Event Programming Specialist

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is the national scientific and educational organization representing forestry and natural resource professions in the United States. Founded in 1900 by Gifford Pinchot, it is the largest professional society for foresters and natural resource management professionals representing academia, private industry, nonprofit, and federal state and local governments in the nation. SAF’s mission is to advance sustainable management of forest resources through science, education, and technology, promoting professional excellence while ensuring the continued health, integrity, and use of forests to benefit society in perpetuity. More information about SAF is available at www.eforester.org

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is seeking an Event Programming Specialist who is responsible for overseeing the design and implementation of the educational and technical programs at SAF’s events. This position promotes the forestry and natural resources profession by working with volunteers and co-workers to design unique and influential educational programming for various events at the association, including the SAF National Convention, the SAF Rising Professionals Conference, and various policy and community building events. This role requires collaboration with team program leads, support staff, members, and volunteers. This role will serve as liaison to the Committee on National Convention Programs and work closely with the Director of Events and Sales to determine proper program design for SAF’s events.

The Event Programming Specialist will report to SAF’s Director, Events and Sales. This is a full-time, remote position.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinates and manages general session and technical programming at SAF events, including scheduling general session speakers and sessions, concurrent session speaker and sessions, workshops, and field trips, and managing the onsite success of these programming activities.
• Serves as the liaison to the Committee on National Convention Programs, and helps the committee chair coordinate committee meetings, set the annual convention theme, plan the general sessions, shape the convention agenda, and manage communications with general session speakers.
• Manages the convention technical program content (250+ presentations) including the presentation proposal and review processes, presentation scheduling, and speaker Communications.
• Supports the Quiz Bowl planning team of volunteers in managing the annual student Quiz Bowl tournament that takes place at the SAF National.
• Coordinates with the Director of Professional Development on science and technology needs in the convention technical program and other SAF events.
• Updates and manages committee lists within association management software (AMS).
• Works with supervisor and marketing and communications department to coordinate allmarketing content needed for the programming involved with various events.
• Keeps standard operating procedures (SOP’s) updated and current with the activities of the organization.
• Performs other duties as assigned by CEO and direct supervisor.

• Bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, marketing, hospitality, forestry, natural resources or related area
• Experience with volunteer management
• 1-3 years of experience in event program and content planning.
• Personable and adaptable with a desire to contribute to the success of our organization.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, highly organized with excellent multi-tasking skills.
• Excellent customer service ethic and ability to cultivate, grow, and maintain positive relationships.
• Adept at developing and maintaining collaborative internal and external relationships respects differing perspectives.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Must be a self-starter, able to follow instructions and make decisions independently, as well as work effectively in a team.
• As a remote position, all candidates must have the ability to work from home comfortably with full access to stable internet and ability to be on video phone calls with staff and partners.

Preferred Education/Skills:

• Prior association or non-profit management experience is a plus.
• Experience with event and speaker management database systems.
• Basic experience with AMS systems (iMIS preferred).
• Ease with adapting to new technology and hosting virtual and in-person events and meetings.
• Knowledge and passion for forests and natural resources a plus.

Travel:

• Ability to travel (10-15%) to site visits, convention, and various events.

Benefits

The Society of American Foresters takes pride in offering outstand benefits for our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 15 days of PTO, 13 Paid Holidays, a 3% 401(k) non-elective contribution, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance.

Salary

The salary for this position is $55,000 - $60,000 annually.

Other Duties

Please note this position description does not cover, contain, or list a fully comprehensive listing of duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee in this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Reasonable Accommodation

SAF will provide reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of acqualified individual with a disability unless doing so would pose an undue hardship on the operation of the business. Telecommuting on an ad hoc basis is available following 90 days of successful employment.

EEO Statement

SAF provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identification or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, SAF complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall and transfers, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

SAF expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SAF’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

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