Development Events Associate

About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.

About This Position
As we prepare for the campaign, we are building out a centralized events team to better support our ambitious goals. We seek an equally ambitious, motivated colleague with a strong track record of success conceiving and executing high quality events to build and deepen relationships with donors supporting Mass Audubon’s work. The Development Events Associate will join a talented and committed department of 30+ professionals who are raising annual support for the organization as well as multi-year support for special projects.

Reporting to the Director of Stewardship, the Events Associate is responsible for coordination of key regional development events. Among the most valued skills will be strong donor/customer service experience, excellent communication, and project management. Successful individuals will be capable of juggling multiple projects while maintaining a healthy sense of both humor and determination.

The primary geographic region of the events includes Metro South, Southeast and Berkshires, but the position may require travel throughout Massachusetts and occasional night/weekend work.

Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.

Responsibilities

• Execute well run events: create detailed event timelines, coordinate all event logistics from guest lists to project schedules (pertaining to venues, caterers, photographers, transportation, etc.), to post attendee event follow-up
• Hire, negotiate with, and direct appropriate vendors (i.e., caterers, printers, audio/visual and lighting, florists, photographers, etc.)
• Develop and maintain accurate budgets, track, and monitor contracts for vendors, and initiate timely payments
• Utilize the CRM to pull lists, track, report, maintain, and update data related to event attendees
• Collaborate with marketing and communications on design and copy for electronic and print collateral (e.g., save the dates, invitations, menu cards, programs) and to create professional event landing sites, registration pages, attendee communications, and surveys
• Create and disseminate standardized event briefings, registration and attendance reporting, production schedules, and other relevant documents to key stakeholders and colleagues
• Communicate event details with guests via phone and e-mail prior to and after the event serving as point of contact
• Prepare event related materials from registration lists, nametags, place cards, seating assignments, meeting materials and other collateral that organize guests’ attendance at an event
• Provide onsite event support from setup to registration management, guest services and vendor management to event breakdown
• Deliver exceptional customer service and hospitality to event guests
• Special projects as assigned

Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• A minimum of three years of experience planning both in-person and digital events and programs
• Proficiency and aptitude with technology from Microsoft Suite to CRMs to digital platforms enabling virtual events and experiences. Comfortable extracting, wrangling and maintaining data
• Must have superior guest relations skills and be able to always maintain a high degree of confidentiality and grace under pressure
• Strong ability to be self-directed and work in a fast-paced environment with multiple demands
• Impeccable attention to detail and accuracy, with excellent organizational and communication skills
• A passion for nature and conservation and experience working in a non-profit institution a plus

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $26.50-$29.80/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.

Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan through MetLife, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees also enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

Work Schedule
This is a full-time position, though flexible hours and work location – within reason – may be negotiated.

Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.