Manager of Outreach & Events

Description and qualifications

Date: March 2023

Position Title: Manager of Outreach & Events (West Coast or Mid-West, Remote Position)

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. The Reeve Foundation is a pioneer in the field of spinal cord injury (SCI) research and has funded $140 million in the laboratories of key thought leaders around the world. The Foundation is committed to building on the findings of decades of research and developing therapies that bring meaningful solutions to people with SCI. Its National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) provides the most comprehensive knowledge, tools, and services for individuals impacted by paralysis through dedicated Information Specialists, a substantial Quality of Life Grants Program, Peer & Family Support Program, Military and Veterans Program, Racial and Health Equity initiatives and Advocacy Program.

About the Role:

Today, we seek a full-time Manager of Outreach Meetings and Events who will plan, produces, and execute Reeve’s participation in multiple national meetings and events related to the outreach goals of our National Paralysis Resource Center. These meetings and events will be both virtual and in-person, and at times simultaneous from conception through to completion. Outreach meetings and events include tours, workshops, symposiums, community outreach and education sessions, collaborator talks, listening sessions, webinars, panels, etc. throughout the United States.

The Manager will be responsible for all aspects involved in outreach meetings and events related to attending and/or exhibiting at national, state, and local conferences; managing partnerships with affiliated organizations and vendors; as well as engaging with members and organizations within the paralysis community, specifically in identified underserved areas, in unique, relevant, and meaningful ways.

They will interact with our community and coworkers and manage themself in a manner consistent with, and in support of, the organization’s mission and core values.

Major Responsibilities:

People:

• Conduct meetings and events across the country with various audiences to spread the word physically and virtually about the National Paralysis Resource Center’s programming and services, while developing key partnerships and collaborations.
• Work with internal teams at Reeve to determine and develop necessary diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible digital outreach materials that generate interest and full, meaningful, participation in National Paralysis Resource Center sponsored activities.
• Lead outreach committee meetings and event planning and production discussions for the scope of all assigned meetings and events.
• Negotiate vendor contracts, conditions, and services and serve as the main point of contact for all outreach-focused meetings and events.
• Coordinate with multiple internal departments regarding strategies to develop and further community partnerships and collaborations with organizations and businesses that share our vision and mission.
• Manage and engage with outreach meeting and event presenters, panelists, and speakers to obtain bios, ensure meeting preparedness, procure presentations, etc.
• Develop strong partnerships and collaborations with affiliated individuals, organizations, agencies, and businesses to promote the goals of the National Paralysis Resource Center and our mission.

Events/Functions/Production:

• Create and manage project timelines, objectives, outreach plans, budgets and workplan goals for all outreach meetings and events funded by the National Paralysis Resource Center.
• Coordinate, strategize, and execute all aspects of outreach meeting and event planning logistics, including Run of Show, venue selection, internal committee meetings, technology, and catering, rentals, A/V, program, signage, transportation with full accessibility and inclusion to achieve a streamlined and successful event.
• Develop workflows, policies, and procedures surrounding activities related to planning and coordinating outreach events with the Outreach & Education team.
• Secure, coordinate and oversee ADA compliant accessible technology for both in-person events, and virtual program operations, including stage management, webinars, and hybrid events as needed.

Data:

• Develop a dissemination strategy for certain outreach-specific materials with the goal of promoting the National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC).
• Review data to evaluate and measure the success of outreach meetings and events and identify low vs. high outreach areas, which will inform our best practices as a team.
• Manage a program budget that incorporates memberships, travel, etc. and manage relationships with various vendors under the designated budget.
• Government Grant Reporting for the Administration for Community Living – Draft completed outreach objectives as assigned by the Outreach & Education Director for semi-annual reports.

Other:

• Work to further integrate diversity initiatives and underserved population information in all our outreach NPRC programs, providing opportunities for Reeve to always engage with others who experience or care for someone with paralysis in creative and meaningful ways.
• Find continual opportunities for the Outreach & Education team to connect, engage, and partner with others inside and outside the organization.
• Delegate outreach tasks to our Outreach & Education Associate and Content Specialist as needed and monitor the progress of those activities.

Additionally, this individual will perform periodic accountabilities such as:

• Assist other Outreach and Education Managers on related initiatives, programming and committees
• Provide drafted written, video and social media content for our Outreach Content Specialist
• Participate in the Quality-of-Life grant applications internal review process

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in community outreach, event planning or other relevant work
• Ability to build partnerships with community members
• Experience producing educational curriculum, resource documents and training materials
• Self-starter
• Deadline oriented
• Experience creating and managing budgets
• Uses critical thinking and creativity in problem solving
• Good listening and communication skills

Language Skills:

• Excellent verbal, written and communication skills

Computer/Technical Skills:

• Intermediate-level Microsoft Office Suite
• Intermediate-level event and meeting planning management software
• Intermediate level knowledge of social media platforms (Instagram, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, TikTok)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree
• Experience with Federally funded non-profit organizations.
• Capacity to function effectively in diverse situations and bring cultural competency to light when communicating, developing relationships, and organizing activities on behalf of the Foundation.
• Experience with people who live with or care for others with a form of paralysis
• Fluency in a second language

Travel:

• Approximately 20-30% local and national travel with more than half representing overnight stays

Physical Demands/Office Environment:

This position is primarily a sedentary role but will have periods of physical activity. The person in this position may need to occasionally move about inside the office to liaise with internal staff, access files, office machinery and a copy machine/printer. As stated above, the position involves some travel. In addition, this person will need to be able to set up live events, including exhibit booths, stages for presenters and displays. They will need to be able to lift up to 20 lbs.

The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The Foundation is committed to providing a work environment free of harassment and discrimination that supports individual dignity and respect. Accordingly, the Foundation maintains a strict policy prohibiting sexual harassment, unlawful harassment and any type of discriminatory treatment because of any “Protected Characteristic”.

Send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]