Specialist, Event Operations

Specialist, Event Operations

About StriveTogether
StriveTogether is a national movement with a clear purpose: helping every child succeed in school and in life from cradle to career, regardless of race, ethnicity, zip code or circumstance. We work to break down barriers, change systems and improve outcomes with the Cradle to Career Network, made up of nearly 70 communities across the country. StriveTogether provides resources, best practices and processes to give every child every chance for success.

The StriveTogether team is passionate, talented and dedicated to achieving our mission. We seek and value all kinds of diversity and work hard to eliminate inequities in ourselves, our organization and our communities. Our goals are bold, so we support each other to try new things, have tough conversations and push for change. As we work, we share learning and progress, use data to make decisions and celebrate our wins.

About you 

You are a highly organized and detail-oriented professional with a passion for creating seamless, impactful event experiences. With a background in event coordination and logistics, you thrive in dynamic environments where you can manage multiple tasks and collaborate with diverse teams. Your excellent communication and problem-solving skills make you a natural at managing relationships with vendors, internal stakeholders, and event participants, ensuring that all logistical elements are executed flawlessly. 

You are proactive, resourceful, and able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, making you a valuable asset in ensuring that each event runs smoothly from start to finish. Whether it's supporting large-scale gatherings or small internal meetings, your ability to think strategically and handle all the behind-the-scenes details helps make every event a success.

About the position

Reporting to the Manager, Event Operations the Specialist, Event Operations supports all logistics for Strive Together in-person events. The Specialist, Event Operations will work with internal staff, facilitators, and consultants to provide a positive program experience to guests and an overall successful event that achieves the relevant goals. This includes planning in person events for StriveTogether’s Network Members from 70 communities as well as quarterly internal staff meetings and retreats. External events for Network Members include a range of sizes and types from two large events that range from 100 - 700 participants and more frequent smaller network events with 25-75 participants. 

Day to day tasks include supporting event project management from event conception through closing, coordinating with event vendors, documenting meetings, synthesizing and communicating event needs internally and externally, documenting and executing on standard operating procedures, and providing on the ground support at events when required. 

Responsibilities and duties

Project Management (50%)

• Support event planning processes through all stages with a lens towards equity and inclusion for all stakeholders

• Maintain records to support proper budget documentation

• Manage systems for registration for various types of in person events

• Develop project timelines and proactively manage changes in project scope

• Proactively identify and communicate potential roadblocks and devise contingency plans

• Partner with internal administrative staff to organize and manage supply needs for events

• Manage a system to handle the copying and delivery of materials in various locations for in person events

• Maintain and communicate event guidelines across all events

Event Implementation and Execution (30%)

• Partner with program leads to capture the curated list of attendees for each event and implement the appropriate registration processes

• Develop logistical communications and partner with program leads to ensure strong communication to attendees and facilitators for each event 

• Support the coordination of on-site logistics (e.g., materials, catering, audiovisual); manage vendors when on-site and determining the need for additional administrative supports

Event Design  (15%)

• Partner with facilitators and other key stakeholders in the design of programs and sessions that align with organizational goals and participants’ needs

• Partner with program staff to develop a full run of show specific to each event

• Identify appropriate venues and vendors for events and manage all contract negotiations with hotels and other vendors

Relationship Management and Communications (5%)

• Communicate with program team and participants in preparation for, during, and after each event

• Build relationships with the program team and participants and ensure all have what they need to be successful

Required Qualifications 

• Project management experience with ability to hold others accountable to deadlines or results 

• Attention to detail with an ability to see those details in the context of the big picture  

• Ability to communicate intentionally and clearly with internal and external audiences

• Comfortable managing up and working with senior levels of internal and external leaders 

• Relationship builder who demonstrates care for others 

• Experience with Microsoft 365 products

Preferred Qualifications 

• 2-3 years of experience in event operations

• Ability to facilitate meetings to accomplish a shared result 

• Ability to handle low level problem solving in real time

• Exceptional customer service and relational warmth to create welcoming and inclusive event environments 

• Experience with Asana

• Experience with Salesforce

Location and Work Requirements 

• This role will be based out of StriveTogether’s downtown Cincinnati headquarters with a hybrid work schedule, which requires coming into the office 3x per week. The dog-friendly office features paid parking, a rooftop deck and snacks and beverages.

• Must be able to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer, and ability to effectively use remote work technology, including Slack, Zoom and others. 

• Must be able to occasionally transport and move event materials weighing up to 25 pounds within the Cincinnati headquarters and to external event sites.

• Must be able to move about large conference areas for a lengthy amount of time consistently. 

• Up to 30-35% travel required  

Compensation and Benefits 

The anticipated salary range for this role is $62-68,000. 

StriveTogether also provides competitive benefits and professional development opportunities including: 

• Fifteen days paid time off with four personal days, eleven holidays and a five-day break at the end of the year. PTO increases to twenty days after five years and staff members are able to apply for sabbatical in their seventh year of employment 

• Competitive health and dental with up to $2,500 contribution from company for an HSA for HDHP participants  

• Automatic 3% employer contribution to retirement plan and up to another 1% based on a total of 5% employee contribution 

• Options for professional development internally and externally including webinars, conferences and trainings 

• Paid parental leave  

• 100% paid vision, short-term and long-term disability, basic life insurance and access to Employee Assistance Program 

Application and Interview Process 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a target start date in March 2025. The process below is reflective of the typical process but may adjust slightly based on need and timing. 

• Phone Screen  

• Performance Task (compensated with a gift card)

• Hiring Manager Interview 

• Panel Interview 

• Reference Checks  

If you need assistance completing your application or require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the interview process due to a disability or another reason protected by law, we are committed to ensuring an inclusive process and are here to help. Please contact us at px@strivetogether.org.

Commitment to Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 

StriveTogether seeks to disrupt inequitable practices that impact historically marginalized individuals and communities. We recognize that you may not have an exact match with every qualification for this role, and that's okay — we encourage you to apply. Research indicates that individuals from marginalized groups, particularly women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ community, often hesitate to apply unless they meet all criteria. We value diverse experiences and perspectives, and we welcome your application. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

StriveTogether provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, domestic partnership status, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.  

StriveTogether participates in the E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov