Shannon E. Ruiz
Scranton,PA
Summary
Nonprofit development and ministry professional with over a decade of experience at the Diocese of Scranton, spanning missionary outreach, fundraising campaign management, donor stewardship, and youth faith formation. Skilled at building donor relationships, planning large-scale events and campaigns, and translating pastoral mission into engaging public communications. Master of Nonprofit Administration from the University of Notre Dame.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Director for Pontifical Mission Societies / Development Coordinator
Diocese of Scranton
04.2023 - Current
- Direct the Diocese’s Pontifical Mission Societies programming, leading formation and fundraising initiatives built around the four pillars of prayer, sacrifice, formation, and cooperation, including annual Mission Sunday programming.
- Write mission-focused articles and content for diocesan publications, translating firsthand missionary experience into donor and parishioner engagement materials.
- Lead donor communications and stewardship for Catholic Social Services fundraising campaigns, including acknowledgment letters, tax-compliant giving documentation, and sponsor recognition materials.
- Plan and coordinate the Diocese’s inaugural Catholic Social Services fundraising gala, managing event logistics, sponsorship outreach, and donor engagement strategy from the ground up.
- Evaluate proposed fundraising partnerships and vendor relationships, addressing governance and conflict-of-interest considerations in coordination with diocesan leadership.
- Draft internal approval memos, job descriptions, and hiring materials to support staffing and growth within the Development Office.
Director for Service and Mission
Diocese of Scranton
08.2017 - 04.2023
- Partnered with the Director of Evangelization to help parish leaders design and implement effective parish-based and regional youth and young adult ministry programs.
- Coordinated Masses, retreats, conferences, and service projects for youth and young adults alongside parish ministry leaders.
- Organized diocesan youth and young adult events and retreats, including planning for the National Catholic Youth Conference and World Youth Day.
- Partnered with the diocesan Vocations Office on young adult discernment opportunities, including prayer services, adoration, and Theology on Tap.
- Facilitated regional and individual parish confirmation retreats.
- Presented classes and workshops, and helped parishes arrange speakers and programming as requested.
- Contributed to an inter-diocesan Civil Dialogue Initiative for youth and young adults.
Youth Minister
Saint Catherine of Siena Parish
07.2012 - 09.2017
- Designed, directed, and maintained high school and junior high youth group programming.
- Led weekly spiritual, social, and service meetings for parish youth.
- Partnered with local churches and organizations on social justice initiatives, including food drives and fundraising events.
- Organized youth travel experiences, including a March for Life pilgrimage, a Habitat for Humanity service trip in West Virginia, and the National Catholic Youth Conference.
- Led annual retreats for parish confirmation candidates.
Education
Master of Nonprofit Administration -
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN07-2023
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies — Concentration: Theology/Religious Studies/Social Work
Misericordia University
Dallas, PA05-2012
Skills
- Donor Relations & Stewardship
- Fundraising Campaign Management
- Event & Gala Planning
- Nonprofit Program Development
- Grant & Fund Administration
- Volunteer & Board Relations
- Public Speaking & Workshop Facilitation
- Written Communications & Publications
PRESENTATIONS
- Facilitated multiple workshops within the Intentional Discipleship Conference, “Youth Ministry from A to Z,” for the Year of Faith Diocesan Congress (60+ attendees).
- Presented on Millennials and Generation Y at the 2016 Passionist Assembly and 2016 Diocese of Scranton Congress.
- Presents annual Parish Social Ministries course to diocesan diaconate candidates.
Timeline
Director for Pontifical Mission Societies / Development Coordinator
Diocese of Scranton
04.2023 - Current
Director for Service and Mission
Diocese of Scranton
08.2017 - 04.2023
Youth Minister
Saint Catherine of Siena Parish
07.2012 - 09.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies — Concentration: Theology/Religious Studies/Social Work
Misericordia University
Master of Nonprofit Administration -
University of Notre Dame