WHO We Are: 

Self-Help started in 1980 with a focus on economic inequality especially in communities that have faced systemic barriers in building wealth. At the core of what Self-Help does is a drive to create and protect ownership and economic opportunity. In other words, we’re committed to economic justice! Economic Justice means that all communities have the basic infrastructure they need to thrive, from high quality schools to grocery stores selling fresh foods resources that support opportunity at a neighborhood level regardless of demographics, income, or wealth. Since our founding, we’ve constantly sought to find new ways to pursue greater economic justice: from providing fair and affordable loans, to working with partners to demand that lawmakers change unjust policies. 

We are seeking a Guest Relations Coordinator to join our team in Durham, NC! 

As part of Self-Help, Avila’s mission is to support and connect community organizers and leaders working together for systemic change in the South and beyond. The Guest Relations Coordinator is responsible for the planning and operations of events at Avila Center for Community Leadership in North Durham. The Guest Relations Coordinator will report to the Director of Avila Programs. The Coordinator will focus on providing excellent customer service and supporting clients coming to Avila looking for community space that furthers their mission-focused work. The Coordinator will ensure that daily operations are running smoothly, including assisting Self-Help staff to develop and improve operational systems as Avila and the volume of clients grow. At this early stage of Avila’s growth, the person has the opportunity to help shape how we will create a physical space and sense of community to fulfill our mission. The role requires a people person, effective communicator, detailed and well-organized administrator, experienced event coordinator as well as the ability to fulfill hands-on, day-to-day tasks. 

WHAT You'll DO: 

• The duties and responsibilities of the Guest Relations Coordinator center on planning, coordinating, and managing mission-focused events of varying sizes and purposes, ensuring that all logistics and operations are executed successfully, on time and within budget. Specific responsibilities and duties are to: 
• Further Self-Help’s community engagement work by coordinating with fellow staff and 
  outside partners for the use of our event facilities to plan and execute programming that advances Self-Help’s and affiliated partners’ mission impact. 
• Coordinate and communicate with groups seeking to host events, including ensuring details and logistics are appropriately managed and potential conflicts or problems are planned for.
• Greet guests and ensure proper check-out at Avila, including off business hours. 
• Oversee the day-to-day operational management of the Avila property consistent with policies and procedures and management direction.
• Maintain Avila spaces so they are clean, orderly and professional, including coordinating with vendors and organizing spaces. 
• Lead on-going improvements of systems and processes for scheduling and hosting events, documenting details and accurate information regarding inquiries, guests, agreements and logistics. 
• Lead on-going improvements of systems for event operations that emphasize efficiency yet still meet and exceed guest expectations.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the complex needs of a wide variety of events and stay abreast of trends in the industry. 
• Work with Self-Help accounting staff to process payments and improve systems and coordination as needed.
• Post and update on social media as well as coordinate with communication staff to update and maintain the website and marketing material. 
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of processes and work with 
  leadership and staff to identify opportunities for improvement. 
• Provide excellent customer service and monitor guest feedback through the use of pre and post – event evaluations and report on outcomes. Follow up on guest requests and comments. 
• Support the Director of Avila Programs and Partnerships on logistics and some planning for the successful programming and collaboration of Avila. 
• Serve as an ambassador of Self-Help with internal and external constituencies. 
• Act as a change agent to drive Self-Help’s economic inclusion initiatives by integrating supplier diversity and the use of businesses owned by women and people of color in third party contracting and vendor management for relevant products and services. 
• Perform other duties as may be deemed necessary. 

WHAT You’ll NEED: 

• High school diploma and four years of experience or equivalent relevant experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required. 
• 3 years' experience as an event planner, project manager or coordinator, administrative or executive assistant or equivalent relevant experience. 
• Strong commitment to our mission – creating economic opportunity for traditionally underserved communities. 
• Strong commitment to excellent customer service and relationship building. 
• Ability and willingness to work outside normal work hours, as needed, including occasional nights and weekends. 
• Preference for working in organizations that place priority on teamwork and collaboration. 
• Portfolio of previously managed events (conferences, meetings, parties, corporate 
  events) and/or facilities. 
• Exceptional communicator with strong listening skills. 
• Strong organizational skills and capable of handling multiple tasks at once with proficiency.
• High level of focus and attention to detail. 
• Experience generating and managing reports and creating and reconciling budgets. 
• Self-motivated with experience working independently. 
• Confident and proficient on social media platforms. 
• Technology savvy and proficiency: MS Office, and virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom or Teams. Database proficiency such as Salesforce and/or intermediate MS Excel skills a plus. 

If you are interested in who we are and what we do; have a strong desire to work in an organization that places a high priority on teamwork and collaboration; and are interested in working to help create economic opportunity for all – THIS is the place for you! "Click the “apply now” button to apply!" 

Compensation:

Competitive nonprofit compensation, based on experience, plus a generous benefits package.

Self-Help is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons, regardless of race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression (including transgender status), age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, class or family status.