Details
Posted: 19-Apr-22
Location: Remote
Type: Full Time
Required Education: 4 Year Degree
Categories:
Education and Training
Meetings/Expositions/Events
Additional Information:
Telecommuting is allowed.
About SER: The Society for Ecological Restoration is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with more than 4,000 members in 100+ countries. The society consists of 15 regional chapters, 2 thematic sections, and more than 20 student associations. The Society’s mission is to advance the science, practice, and policy of ecological restoration to sustain biodiversity, improve resilience in a changing climate, and re-establish an ecologically healthy relationship between nature and culture.
Position Overview: SER is seeking an experienced Meetings and Education Manager to guide the implementation and evaluation of profitable conferences and educational programs. Responsibilities include managing the delivery of the biennial World Conference on Ecological Restoration and supporting SER chapters in delivering regional and continental conferences, and coordinating the development of trainings, workshops, webinars, and a mentorship program. This is a full-time position and reports to the Executive Director. SER is a remote-work organization, although staff can choose to work in our Washington D.C. office. Ability to travel for conferences and events is required.
The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated, tech proficient team player with experience in delivering large events, continuing and virtual education, project management, and volunteer coordination in a multicultural environment.
Requirements
Primary Responsibilities Will Include
CONFERENCES (65% of time)
- Support the development and delivery of SER’s biennial World Conference
- Serve as the first point of contact for external requests for information about conferences
- Run the site selection process in conjunction with approved conference rotation schedule
- Select professional conference organizer and act as the key liaison to ensure all tasks are completed in a timely manner
- Act as the principal coordinator and support staff for conference committees, ensuring all deadlines and deliverables are met
- Oversee sponsor and exhibitor delivery of benefits
- Assist in preparing event budget and timelines to ensure event is delivered successfully and profitably
- Manage the collection of event related data and run post-event evaluation and reporting not provided by the PCO
- Support the delivery of SER chapter conferences
- Support chapters in using SER’s event registration system and Zoom for virtual events
- Support SER’s North American Coordinating Committee in developing and delivering the North American Continental Conference
CONTINUING EDUCATION AND TRAININGS (20% of time)
- Coordinate and support the delivery of SER-Global and SER chapter virtual programming following existing and new best practices for engagement, including:
- Serve as the first point of contact for questions about webinars
- Coordinate with speakers to schedule webinar sessions
- Manage webinar set-up and website updates
- Train speakers and chapter representatives to deliver their webinars
- Provide technological management of webinars
- Develop strategies and events to enhance engagement through virtual events
- Manage and implement the development of trainings, workshops, and symposia within the organization and for contract partners
- Assist in identifying speakers and content experts
- Work with contributors to develop and produce course materials, format presentations, and coordinate sessions
- Identify outside reviewers (as needed) for course materials or experts to facilitate sessions
- Edit final course copy and ensure course is delivered on time
- Coordinate course logistics, including budgeting, contracts, invoices, vehicle rentals, securing facilities and sites, audio-visual equipment, registration, printing materials, and course evaluation
- Coordinate SER’s training course endorsement program
- Serve as primary liaison with organizations interested in endorsement
- Assist in identifying experts within SER to review course materials
- Combine reviews and provide final recommendations/reviews to applicants
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES (15% of time)
- Organize and manage the logistics and implementation of other events (virtual and in-person) as needed
- Develop marketing plans and communications content as needed in coordination with the Membership and Marketing Department, such as social copy, blog posts, forum posts, graphics, and more
- Oversee and support the North American Coordination Committee, including following up on action items, ensuring committees are meeting objectives, and providing guidance as needed
- Participate substantially in staff meetings and one-on-one check-ins with the Executive Director, as well as quarterly board meetings
- Collaborate with SER team on projects as needed
- Develop and present appropriate reports for leadership and track program metrics of success
Position Details and Application Process
Salary DOE.
SER’s benefit package includes health/dental insurance, 12 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, SIMPLE IRA retirement plan (with a match), and flexible work arrangements.
SER has a small and dynamic staff where everyone is encouraged to participate, add value, grow and develop their programs, and contribute substantively towards meeting our mission.
To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to humanresources@ser.org. Please title your email: SER Meetings and Education – YOUR NAME. The position is open until filled, with priority given to applicants who submit materials by May 8, 2022. Top applicants will be contacted by email to schedule interviews.
Desired Start Date: June 20, 2022
No phone calls, please.
SER is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum of 3 years of large event or meeting planning experience
- Experience in developing continuing education programs, especially in virtual and participatory environments
- Strong written and oral communications skills
- Experience recruiting, managing, and engaging volunteers
- Experience working in a multicultural and diverse environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Prompt, polite, and professional demeanor
- Flexibility to participate in early morning or evening meetings (due to international time zone planning)
- Ability to travel for conferences and trainings (travel is not a significant portion of the job; the biennial conference requires a ~10 day travel commitment)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working for a scientific organization
- Interest in the natural or environmental sciences, preferably in ecological restoration
- Experience navigating database driven management systems (e.g., Association Management System)
- Experience coordinating training programs
- Experience in content marketing
- Experience producing graphics and digital content using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or other design programs
Essential Characteristics
Successful candidates will:
- Enjoy working substantively with volunteers to meet program deliverables
- Demonstrate a capacity to work well with competing priorities and tight deadlines
- Complete assignments in timely, effective, and accurate manner
- Be comfortable taking initiative and working independently with minimal supervision
- Show curiosity and excitement to expand your skills, innovate, and be creative
- Have an ability to communicate effectively with individuals from across an international network and from across the science-practice spectrum
- Willingness to quickly learn new technological systems and software
- Must excel in a fast-paced team environment
