Position Title: Events Specialist                                             Reports To: Special Events Manager

Type:    Exempt / Full-Time                                                    Location: Seattle, WA / Kent, WA

Northwest Harvest (NWH) is Washington’s leading hunger relief agency – supporting a statewide network of 375 food banks, meal programs, and high-need schools. Focused on improving equity in our food system, Northwest Harvest believes everyone in Washington should have consistent access to nutritious food that feeds the body, mind, and spirit. In addition to making sure those who suffer from hunger are being fed, Northwest Harvest aims to shift public opinion, as well as impact institutional policies and societal practices that perpetuate hunger, poverty, and disparities in our state. Learn more at http://www.northwestharvest.org.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for supporting Northwest Harvest special events including but not limited to: recruiting volunteers for events, being present at Northwest Harvest-produced and third-party events, participating in the ongoing ROI assessment of events and assisting in the evaluation of event proposals. The position will also support event follow-up and will document event processes and outcomes. This role will work closely with the Development team, Communications team, Hunger Response Network team, Finance and Operations.

The Events Specialist must be detail oriented, able to prioritize tasks, able to support development of multiple events and relationships at a given time and able to follow through to completion.

This work is performed at the Security House administrative office in Seattle, WA, or at the Northwest Harvest Distribution Center in Kent, WA and requires great flexibility, creative problem solving, and the ability to independently support multiple events.

This role engages in cutting hunger rates in half by 2028 through supporting a forward-facing platform for communicating not only what we do but why we do it. Northwest Harvest events serve as key awareness building tools, provide critical donation-generating streams and importantly, give voice to the passion we have for addressing root causes of hunger and inequity.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Event Logistics and Relationship Support (35%)

• Supports cultivation of event partnerships
• Helps define timeline of events
• Communicates as needed with all event partners
• Helps track potential new events and partnerships
• Helps prepare event supplies
• Works with Communications team for event-related content for website, print and electronic newsletters, social media and other communication media.
  • Consummate ambassador to the Northwest Harvest brand.

Event Volunteer Recruitment and Coordination (35%)

• Recruits and assesses event volunteers, as needed. Coordinates with Volunteer Manager as needed.
• Assists manager in recruiting Northwest Harvest staff for select annual events
• Orients and leads large volunteer groups and staff assisting at events
• Follow-up after events and collect feedback and improve future events volunteer experiences

Day of Event Coordination and Logistics (20%)

• Serves as NWH point of contact during event for volunteers
• Collaborate with Development Department to execute event
• Assists with preparing, packing and unpacking supplies before and after events
• Support and set-up and break down of NWH booth and associated items
• Represent NWH. This may include speaking about NWH to event attendees when manager is not present
• Maintains inventory of event supplies at Seattle and Kent offices
• Support money collection, raffle ticket sales and other activities to execute event

Event follow-up (10%)

• Documents and distribute post-event results to needed parties within NWH
• File documents
• Assist in mailing gifts to donors
• Assist in recording events contacts and details in Salesforce database
• Perform other administrative tasks as needed by the Corporate Engagement Office or Director of Development

Equity and Inclusion

• Demonstrate the initiative to learn and enhance skills that promote anti-racism, cultural competency and an understanding of oppression and its impact.
• Participate in intentional learning efforts, including events relating to understanding and dismantling institutional racism and building cultural competency.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal:

Frequent contact with multiple departments, especially Communications, Development, Operations, and Finance. Communicate regularly to respond to event requests, identify needs, and manage timelines and workflows. Regular, close collaboration with Special Events Manager and Corporate Engagement Officer.

External: Regular contact with a variety of stakeholders, vendors, and professional associates and networks. Frequent contact with the public functioning as volunteers at Northwest Harvest events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A combination of the real-life experience, education, and training listed below which provides an equivalent background to perform the work of this position.

Trustworthy and able to support money-related activities.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, customer service and organizational skills are essential. The ideal candidate will be able to interact in a professional way with Corporate partners, as needed; must work well in a team, be positive, proactive, assertive, able to problem solve and plan and execute strategically.

Knowledge of:

• Effectively and collaboratively supporting the work of a results-oriented team in spirit of cooperation.
• Excellent communication and people skills. Outgoing person with strong speaking skills, capable and comfortable speaking to large audiences.
• Able to work efficiently in a fast-paced, work environment, as well as in multiple off-site settings.
• Independent and flexible self-starter who has the ability to learn and support the planning, organizing, and executing of events from start to finish.
• Demonstrated computer and typing skills including Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of Salesforce, Volgistics, and Form Assembly is preferred but not required.
• 1-3 years of experience performing work requiring strong attention to detail, organization and accuracy.
• Able to follow instructions, solve problems, exercise sound judgment, and ask for assistance.Ability to work weekends and evenings as required, in alignment with flex procedures.
• Able and willing to perform physical labor such as lifting, carrying, setting up event boxes and other materials independently with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Able to work in organization’s downtown Seattle, Kent offices, and off-site event locations.
• Candidate must be able to schedule travel plans via car, public transit, or carpool.
• Works effectively under pressure and at a sustained pace, managing emotional highs and lows, while maintaining focus on objectives despite setbacks. Able to model continuous positive attitude to external-facing partners, volunteers, and donors.

Ability To:

• Understand individuals who have experienced poverty or food insecurity
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and leadership to assure a high degree of mutual accountability.
• Demonstrate interest and commitment to supporting equity and inclusion for members of historically marginalized groups including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ populations and people living with disabilities
• Define schedules and support project management and execution of events
• Prioritize activities
• Analyze issues, synthesize information, make decisions and learn from mistakes.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, including the ability to listen effectively and provide direction.
• Ask questions to understand the merits of different approaches and shift strategies in response to demands of a situation.
• Commit to Northwest Harvest’s goal of decreasing food insecurity by 50% in 10 years through 1 – 3 intentional, individual goals.

EXPERIENCE:

• Proven ability to work collaboratively with others in a team environment and across departments as well as ability to work independently and take initiative to complete projects without intensive instruction
• Experience in a nonprofit organization is desired but not required.