The Manager of Special Events leads gatherings that connect people to Catholic Extension’s mission. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this role combines partnership and direct management: advising colleagues and event partners across the organization while personally planning a wide range of events.

The portfolio includes Chicago-based board, staff, and donor gatherings; the Mission Bishops Conference and a donor centric Thanksgiving Celebration; and cultivation events nationwide in collaboration with development and mission colleagues. The Director also ensures that event operations run smoothly, hospitality remains a defining feature, and Catholic Extension Society’s identity is consistently reflected across all experiences.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Logistics and Collaboration: Provide logistical planning, setting standards of excellence and ensuring alignment across the organization. While the Manager will not directly manage all events—for example, the national and regional Spirit of St. Francis Award Dinners—they will support colleagues and external partners, reduce silos, share best practices, and support one another in creating effective, mission-driven experiences.
Core Gatherings: Plan and execute Chicago-based convenings, including staff celebrations, four all-staff meetings, the staff appreciation dinner, Christmas Mass and luncheon, two meetings each of the Board of Governors, the Executive Committee, and the Finance Committee, as well as the annual Board dinner.
Distinctive Experiences: Lead planning—often with outside logistical support—for Catholic Extension’s biennial Mission Bishops Conference and the Thanksgiving Celebration, ensuring these high-profile gatherings reflect Catholic Extension’s mission and impact.
Cultivation Events: Manage up to 15 smaller cultivation events annually outside Chicago, designed to strengthen ties with major gift prospects (in collaboration with gift officers) and with priests and parish leaders (in collaboration with mission officers). While the Manager is not expected to attend all, travel is required.
Seamless Operations: Oversee logistics, budgets, vendor management, and CRM (Virtuous) data for events you lead, ensuring each one runs smoothly, responsibly, and with Catholic Extension’s tradition of service.
Brand Management: Manage branded apparel and ensure consistency across event communications and collateral.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

We are looking for a talented events professional who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is motivated by the opportunity to strengthen Catholic communities nationwide. The ideal candidate brings both technical know-how and a spirit of welcome and service.

Professional Experience and Skills

Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of professional experience, ideally in a midsize or larger nonprofit, university, or business setting
Demonstrated expertise in event planning and project management, with a record of delivering high-quality gatherings that advance mission goals
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while solving problems with resourcefulness and initiative
Supervisory experience
Open to learning new tools, adopting innovative approaches, and leveraging technology to improve results
Willingness to travel for cultivation events outside Chicago

Personal Qualities and Mission Commitment

Collaborative and creative team player who can also work independently
Collegial, mission-centered presence, with the ability to build trust and foster community
Knowledge of the Catholic Church and its teachings, with sensitivity to serving faith-based communities
Comfortable with ambiguity and proactive in making decisions
Positive attitude, humility, and sense of humor

TO APPLY

Catholic Extension Society has engaged DeVine Consulting to support this search. To apply, please email a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role to: CE2025.events@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Catholic Extension Society

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Manager of Special Events