Reports to : Director of Events, Catering, & Visitor Experience
FLSA Status : Salaried, Full Time, Exempt (40 hours)
Location : New Canaan, Connecticut (on site 5 days a week)
Work Week : Tuesday–Saturday
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 :
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, occasional Work from Home potential, this is primarily a place-based position.
Duties :
- Assist the Director with the planning and work order creation of a wide range of on-site events including, but not limited to space grants, public programs, receptions, dinners, summits, film festivals, musical performances, etc.
- Execute all major aspects of event management from planning through completion for a high volume and variety of on-site events and programs.
- Assist in the coordination of logistics for events, including timelines, vendor arrangements (for artist rider specifications), setup and teardown, and collaboration with internal teams to ensure successful execution of each event
- Provide direction to, and work collaboratively with internal teams, partners, vendors, contractors and key staff for operational logistics.
- Serve as Point of Contact for program owner and Day-of-Event Lead, responsible for ensuring successful event attendee experience by providing and modeling outstanding customer service, addressing any issues that arise to ensure a positive experience for all visitors.
- Manage communications with presenters and hosts to ensure they have the necessary equipment, connectivity, and schedule technical rehearsals as needed and ensures that all travel, hospitality and lodging details are secured and up to date.
- Work closely with program owners, events team, group reservations and other internal teams to coordinate food and beverage service with culinary and catering teams. Ensure that catering operations run smoothly during the event, and that dietary preferences and restrictions are accommodated.
- Be present for event setup, execution, and breakdown, overseeing vendor operations, guest flow, and overall logistics. Ensure that all event elements are executed to the highest standard and that they align with the Foundation's standards and values.
- Other duties as assigned.
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. Proven ability to ensure that all administrative duties are delivered with efficiency, high quality and in a timely manner.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, values and aesthetic direction.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.Demonstrated competencies in fact finding, planning, problem solving, logical 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.Education / Experience :
Bachelor's Degree in Event Management, Production Management or Communications preferred.Minimum of three (3) years of event planning / management for cultural institutions or corporate spaces with a proven track record of success. Not for profit experience a plusExperience working with A / V equipment and a strong understanding of technical event logistics is preferred.Physical Requirements :
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs., bend, climb stairs, and stand for an extended period of time.Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions depending on event needs.Benefits :
Grace Farms offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes tuition reimbursement, a 403(b) retirement benefit with an organization match, along with different medical plans, including dental and vision plan, 100% employer-paid basic life insurance and short-term disability. 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.