Job Listing: Programs & Events Coordinator (Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest)
Programs & Events Coordinator
The Corporation for Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, a nonprofit organization, seeks to hire a Program & Events Coordinator. The position will begin as a flexible 30-hour work week, Tuesday through Fridays, and some weekends, with the likelihood of full-time work weeks during busy periods (spring, summer and late fall). The Program & Events Coordinator will report to the Director of Programs & Education and will be a critical member of the Corporation’s Interpretation Department.
The Program & Events Coordinator will be responsible for organizing and running a full calendar of public and private events year-round at Poplar Forest. The qualified candidate must be exceptionally organized and detail-oriented and willing to work a somewhat irregular work schedule to ensure all events are attended. The Programs & Events Coordinator will occasionally act as the weekend property manager; opening, closing, and making sure visitors are taken care of.
Event Coordination
- Serve as the lead coordinator of all events and programs on site including signature, large-scale events such as spring and fall Thomas Jefferson Wine Festivals, Independence Day Celebration, Conversations with Jefferson and the Face the Forest Obstacle Course Run, as well as smaller events including, but not limited to, dinners in the historic house, Candlelight Tours, Naturalization ceremonies and others throughout the year
- Execute contracts for outside vendors, catering services, bands, interpreters, and others
- Ensure all vendors and contractors for events are fully informed of duties, restrictions, and needs for each event
- Assist with all private event rentals on the property including communicating rental policies with potential renters, ensuring all plans for private events are within parameters of the rental policies
- Manage events with partner organizations as needed
- Ensure event planning, day-of coordination, and clean up are quick, efficient, and as smooth as possible, assigning specific duties for staff and volunteers
- Act as the day-of point person for all event related decisions including set up and break down
- Compile event attendee registration lists for the Museum Shop
- Oversee event set up, clean up, and scheduling all necessary staff and volunteers
Website/Social Media
- Assist with creating social media imagery, website descriptions, and other marketing materials
- Assist in maintaining Poplar Forest’s website including:
- Set up of event pages with assistance from Elevation Advertising
- Set up of all event ticket sales using Ticket SignUp
- Edit content as needed
- Assist with Poplar Forest’s social media presence, playing a large role in coordinating posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms with the President & CEO, and the Director of Programs and Education
Duty Officer (Occasionally/As Needed)
- Work with the Director of Programs & Education and other department staff to ensure property is open for the public and closed at the end of the day
- Operate golf cart and handicapped lift as needed, including driving people to the lower level of the house to tour it and the wing of offices (attached to the house) as part of their tour
This position may also be asked to perform other duties assigned which will be clearly communicated.
Salary & Benefits:
This position will be paid at an hourly rate of $16.00 for 30 hours/week with the possibility of full-time work (37.5 hrs/week). Part-time employees are eligible for health and dental benefits, life insurance, sick leave, personal leave and paid vacation on a pro-rata basis. The Corporation for Jefferson’s Poplar Forest offers 11 paid holidays (paid on a pro-rata basis for part-time employees) and contributes to a safe-harbor 401K plan for all employees.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in history, museum studies, education or related field
- Strong organizational skills is an absolute must
- Ability to work an irregular schedule to accommodate covering events
- Ability to work independently and multi-task
- Experience working with the general public is preferred
- Highly motivated with an ability to adapt to change
- Strong communication skills both oral and written
- Demonstrated leadership and project management abilities
To Apply:
Please submit a resume and cover letter to:
Talea Teasley, Director of Programs & Education
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
P.O. Box 419
Forest, VA 24551