Hiring: Conference Program Assistant
Job Announcement: Conference Program Assistant
NESAWG’s purpose is to harness the power that exists in our multi-sector regional network and catalyze meaningful change toward a sustainable and just food system. We do this through peerlearning,network convening, collaborative partnerships, policy advocacy, research, information sharing, and our annual It Takes a Region Conference. Our network spans 12 Northeastern states, from Maine to Maryland and Washington, D.C., and convenes over 500 organizations and thousands of individuals, including farmers, policy advocates, farm service providers, food justice activists, food hub managers, government agencies, students, researchers, nutritionists, regional planners, entrepreneurs, NGO leaders, and more.
This year marks NESAWG’s 25th Anniversary.NESAWG seeks a highly organized, detail-oriented self starter to assist with planning our annual conference. NESAWG’s It Takes A Region Conference, now in its 24th year, is our flagship program, bringing together farm and food systems practitioners from across our region for three days of networking and learning. Our 2017 Conference will be Nov. 9-11 in Baltimore. The Conference Program Assistant will work with the Executive Director and Conference Planning Committee to organize and carry out a successful and energizing conference. This is a part-time, non-exemptposition at 16 hours/week from June 1 – December 15, 2017.
Responsibilities
• Work with conference venue to coordinate conference logistics and help manage costs, including rooms, AV needs, menu needs and other logistics
• Manage conference registration, including setting up conference registration website and being point person for registration questions
• Communicate with presenters to answer questions and collect program information and session
needs
• Manage requests for display from organizations and set up tables
• Assist with outreach and follow-up for conference sponsorships
• Work with printer for production of program, name tags, and other print materials
• Work with Communications Manager to post conference content for NESAWG website
• Handle logistics at conference, including managing registration table, working with hotel staff, assisting with AV set-up, setting up signage, and assist conference attendees
• Manage conference volunteers
• Help with conference follow up, including conference funder communications and conference survey analysis
Qualifications
• Highly organized, detail-oriented self-starter with strong time management and problem solvingskills and a demonstrated ability to work independently and manage and prioritize multiple tasks
• Highly professional communication and interpersonal skills
• Previous experience in event planning or in managing event logistics
• Proficiency with MS Office, online collaboration and project management tools (including Google Drive and Hangouts), event management platforms (including Eventbrite), CRM tools
(including Insightly) and a general comfort and ease with similar technologies and cloud-based tools
• Interest in sustainable agriculture and food systems a plus
• Must have reliable and strong internet and phone connection and provide own computer and
phone
• Must be available to attend NESAWG’s conference November 9-11, 2017
• Patience and sense of humor required
Reports to Executive Director Compensation
Commensurate with experience and based on 0.4 FTE. This position does not include benefits or paid leave.
Time Frame
June 1 – December 15, 2017, 16 hours a week
Location
This is a remote position. Candidates can reside anywhere in our region which includes Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Candidates must have a reliable and strong Internet and phone connection and provide their own computer and phone.
To Apply
Please send resume and cover letter to info@nesawg.org with “Conference Program Assistant Application” in the subject line. Mailed applications will not be accepted. No phone calls please. Please submit your application by April 25, 2017. NESAWG, a project of Tides Center, is an “at-will” and equal opportunity employer. We are actively seeking applications from people historically underrepresented in this work, including but not limited to women, people of color, disabled people, veterans, and LGBTQ individuals. Applicants and employees shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender (including pregnancy and gender expression) identity, color, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance.
Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.
