ABOUT FORTERRA

Dedicated to regional sustainability in all its dimensions, Forterra secures the places — urban, rural and wild — that are keystones of a positive future for our Pacific Northwest communities, both human and natural. A land trust, a policy innovator, and a social justice ally, over its thirty years Forterra has undertaken hundreds of projects that — at micro and macro scales — have secured and enhanced wildlands, working forests and farms, and city parks. Reflecting rising pressures from population growth and climate change, Forterra’s work now also encompasses urban and rural land for livelihoods, housing and community health.

In just the last two years, Forterra’s efforts have garnered national coverage in the Wall Street Journal and Forbes, as well as front-page stories in the Seattle Times and the Puget Sound Business Journal. We are also 2018 winner of the national Olmsted Medal, an honor from the American Society of Landscape Architects for innovation in stewardship of lands and communities — making us one of a handful of purely regional organizations with this distinction.

SUMMARY OF POSITION (Salary range is $44,400 to $64,400, DOE)

Forterra is looking for an exceptionally detail orientated, team player who has experience managing multiple priorities and works well in a fast paced organization. We are looking for a dynamic, personable Event Manager to create and execute fundraising events that foster Forterra’s cultivation efforts. These events include: the annual Breakfast; county-based events; Ampersand LIVE, Holiday Party and events as they arise. This position will work cross departmentally, with our Regional Leadership Council and the Board of Directors to ensure we meet our fundraising and recruitment goals.

 

Under the supervision of the Director of Development and Operations, this position will manage all event logistics, guest and table captain recruitment, tracking, reporting and communications. This position will work closely with the Communications team to support the needs and details of the events live program. You will need to balance multiple needs and priorities with a lot of moving pieces.

 

Specific Duties: Plan and execute a range of small to large events, ranging from all staff retreats to large fundraising events.

  • Work cross departmentally to identify, recruit and steward table captains and guests.
  • Plan and manage all event logistics. Secure vendors, space and services and equipment.
  • Review, submit and track contracts and invoices.
  • Track and maintain budget.
  • Craft messaging, lists and materials for guest and table captain communications.
  • Work closely with database specialist to create queries, tracking tools and manage event data.
  • Maintain constituent confidentiality.
  • Work closely with Corporate Partnership Manager to steward corporation relationships.
  • Research venues, caterers and vendors.
  • Work closely with Communications Director to create and implement events. Coordinating AV needs, speaker rehearsals and programmatic needs.
  • Work with graphic designer to design print collateral and schedule of deliverables.Set up and maintain event webpages, RSVP links and Raisers Edge events.
  • Coordinate set-up and break-down for all events.
  • Recruit, manage and thank day-of event volunteers and vendors.
  • Maintain and disseminate the organization’s overall events calendar.
  • Post-event data entry, tracking, and follow-up.
  • Manage guest and table captain communications with Board, Regional Leaders, staff and partners.
  • Report out on event success.
  • Support program teams with event creation and execution (ie Cross Laminate Timber event).
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

  • 3 – 5 years managing large scale events.
  • Exceptional attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively manage time, organize multiple activities, set priorities, and remain flexible under pressure.
  • Ability and willingness to work necessary hours leading up to, during, and following each event.
  • Superior customer-service skills; ability to be articulate, patient, and positive with constituents.
  • Willingness to jump in where needed and support the team.
  • Proficiency with MS Office products, especially mail merge and excel.
  • Demonstrated interest or experience in nonprofit work.
  • Commitment to the Forterra mission.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience with fundraising events; specifically with table captain and guest recruitment.
  • Acumen with Raiser’s Edge, excel or another donor/CRM tool.
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Mailchimp, WordPress or similar tools a plus.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, exempt position. Competitive compensation will range between depending on experience. In addition, Forterra offers a range of employee benefits including paid time off; a partial match of retirement contributions; medical, dental, and vision insurance; an optional health savings account; life insurance; disability coverage; access to a subsidized Orca card for public transportation; a free, in-building fitness center (Seattle only); and an Employee Assistance Program.

TRAVEL, WORKING CONDITIONS, AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

This position is subject to indoor environmental conditions typical to a professional office setting. The essential physical requirements of this position include:

  • Ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
  • Ability to sit, stand, or otherwise remain in a stationary position at a computer workstation for the majority of the work day.
  • Ability to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, etc.
  • Ability to constantly operate a computer and other office equipment such as calculators, copy machines, and printers.
  • Ability to communicate accurately with co-workers, clients, and vendors about financial information and other matters related to the daily operations of the organization.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Forterra is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other class protected by law. Assistance and/or reasonable accommodations during the application process are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.