Fund for Mercy High School, special events, and other assigned duties to support the Advancement Office. Reporting to and working closely with the Director of Advancement, the Annual Fund & Events Manager will help develop and implement strategies to meet donor participation and revenue goals. As a primary responsibility, the Annual Fund & Events Manager will oversee the development and execution of a multi-channel solicitation plan for donors and prospects at all giving levels, including digital, mail, print, and social media communications.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Creates and executes the strategy, implementation, growth, retention, and evaluation of annual giving fundraising.
• Cultivates relationships with alumnae, parents, trustees, faculty, staff, and community leaders capable of making meaningful annual gifts with a primary emphasis on retaining existing donors and acquiring new donors.
• Plans, manages, and executes special fundraising campaigns, including but not limited to Be A Gem Day of Giving, Student Raffle Fundraiser, Giving Tuesday, and the Alumnae Giving Challenge, and fundraising campaigns designed to engage all donors.
• Develop strategies for solicitation of Sister Michelle Carroll Society and Loyalty Circle prospects and members through direct mail and email in collaboration with the Director of Advancement, Alumnae Engagement Manager, and Director of Communications and Marketing.
• Plans and manages special events in support of fundraising goals, including The Classic hospitality, Grandparents Day, and the Garnet Gala, as well as receptions and other gatherings for donors. • Other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in business, marketing, communications, or English/writing.
• A minimum of five years of experience working in fundraising, marketing, or business development, preferably in a nonprofit organization.
• Experience working in a nonprofit, school, or university setting is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the Baltimore philanthropic community, Catholic education, the Sisters of Mercy/Mercy values, and trends and best practices in philanthropic giving are all extremely valuable.
Required Skills and Abilities:
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices.
• Excellent attention to detail and competency in prioritizing work and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exemplary interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Strong writing skills, including proficiency in grammar and spelling.
• Experience writing fundraising requests and acknowledgment letters, creating compelling social media posts, and making effective in-person and telephone solicitations that motivate constituents to support Mercy High School
• Ability to work effectively with volunteers for events and fundraising activities.
• Database management proficiency, Raiser’s Edge is a plus.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and handle confidential matters with discretion.
• Ability to interact effectively with a diverse constituency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to take initiative and problem-solve.
• A positive, friendly, and hospitable disposition is required.
Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for extended periods.
• Must be able to repeat the motion of wrists, hands, and fingers to operate standard office equipment, such as computers, printers, and phones.
• Must have visual acuity to read a variety of written materials.
• Must be able to lift objects between 25 to 30 pounds in all directions.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs in an office building.
• Must be able to walk, squat/kneel, sit on the floor, bend at the waist, and crouch.
Work Conditions and Requirements
• The successful candidate will be proactive with a personal commitment to Mercy values—excellence, hospitality, service, justice, and compassion.
• This position is an exempt, full-time, in-person, twelve-month professional position, and reports to the Director of Advancement.
• Some weekend and evening hours are required.
• Candidates must pass a background check, including fingerprinting. Mercy offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including tuition remission at Loyola University Maryland and Mercy High School Baltimore (based on years of service to Mercy High School), as described in the Mercy High School Employee Handbook.
Qualified candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information to Ms. Carolyn Panzer, Director of Advancement, at
cpanzer@mercyhighschool.com.
This description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the work associated with the position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties and additional functions/requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and Mercy High School reserves the right to change this position as deemed appropriate.