Marketing, Events and Engagement Manager

Founded in 2001 by visionary social justice advocate Sister Mary Reilly RSM, Sophia Academy serves 60 girls in grades 5-8 in Providence, RI. The school seeks a Marketing, Events and Engagement Manager to play a key role in taking Sophia Academy to the next level of growth.

This position offers a creative, strategic, relationship-oriented professional the unique opportunity to be a pivotal part of a team that advances the critical mission of engaging girls from low income families on a joyful quest for self‐discovery and opportunity through a middle school education grounded in social justice.

Since its founding, Sophia has grown into a respected institution in Rhode Island’s K-12 education community. The faculty nurtures, challenges, and empowers young girls; Sophia prepares them to excel academically and to become engaged citizens poised to make a difference in their communities. Ninety-five percent of Sophia graduates complete high school in four years and most continue on to postsecondary education. The school is accredited by the Association of Independent Schools of New England (AISNE). Sophia’s strong social justice ethos has attracted the attention of such inspiring women as #MeToo cofounder Tarana Burke and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafsai, and its dedicated and talented faculty are recognized state-wide for their excellence.

With an excellent and proven academic program, a core of generous donors, and a committed Board, the school is poised to advance.

Sophia Academy raises $1.6 million per year for operations (programs, students, and faculty) as well as additional funds for special projects and facility maintenance. A major Gala, Sophia Academy’s Women of Wisdom event, is held annually in the spring.

Working with considerable independence and exercising discretion in establishing priorities, the Marketing, Events and Engagement Manager is a member of the Development team and works in collaboration with the Head of School, Director of Development, and Board of Trustees, and reports to the Director of Development.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Marketing and Communications

• Develop, produce, and distribute communications materials for the school, including electronic and print newsletters, e-blasts, annual reports, brochures, stewardship tools, and other materials.
• produce photography and videography of school events and activities.
• Maintain Sophia website, managing a content plan and ensuring quality control.
• Serve as a member of the social media team, creating posts and analyzing campaigns.
• Coordinate media relations.
• Support the Gala Committee in planning and implementing communications and solicitation materials for Sophia events, including themes, branding, writing/editing for social media, web and e-communications, mailings, print materials/signage, and media placements.

Events

• Work with Head of School, Director of Development, and Board on execution of a multi-year plan following the celebration of Sophia Academy’s 20th anniversary in 2021-22 and leading up to the school’s 25th anniversary in 2026-27 utilizing a connected series of events, communications, and engagement strategies to position the next anniversary as a major advancement event.
• Serve as the staff events coordinator for the school’s annual Gala: staff the Gala committee and support its work in terms of site selection, room layout, decorations and in negotiating and approving contracts for facilities, labor materials, supplies, ancillary services, etc. The Marketing, Events and Engagement Manager will develop and maintain timelines, a logistics plan, and a catering plan; negotiate and arrange for equipment rentals; identify volunteer requirements and recruit/manage volunteers; maintain budget and track expenses; manage vendors; obtain necessary permits; and be responsible for on-site event management.
• Support other school events as needed.
• Maintain database records for events, including processing event donations and sponsorships; produce and manage lists for events; manage mailings related to events.

Database Management

• Partner with the Director of Development to manage and maintain data policies and procedures and ensure data integrity; maintain donor records and contact reports; produce appeals and manage mailings; promptly enter and acknowledge donations through the donor database; create reports; and coordinate with Finance on appropriate accounting for donors, pledges, and gifts.

Corporate Engagement and Support

• Collaborate with the Director of Development and volunteers to increase corporate engagement and corporate sponsorship/support.

Other duties as assigned

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree (minimum) and track record of success in managing integrated communications/ engagement initiatives, marketing strategies, events, and/or relationship-based fundraising.
• Highly organized planner and creative thinker with relentless attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills with full capability to write articles, position statements, print and e-communications, as well as public speaking and making presentations to stakeholder groups and the public; proficiency in software platforms and experience with layout and design applications.
• High level of computer literacy and experience working with donor databases, preferably Raiser's Edge.
• Have an innovative spirit and experience with social media and web platforms; video editing is a plus.
• Outgoing, personable, and warm; experience and track record of successfully creating a positive work environment for volunteers, and developing strong relationships with partners and donors.
• Ability to coordinate the efforts of multiple parties and to work in team environments.
• Ability to build productive relationships with internal and external constituents.
• Resourceful and flexible, with a willingness to do what it takes to get the job done; respectful of others and consummate team player; sense of humor.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Passion and commitment to social justice and/or girls education and equity.
• Experience/ability to identify and emphasize diverse perspectives in programming, communications, and strategy.
• Clearances required.

To apply, send cover letter, resume, and references to Angie Duran, Director of Development and External Affairs, aduran@sophia-academy.org

Sophia Academy is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Sophia Academy is an EEO/AA employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $3,500.00 - $4,500.00 per month

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Providence, RI 02907: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $3,500 - $4,500