General Summary

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is the national scientific and educational organization representing the forestry profession in the United States. Founded in 1900 by Gifford Pinchot, it is the largest professional society for foresters and other forest management professionals and academics in the world. SAF’s mission is to advance sustainable management of forest resources through science, education, and technology; to enhance the competency of its members; to establish professional excellence; and to use our knowledge, skills, and conservation ethic to ensure the continued health, integrity, and use of forests to benefit society in perpetuity. More information about SAF is available at www.eforester.org
 

SAF is seeking an organized and dynamic Events Project Manager to lead partner-oriented and events-based projects from concept to completion. The project manager will be responsible for managing project timelines and deliverables and coordinating back-end logistics for various virtual and in-person events. This position will work with external partners and internal staff across the organization to coordinate event logistics. They will build organizational relationships with already-established partners and with various visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, and hotels throughout the country to provide efficient and effective meetings support for SAF and its stakeholders. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, adaptable, customer service-oriented, and collaborative. The Events Project Manager will report to SAF’s Senior Director of Events and Sales.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions):

• Coordinates the logistics for multiple 30-50-person training meetings hosted on behalf of the sale administration division of the USDA Forest Service, including proposal requests for venue and room blocks, contract negotiations, and banquet event order (BEO) detailing for the specific events. 
• Assists the Senior Director of Events and Sales in coordinating various pre-event logistics for SAF’s annual convention, including but not limited to managing hotel blocks, procuring tour bus rentals, and securing space for offsite events. 
• Coordinates events logistics as they relate to the US Capitol Christmas Tree Initiative, including coordinating details for the cross-country whistle-stop tour and planning two DC-based receptions. 
• Attends up to 15 events each year in person, including SAF National convention and forest service trainings, to assist onsite or serve as the lead onsite point of contact. 
• Researches and creates proposals for potential sites/hotels and logistics for association events.
• Assists team in maintaining event standard operating procedure documents as related to their projects.  
• Works with external partners while maintaining a strong sense of SAF’s organizational culture. 

USDA Forest Service Training Sessions:

• Maintains a project timeline for coordinating with the USDA Forest Service and ensuring all deliverables are finished in a timely and accurate manner. 
• Coordinates the logistics of up to 15 trainings each fiscal year. 
• Meets regularly with USDA Forest Service project leads to coordinate planning efforts for trainings and ensure all needs are met. 
• Creates and updates email templates and online intake forms related to the attendee nominations, sorting, and selection process for the trainings throughout the fiscal year. 
• Secures and coordinates host locations including conference space, hotel room block, audiovisual needs, and food and beverage needs.
• Creates and updates all onsite printed materials, including printed agendas, nametags for attendees, and attendee sign-in sheets. 

US Capital Christmas Tree Initiative:

• Works with project leads, external partners, and communities across the country to coordinate approximately 20 tour stops in connection with the US Capitol Christmas Tree Initiative, including connecting with the community and serving as the logistics point of contact for each tour stop and community. 
• Coordinates logistics for two 250-person, DC-based receptions for the US Capitol Christmas Tree Initiative in December. 

National Convention:

• Assists the Senior Director of Events and Sales in coordinating various pre-event logistics for SAF’s annual convention, including but not limited to managing hotel blocks, procuring tour bus rentals, and securing space for offsite events. 
• Meets with vendors and key venue personnel in the months leading up to convention to coordinate planning efforts as needed.

Other:

• Performs other duties as assigned by CEO and direct supervisor.

Job Specifications:

• 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, and ability to prioritize multiple projects.
• Independent, self-starter with a demonstrated ability to take initiative and accomplish tasks on time and with moderate supervision.
• 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.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, hospitality, sales, or other associated degree, or equivalent related experience in the association and meeting management environment.
• Minimum 2-5 years of experience providing meeting planning and support within a fast-paced, professional environment.
• Ability to travel 25% of the time.

Preferred Education / Skills:

• Degree and/or experience in forestry and natural resources a plus.
• Sales experience a plus
• Customer-facing experience, with focus on problem solving.
• Knowledge and passion for forests and natural resources, or a willingness to learn, a plus.

Location

This is a remote position located within the United States with occasional travel. Currently not accepting applications from California residents.

Salary

$65,000 - $70,000 annual salary

Benefits

The Society of American Foresters takes pride in offering comprehensive and affordable 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. 

Reasonable Accommodation

SAF will provide reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified 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.