Are you a creative, fun-loving, and detail oriented individual who likes organizing events? Want to be a part of a hard working team that puts together an exciting evening that includes speeches from inspiring activists, moving musical performance and so much more?
WITNESS is seeking a short-term event assistant in its Brooklyn office. Reporting to the External Relations Manager, the Event Assistant will support all aspects of WITNESS’ 25th Anniversary Benefit on March 2, 2017 in New York City. The Benefit is a dinner and concert in celebration of the power of storytelling to create human rights change for about 400 attendees. It is our premiere fundraising event of the year. More details about the event can be found here: 2017.focusforchange.org.
Past co-hosts include Angelina Jolie, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gael García Bernal, Angélique Kidjo and Christiane Amanpour with featured performers including Paul Simon, Iron and Wine, Cyndi Lauper, Sheryl Crow, Jimmy Cliff, The Roots, Vampire Weekend, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Jackson Browne, and K’naan.
About WITNESS:
WITNESS makes it possible for anyone, anywhere to participate in the fight for human rights. Through collaboration and innovation, we are powering up millions of people with the skills and tools to use video and technology effectively and ethically to create lasting change.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Logistics and Coordination
Work with the External Relations team to support all aspects of planning and executing the 25th Anniversary Benefit including but not limited to liaising with vendors, coordinating schedules, drafting materials, assisting with auction solicitation, drafting speeches, supporting the events team;
Help coordinate VIP cocktail party on March 1, 2017, the evening before the Benefit;
• Night-of the event: coordinate signage, assist with décor, help with registration and volunteer assignments, help with talent coordination, help coordinate vendor load-ins, liaise with the photographer, etc;
• Schedule and take notes at meetings and conference calls;
• Assist with all event follow-up.
Marketing
• Ensure event is registered on New York City benefit and social calendars;
• Help keep event website up-to-date and support outreach efforts on social media.
Outreach
• Identify and solicit in-kind and corporate donors;
• Prepare letters and other communications to Benefit Committee;
• Prepare acknowledgement letters and gifts;
• Track RSVPs and payments through online databases.
Printed Materials and Design
• Help gather logos, text, and photos for signage and printed materials;
• Assist with the creation of signage and materials for the event;
• Coordinate with printer to order and deliver printed materials.
Talent
• Prepare letters to recruit talent to participate in and attend the event;
• Help prepare schedules and arrange car service;
• Coordinate travel and accommodations.
Miscellaneous
• Conduct attendee research prior to the event;
• Assist with coordinating auction, décor, giveaway, after-party, and other elements.
PRINCIPAL RELATIONSHIPS:
• Works closely with the External Relations Manager, Individual Philanthropy Associate, and Associate Director of Communications and Engagement.
• Interacts with Executive Director and Senior Video Producer and Editor
• Communicates with external consultants, production team, vendors, media, celebrities, and major donors
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
The ideal candidate will have the following professional skills, experience and characteristics:
• Work Experience and Education: You have 1-2 years of professional experience, preferably in nonprofit event planning and Bachelor’s Degree or Associate’s Degree plus additional work experience;
• Communications: You are an excellent creative writer with strong copy-editing skill. You are comfortable communicating with external audiences and enjoy speaking in public;
• Work Habits: You are highly organized with superb attention to detail. You thrive under stress and have the ability to multi-task and even troubleshoot when projects shift unexpectedly. You are reliable, energetic and motivated. You have good judgment and consistently meet deadlines – even when it means working long hours;
• Skills: You are an expert in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and well versed in using the internet for research;
• Human Rights/Advocacy: You are genuinely enthusiastic about WITNESS’ mission and have a basic understanding of human rights and/or video advocacy.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The candidate will preferably have the following skills, experience and characteristics:
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM;
• Familiarity with WordPress;
• Graphic design skills and familiarity with Adobe Create Suite is a plus;
• Experience working with graphic designers.
LOCATION: Brooklyn, New York 11217
TITLE: Event Assistant
START DATE: ASAP; the position is anticipated to last until April 2017.
TO APPLY: Send cover letter, resume, non-academic writing sample (1-2 pages) and contact information for 3 references to: developmentjob@witness.org.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled; early applications encouraged. Please note that due to the volume anticipated, we will not be able to respond individually to each applicant. We kindly ask that you do not send duplicate applications via mail or email, and no phone calls. Thank you for your understanding.
WITNESS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. WE VALUE AND ENCOURAGE DIVERSITY AND CAREFULLY CONSIDER QUALIFIED APPLICANTS FOR ALL POSITIONS WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, CREED, GENDER, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, MARITAL OR VETERAN STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, OR ANY OTHER LEGALLY PROTECTED STATUS. witness.org