Position
The PIE Network seeks an experienced events and projects manager to direct network meetings and events and manage special projects and publications. The network currently hosts a large annual policy summit and a number of smaller meetings each year and also commissions a number of case studies, other publications, and manages other special projects. This role will be responsible for ensuring that the network’s meetings and publications reflect the needs of the network’s membership and provide unique benefits to further their work. He or she will develop the strategy for making the network’s annual meeting more fiscally efficient and for improving systems for event registration, payment, etc., and will manage relationships with consultants and other vendors who support these projects. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and enjoys some support from the network’s office manager who will provide administrative support to events. This role will required some travel; heaviest workload occurs through the summer and early fall in preparation for the network’s annual fall summit. Preference will be given to applicants based in or willing to relocate to the Twin Cities.
The Director of Events and Special Projects will have a strong background in event planning and project management, proven experience designing adult learning opportunities, experience, work or volunteer experience in non-profits, and exceptional skill in building relationships with a wide range of existing and potential partners. S/he will be knowledgeable about education reform policy, have some understanding of state and/or federal policy-making and familiarity with political advocacy as need to develop thoughtful, productive, and unique learning experiences for network members.
Responsibilities
- Manage all aspects of the design and management of PIE Network meetings, working closely with the Executive Director to set event and project goals, develop meeting agendas, identify and secure expertise for event speakers, meeting materials, and other expertise needed.
- Develop and manage event and project time-task plans, coordinate with colleagues, members, and vendors and contractors to solicit input into agendas and project goals, create event and project collateral materials, including brand design, materials production, printing, and distribution.
- Develop cost structure and revenue goals for the network’s annual policy summit and member meetings, develop event budgets, improve event registration systems, and monitor expenses to ensure that all events stay on budget.
- Establish event tone and culture ensuring that all attendees have a unique learning experience and enjoy exceptional customer service throughout event registration, attendance, and follow up.
- Manage interns, volunteers, contract and temporary staff in conjunction with events and projects.
Qualifications
- Smart, savvy project manager with minimum 5 years’ experience.
- Commitment to the mission of the network and its members to advance education reform at the state level.
- Knowledgeable about education reform issues and familiarity with public policy, advocacy, government service. Knowledge of cause marketing and/or advocacy helpful.
- Experience in developing adult learning or professional develop opportunities preferred.
- Exceptional skill in building relationships and strong customer service orientation, as demonstrated through work or volunteer experience in external relations, sales, recruitment, etc.
- Proven ability to manage logistical details, excellent problem-solving skills
- Experience managing teams/vendors in the design of training, programs. Some experience managing teams/vendors in the creation and publication of documents, white papers, or other practical learning resources a big plus.
- Agility in moving between big-picture thinking and hands-on detail management.
- Work or volunteer experience in non-profit sector preferred. Experience with volunteer recruitment and/or management helpful.
- Bachelor’s degree. Project management certifications a plus.
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position with benefits that include generous time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and employer paid benefits. Interviews for the position will commence immediately and continue until position is filled. Interested applicants should apply by sending a cover letter and resume to Suzanne Tacheny Kubach at suzanne@pie-network.org.
The PIE Network is an equal opportunity employer.
