Founded in 1906, AJC seeks to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel, and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. Among Jewish advocacy organizations, AJC is the leader in the global arena. We are known for our unparalleled access to diplomats, government officials, and faith leaders in more than 100 countries. In addition to our New York headquarters and Office of Policy and Diplomatic Affairs in Washington, D.C., AJC has offices across the U.S. and around the globe and maintains partnerships with Jewish communities worldwide.
The Global Events Department is responsible for overseeing event operations and logistics for the AJC Global Forum, Board of Governors meetings, Leadership Development and Board Engagement Institutes, and National Development events such as the NLC Fly-In and AJC missions overseas. Each of these initiatives is designed and executed for current and prospective lay leaders to actively engage in AJC’s advocacy work. Through these events, the Global Events Department helps raise awareness of AJC’s programmatic work, involve and develop lay leadership, and enhance understanding of and commitment to the agency’s priorities.
This Global Events team member provides event production and logistics expertise in the planning and execution of all major events for AJC.
Responsibilities are centered on managing key elements of event operations (F&B, transportation) for multi-size events, creating and managing event and department budgets, vendor and venue searches and contract negotiations, and problem-solving unique project challenges.
The Assistant Director does all this while adhering to AJC’s core values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Accountability.
The successful candidate must have strong skills in communications, project management, event coordination and execution, have excellent attention to detail and be entrepreneurial and comfortable taking initiative in a fast-paced working environment. S/he must be a self-starting team player, who can work collaboratively with colleagues, but will also work very independently.
Position Responsibilities:
Core responsibilities:
Support event choreography and logistics, including coordination of venue space and set ups, liaising with vendors, onsite supervision, function as key support staff, and troubleshoot needs for all major AJC events.
Create and manage department and event budgets, including research and projections, payment authorization, invoice follow up and reconciliation.
Manage and update multi-year conflict of event calendar for use agency wide in planning.
Manage Kosher Food and Beverage programs, including curating refined, balanced, and creative menus focused on health and sustainability, vendor and venue research, and managing dietary restrictions needs for all participants. Maintain menu inclusivity policy for all relevant events
Manage and oversee ground transportation services during events, including sourcing and overseeing vendors, contract negotiation, co-creating routes and schedules, coordinating execution of services onsite
Review and negotiate contracts for hotels, restaurants, and other venues, as well as supplier contracts for event related services.
Conduct venue research and site inspections
Additional responsibilities:
Assist in identifying staffing needs onsite; assist in defining and communicating roles and responsibilities.
Assist customers and access reports through the AJC Global Forum registration software (Cvent).
Research and work with external vendors to manage special projects.
Support post-event activities including debrief memos and creating an event archive.
Assist with set-up and break-down of events, as well as onsite production as necessary.
Special projects as assigned.
Qualifications:
Passion for event-based work with experience in some of the following strongly preferred: event planning, catering and banquet services, hospitality industry.
Thorough knowledge of kosher dietary laws.
Experience managing multiple events of varying scale and scope simultaneously.
Experience managing budgets.
4-6 years of relevant experience.
BA degree required.
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Exceptional attention to detail, organizational and time management skills.
Ability to work across multiple teams, internally and externally, to complete event related tasks.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong attention to detail.
Must possess sound judgment, business savviness and discretion.
Have outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills, including the ability to engage with high-level leaders.
A self-starter, willing to take the initiative.
Passion for the mission, goals, and objectives of AJC.
Willingness to attend meetings and programs outside of standard working hours. Some travel, domestic and international, is required.
Must have knowledge of Cvent and relevant event software. Cvent certification is a plus.
Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) credentials are a plus.
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits package includes:
Medical, vision, and dental plans
Flexible Spending Account options
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) - 15 vacation days per year, that increases with continued employment
Paid Holidays (many Federal and major Jewish Holidays)
Hybrid work schedule
403(b) participation, after one year of employment
Transit plan
The salary range for this position is $65,000 to $85,000 depending on location and relevant experience.
AJC requires all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID 19, unless one has a legally recognized reason for exemption.
