Opening for an Events Manager

BALLE is pleased to advertise the following opening for an Events Manager. We are immediately accepting applications, and the position is open until February 12, 2010.

Title: Events Manager
Location: Bellingham, WA
Term: Full time, permanent
Application Deadline:  February 12, 2010

Summary

The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) is North America's fastest growing network of socially responsible businesses, comprised of 80 community networks with over 21,000 business members across the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 2001, BALLE believes in the power of local businesses to transform communities, and works to catalyze, connect, and strengthen networks of locally owned, independent businesses dedicated to building local living economies. BALLE networks create local living economies through the building blocks of independent retail, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, green building, local zero-waste manufacturing, and community capital.

BALLE is a results-oriented, small team workplace. This position will be located in BALLE’s new downtown Bellingham headquarters office, next door to the office of our local BALLE network, Sustainable Connections. Additional staff teams are located in San Francisco and Washington DC.

The fundamental measure of success for the Events Manager will be a well attended, efficiently run, and financially successful Annual Business Conference that brings together the top local living economy thought leaders and practitioners, business and community leaders, and which inspires significant follow-on action in communities throughout North America. In addition, the Events Manager will be responsible for managing BALLE’s training workshops, regional gatherings, and special events and for ensuring these events are well organized, promoted and attended.

The successful applicant will be energetic, extremely organized, personable, professional, and will enjoy helping others. Must be comfortable juggling numerous tasks in a fast-paced environment. Position responsibilities include all aspects of event management. The individual who fills this position will have a significant opportunity to shape programs and the creative license to present and develop new ideas that serve BALLE’s overall vision and mission.

Job Roles & Responsibilities

Annual Business Conference

• Prepare project management timelines for conference program, logistics, promotion and production
• Facilitate and manage a conference planning committee including the three sub-committees: marketing/promotion, program, and sponsorship
• Elicit program themes and goals from the committee and assist in developing content
• Manage the RFP and selection process for speakers, and manage correspondence and speaker contracts
• Research conference venues, accommodation and meals; perform site inspections as needed
• Negotiate and manage event contracts (for venue/catering/AV, etc)
• Oversee production and delivery of print materials for marketing the conference
• Develop associated events for Annual Conference including: Network Leaders Day, an on-site exhibit fair, community tours, a manufacturers round-table, and a funders reception
• Oversee volunteer recruitment and orientation
• Manage registrant data, reports and ticket/badge creation
• Develop a plan to minimized the environmental impact of the event
• Establish and execute a post-conference evaluation mechanism

• Research all costs associated with a new conference location each year; draft budget
• Work with BALLE staff and committee to identify sponsors and new revenue sources
• Manage year-to-year media contacts and partner trades
• Develop agreement with local host network for sponsorship development and revenue-sharing
• Maintain and update budget to meet financial goals; ensure accuracy of all final invoices; and establish appropriate financial reporting mechanisms

• With the communications director, hire an event publicist; help oversee work-plan execution
• Work with publicist and communications director to ensure timely event promotion through BALLE social media, newsletters, and website
• Develop semi-monthly emails for event marketing and updates
• Support networks, board, and BALLE partners in promoting the conference

• Manage all program logistics, on site contractors and volunteers
• Manage registration, information and customer services
• Ensure execution of environmental impact goals
• Activate sponsor benefits to ensure optimum partner experience

• Research venues and available dates; execute venue contracts
• Coordinate food, A/, and logistics
• Manage event registration and promotion in concert with local network hosts
• Lead staff correspondence with attendees and potential attendees

Skills & Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

• 3+ years creating, planning and executing highly successful events while maintaining tight budgets
• 1-3 years public relations / marketing experience for events
• Excellent inter-personal skills, upbeat attitude, and the ability to represent BALLE in a professional manner with diverse constituencies
• Superior organizational skills with a proven ability to successfully handle multiple projects and meet critical deadlines
• Comfortable with ambiguity and a rapidly growing/changing workplace
• Self-motivated and self-regulated (a professional who works hard and avoids burn out)
• Passion for the mission of BALLE
• Strong negotiation skills and proven success in sponsorship a plus
• Experience greening events a plus
• Strong skills with all Microsoft Office software products
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Compensation

This is a full-time, salaried position with healthcare benefits and paid time off. Additional benefits include a great office space, a flexible working schedule, and the opportunity to contribute to an organization that is having a transformative societal impact.

To Apply by February 12th, 2010

Qualified applicants send a cover letter and resume with three references by email to alie@livingeconomies.org.  (Subject: Events Manager)

BALLE is an equal opportunity employer and seeks applicants who will contribute to the diversity of its staff.