MANAGER OF SPECIAL EVENTS

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
MANAGER OF SPECIAL EVENTS
Development and Outreach Department
(New York Office)
Application Deadline: January 18, 2013

Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of Manager of International Special Events.  This position reports to the Associate Director of International Special Events.

Essential Responsibilities:

Strategy and Management:

1. Assist the Associate Director of International Special Events to develop and ensure the delivery of a portfolio of major, organization-wide events;

2. Act as a driving force for the events strategy in North America and Japan by working with HRW's local offices to ensure its implementation; maintain relationships and act as a liaison between offices in North America and Japan, and staff in HRW's New York headquarters;

3. Assist in the evaluation of major events, identifying best practices and lessons learned in order to build on the future strategy;

4. Supervise personnel based in North America recruited to support the work of the International Special Events team, including temporary employees, events consultants, and interns;

5. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, such as Board and Council members, by generating ideas, managing expectations, and leading logistics discussions.

Logistics and Production:

1. Assist with planning and implementing signature fundraising events in North America and Japan including HRW’s Annual Dinners, Film Festival Benefits and Cries from the Heart;

2. Support the logistical planning and execution of signature cultivation events, such as Council Summits and Board of Director meetings;

3. Manage the selection process of the Defender Tour, an international tour of human rights activists honored during the HRW Annual Dinners;

4. Coordinate logistical preparations for the Annual Dinners and Defender Tour, including but not limited to, travel arrangements for staff and speakers, on-site production needs, and show flow development;

5. Provide ongoing technical, logistical, and administrative guidance and occasional on-site support for signature fundraising, cultivation, and outreach events;

6. Provide training and mentoring in events management for new Development and Outreach staff in North America and Japan as well as where assigned;

7. Produce and review event materials in line with Human Rights Watch’s branding;

8. Create and maintain accurate budgets, timelines and detailed logistical plans;

9. Perform ‘on the night’ events management as needed;

10. Coordinate public relations and marketing with special events logistics and strategy; and

11. Perform other tasks as may be required.

Managerial Responsibilities:

1. Deliver outputs in a timely manner and be consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of HRW, and specifically the Development and Outreach Department;

2. Establish clear work plans for staff and communicate priorities clearly and effectively, providing oversight and taking responsibility for delegated assignments;

3. Manage and guide staff by listening, having two-way communication, sharing pertinent information, responding appropriately and delegating appropriate responsibilities; and

4. Provide appropriate and timely feedback on staff performance and provide guidance, coaching and training, as necessary.

Qualifications:

Education:  A bachelor’s degree is essential with preferred studies in communications, marketing, social sciences, or other related studies. 

Experience:  Minimum 3-5 years of experience coordinating high-level events from conception to realization is essential; experience with fundraising events and the development of overall events strategies is preferable.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Creativity, initiative, follow-through, meticulous attention to detail and impeccable organizational skills are required.

2. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required, and knowledge of other major international languages is an asset.

3. Ability to manage multiple priorities and multiple constituencies simultaneously, working effectively toward deadlines is required.

4. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with external partners are required.

5. Familiarity with fundraising databases, particularly Raiser’s Edge, is preferred.

Salary and Benefits:  HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers comprehensive compensation and employer-paid benefits.  HRW will pay reasonable relocation expenses and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

Contact:  Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a sample event production timeline, salary requirements and contact information for three references to devjobs@hrw.org.  Please use “Events Manager Ref: DEV-12-1065-A” as the subject of your email.

Only complete applications will be reviewed and only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.

Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.