Coordinator, Advocacy And Sustainability (Programs)

The James Beard Foundation (“JBF”) is a vital cultural institution with deep roots honoring and advancing the culinary arts industry for over 30 years. JBF’s mission is to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and Sustainability. The organization has experienced a historic period of organizational transformation and an increase in philanthropic support as it focused its efforts towards supporting the independent restaurant industry to rebuild and recover in the wake of the pandemic. As a 501(c) (3) national organization, JBF brings its mission to life through the annual James Beard Awards, industry and community-focused initiatives and programs, advocacy, partnerships, and events across the country.

The Programs department helps the independent restaurant industry reach new standards around equity, sustainability, and workplace practices to ensure that all involved in its supply chain can thrive. We look to turn independent restaurant jobs into long and healthy independent restaurant careers; to expand who has access to leadership, visibility, financial stability, and capital; and to use the power of chefs for climate change mitigation. Our mission comes to life through training programs, policy advocacy, and harnessing the agency of chefs for change.

The Coordinator, Advocacy and Sustainability is a key support role within the Programs team, working with Marketing, Communications, and Sponsorship departments and external stakeholders and partners. Reporting to the Vice President of Programs, the Coordinator will assist in executing programming, planning virtual and in-person events, supporting program alumni engagement, managing survey administration, managing digital and social deliverables, and supporting external partnerships and communications.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Help execute in-person and virtual events for industry professionals.
• Manage travel, accommodations, reimbursements, and other logistics for attendees, presenters, and staff for programs in and outside NYC, including JBF Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change and JBF advocacy work in DC and around the country.
• Liaise with JBF Sponsorship and Marketing and Communications teams and with external partners as needed to ensure smooth execution of activities.
• Assist in budget tracking and invoice processing.

• Assist in developing sponsor and advisory committee materials and program wrap reports.
• Craft emails and coordinate communication with advisory councils, program participants and alumni, guest speakers, etc.
• Create and update appropriate Monday boards for programs, webinars, and events.
• Ensure that relevant Advocacy and Sustainability programs and resources are included in the Industry Support Newsletter.
• Conduct relevant research around policy and Sustainability topics and create briefs for VP of Programs.

• Support future development of JBF Advocacy and Sustainability resources through research, outlines, briefs, etc.
• Support program alumni engagement and communications.
• Ensure implementation of agreed upon team procedures.
• Provide other administrative support as needed.

Requirements

To be effective in this role, key core competencies and personal characteristics include:

• 2-3 years of relevant work experience in policy- and/or sustainability-related positions or demonstrated knowledge of through field of study. Bachelor's degree preferable.
• Excellent attention to detail and conscientious work ethic.
• Excellent ability to multi-task, prioritize projects, and work efficiently and independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Tech savvy, proficient in MS Office including PowerPoint, Salesforce, and Monday.
• Ability to deal effectively with the diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.
• Flexible and adaptable style.
• Strong sense of initiative, self-starter with a drive to success.

• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize projects and events.
• High energy and passion for the James Beard Foundation’s mission.

The salary range for this position is $55,000 - $58,500.

Benefits

JBF offers its employees a dynamic work environment with benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents; life insurance; flexible spending account; commuter benefits; retirement savings; employee assistance program; professional development; and generous paid time off. We also offer fertility planning support and up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave. Additional perks include staff events, tickets to events at Platform by JBF (Pier 57), and much more.

The Foundation currently works a hybrid schedule that requires employees to be in our NYC office 2-3 days per week. This position is not eligible for relocation.

JBF requires all employees to be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 unless a medical or religious accommodation is needed in accordance with applicable law.