The Associate Director of Events will be responsible for directing all aspects of an organizational program providing a broad range of resources related to meetings management and/or special events.
The Associate Director of Events will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of a program by developing and managing plans and strategies. They will manage a team that partners with the Development team on facilitating a strong and compelling donor experience via single day engagements and multi-day adventures. This individual and his/her team will oversee event programming and logistics for organization-wide meetings and/or special events, evaluate and select vendors and direct payments, and be a key thought partner in how we enhance the connection depth between TNC and our volunteer leaders as well as our donors. They will assess needs from our donors and the development team and oversee the development of comprehensive engagement activities across four key experience areas: thought leadership, adventures, salon dinners and field trips. They will be responsible for ensuring the programmatic work is a collaborative and well-integrated effort across the organization, including organizing relevant internal communications and integrating marketing touchpoints. They will reinforce consistency in the organization's policies and procedures and provide direction to both a team and peers to establish and track measures, and lead indicators of progress and success. They will lead diverse activities, develop complex processes, project outcomes, and initiate solutions in order to improve effectiveness. They will serve as team leader for the enhancement of systems and tools used by the team. The Associate Director of Events will leverage constructive and effective relationships with a wide range of people, including staff, public and private sector colleagues, vendors, and donors. They will serve as the direct liaison with senior leadership, and in select cases, the Board of Trustees and the Conservation Leadership Council (CLC) as well as key leadership teams at WO (when applicable).
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Strategic lead for conception and implementation of Donor awareness/engagement programs across four experience areas: thought leadership, adventures,
- salon dinners and field trips. Define goals for each, create rich agendas with exemplary execution to meet those objectives, then measure and refine.
- Manage and develop team of internal and external partners to deliver world class programs with consistency and impact (~50 events per year).
- Work across marketing team to develop theming and translate event content for other owned channels (web, social, PR).
- Serve as ambassador/liaise to other partner organizations that can help amplify our TNC brand experiences (e.g. Summit, Backroads, Mountainfilm, UCLA).
- Work in close collaboration with CA Development team to create attractive and effective opportunities to move prospects and donors through a pipeline of content-driven engagement opportunities.
- Manage responsibility for administrative or professional staff, including training, professional development, establishing clear directions, setting “stretch” objectives, and overseeing the execution of day-to-day work.
- Conceive and lead new initiatives (e.g. TNC Ambassador program) that will ensure program and organization-wide goals are achieved.
- Develop and administer budget, evaluate results and develop corrective strategies, as needed.
- Direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements (e.g. trip outfitters).
- Ensure that programmatic commitments, Conservancy policies and procedures, and financial standards are met and managed for ethical compliance.
- Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally-charged information.
- Make strategic decisions; decisions made may have program-wide impact and may bind the organization financially or legally.
- Minimize legal risk to the Conservancy and ensure legal compliance with applicable state and local regulations.
- Manage strategic initiatives through collaboration with stakeholders in order to enhance performance in accordance with short and long-term objectives.
- Act independently to resolve complex issues within program area.
- Manage responsibility and accountability for meeting strategic goals and objectives.
- Travel frequently and on short notice, working long hours and weekends.
- Experience supervising staff and teams.
- Experience cultivating and managing client relationships.
- Experience in project management, developing marketing strategies and measuring results.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills appreciated.
- Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred.
- Management experience that includes ability to lead, motivate, set objectives and manage performance and conflict resolution.
- Fosters an environment of creativity and professional growth.
- Excellent writing, presentation, communication, mediation and negotiation skills.
- Ability to persuasively convey the mission of The Nature Conservancy to diverse groups including donors, board members, and the public.
- Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in relevant marketing disciplines. Cross disciplinary knowledge to support program objectives.
- Demonstrated ability in managing the fiduciary aspects of planning and delivery of budgets.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.