Event and Marketing Coordinator

ST. BERNARD PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Event and Marketing Coordinator Reports To: Vice President Current Occupant: Position Currently Open

POSITION SUMMARY

The Event and Marketing Coordinator advances the visibility, community engagement, and philanthropic support of St. Bernard Preparatory School. The role is centered on four core areas of responsibility: coordinating all school events and festivals, publishing The St. Bernard Happenings, managing the school's social media presence, and soliciting sponsorships for the school and its festivals. In support of these priorities, the Coordinator also leads the school's broader marketing, communications, public relations, alumni outreach, merchandise, and related budget responsibilities. Reporting to the Vice President, the Coordinator ensures that every event, publication, and communication authentically reflects the school's Catholic and Benedictine identity and strengthens the school's relationships with families, alumni, donors, and the wider community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Event and Festival Coordination

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee all school events and festivals, serving as project lead for the school's two largest annual fundraisers, Bernard Blues & BBQ (Fall) and the Bloomin' Festival (Spring).
• Manage event logistics end to end, including scheduling, setup, vendors, exhibitors, permits, and day-of operations.
• Recruit, coordinate, and communicate with event volunteers and assign roles and responsibilities.
• Partner with local law enforcement, emergency services, and municipal agencies for event-day operational and safety support. Ensure all compliance and permitting requirements are fulfilled.
• Develop event timelines and run-of-show plans and ensure all departments are informed and prepared.
• Conduct post-event evaluation and reporting, including attendance, financial results, and recommendations for improvement.

The St. Bernard Happenings Publication

• Publish The St. Bernard Happenings, the official publication of St. Bernard Abbey and St. Bernard Preparatory School, including planning, content coordination, layout, editing, and distribution.
• Solicit and gather content and stories from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the monastic community.
• Write, edit, and proofread articles to ensure quality, accuracy, and consistency with the school's voice and mission.
• Coordinate photography and imagery for each issue.
• Maintain the publication schedule and ensure timely dissemination of school information and event updates to internal and external audiences.

Social Media and Digital Presence

• Manage all of the school's social media accounts, including content planning, scheduling, posting, and community engagement.
• Maintain and continuously improve the school's website, ensuring content is accurate, current, and engaging.
• Develop a consistent posting calendar that highlights school life, events, achievements, and mission.
• Create and curate photos, video, and graphics, and coordinate photography, videography, and content production.
• Monitor engagement, respond to messages and comments, and report on social media reach and performance.
• Ensure all social media and digital content reflects the school's Catholic and Benedictine identity and brand standards.

Sponsorship Development

• Identify, solicit, secure, and steward sponsorships for the school and its festivals and events.
• Develop sponsorship packages, proposals, and recognition benefits for prospective sponsors.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with business sponsors, vendors, exhibitors, and community partners, including in-kind donations and the Bloomin' Festival car raffle.
• Coordinate sponsor acknowledgments, recognition, and fulfillment of sponsorship commitments.
• Track sponsorship revenue and provide post-event reporting on fundraising results.

Marketing and Communications

• Execute integrated marketing campaigns across digital, print, social media, email, and radio to increase school visibility and community engagement.
• Write and edit external communications, including press releases, newsletters, annual reports, brochures, and admissions materials.
• Track marketing performance through data analytics and report on campaign effectiveness.

Media and Public Relations

• Serve as the school's primary liaison to local and regional media outlets.
• Write and distribute news releases and feature stories to publications such as The Cullman Times, One Voice, and other diocesan and regional media.

Alumni Relations

• Lead alumni engagement through newsletters, reunions, and social media outreach.
• Coordinate with the Development Office to support alumni giving and stewardship.

Spirit Store and Merchandise • Manage the school's online merchandise store, including inventory, fulfillment, and vendor relationships. Budget and Administration

• Develop and manage marketing and event budgets.
• Maintain vendor contracts and evaluate return on investment for marketing and fundraising activities.

Mission Integration

• Ensure all events, publications, and communications authentically reflect the school's Catholic identity and Benedictine tradition.
• Model hospitality, integrity, and a spirit of service in every interaction with families, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Event Management, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Experience in event coordination, marketing, communications, or fundraising.
• Experience managing large-scale events and securing sponsorships preferred.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong organizational and project management ability across multiple concurrent priorities and deadlines.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills for publications, communications, and digital content.
• Proficiency with website content management systems, social media platforms, and digital marketing tools.
• Confident, persuasive interpersonal skills for sponsorship solicitation and community relationship building.
• Collaborative working style with faculty, staff, volunteers, alumni, parents, and community partners.
• Commitment to the Catholic and Benedictine mission of the school.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Successful execution and financial performance of school events and festivals, including Bernard Blues & BBQ and the Bloomin' Festival.
• Timely, high-quality production and distribution of The St. Bernard Happenings.
• Growth in social media engagement, reach, and consistency of the school's digital presence.
• Growth in sponsorship revenue and strength of sponsor and community partnerships.
• Positive media coverage and strengthened community visibility.
• Effective alumni engagement and stewardship.
• Efficient operation and profitability of the online spirit store.

POSITION DETAILS

Employment Status: Full-time, year-round FLSA Classification: non-exempt Compensation: Commensurate with experience Benefits: Eligible for the school's full benefits package Work Schedule: Standard business hours with frequent evening and weekend commitments during major events, including Bernard Blues & BBQ and the Bloomin' Festival Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 25 lbs of event materials, stand for extended periods during events, and attend on- and off-campus functions Background Check: Required, including diocesan safe environment course