Events Specialist - Grace Farms Foundation

About Grace Farms

Grace Farms is a center for culture and collaboration in New Canaan, Connecticut. We bring together people across sectors to explore nature, arts, justice, community, and faith at the SANAA-designed River building, situated on 80 acres of natural landscapes. Our humanitarian work to end modern slavery and foster more grace and peace in our local and global communities includes leading the Design for Freedom movement to eliminate forced labor in the building materials supply chain.

Role

In the role of Events & Production Specialist, you will serve as part of a team that coordinates and executes programs and events in support of our place, five initiatives: Nature, Arts, Justice, Community, and Faith and Design for Freedom. Our environment is not a typical corporate events space-our clients are not-for-profits, foundations, community partners, government entities, and our own internal Initiative Directors. You will be part of a team with a strong collaborative work ethic that is passionate about putting their events management skills to work in a mission-driven environment.

Our environment is not a typical corporate events space. Our clients are not-for-profits, community partners, government entities, and our own internal teams supporting the various initiatives and strategic programmatic goals. You will be part of a team with a strong collaborative work ethic that is passionate about putting their events management skills to work in a mission-driven environment. This is also not a Monday-Friday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM job. Events and Programs take place when the audiences are available which often means before & after hours, as well as on weekends. While there is some Work From Home potential, this is primarily a place-based position.

Your Day-to-Day

Events

• Execute all major aspects of event management from planning through completion for a high volume and variety of on-site, virtual and hybrid events and programs.
• Direct and work collaboratively with internal teams, partners, vendors, contractors and key staff, including on-site staff coordination and operational logistics.
• Serve as Day-of-Event Lead, responsible for ensuring successful event attendee experience.
• Ensure that all administrative duties are delivered with efficiency, high quality and in a timely manner.

Production

• Receive, coordinate and oversee production needs and logistics on scheduled on-site, virtual and events and programs alongside the Technical Director.
• Research and implement new tools and trends in the virtual event space, bringing those key findings and recommendations back to Leadership.
• Support the development of materials such as Virtual Events Best Practices, FAQs, and training manuals for meeting hosts, speakers, and the events team.
• Manage communications with presenters and hosts to ensure they have the necessary equipment, connectivity, and schedule technical rehearsals as needed.

Skills/Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal, administrative, and communication skills, and the ability to execute tasks with a high degree of professionalism and excellence, especially under pressure.
• Must exhibit a strong ability to re-prioritize tasks on-the-fly while making sound, independent decisions that are consistent with the organization's mission.
• Possess a confident customer service orientation, and professional demeanor. Must be comfortable in a front of house position, and able to handle the unexpected stressors with grace and peace.
• Competencies in fact finding, planning, problem solving and innovative thinking.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Excel. Mac skills preferred.
• This position will work on site in New Canaan. Must have flexible schedule, as well as the willingness and ability to work nights and weekends as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Event Management, Production Management or Communications preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of event planning or production management for cultural institutions or corporate spaces with a proven track record of success with both in-person and virtual events and production.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs, bend, climb stairs, and stand for an extended period of time.

Compensation range based on experience $60k to $63k annually.

Benefits

Grace Farms offers a competitive benefit package that includes a choice of medical plans, a dental and vision plan, 100% employer-paid basic life insurance and short-term disability and a 403(b)-retirement benefit with an organization match. We encourage our staff to take time-off to rest and recharge and provide PTO, sick, and personal days as well as 11 paid holidays. All staff are welcome to explore the beautiful 80-acres of our preserved land and may take part in any of the numerous public events on-site.

Grace Farms is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.