Event & Marketing Associate

The Marketing & Event Associate at the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS) Central Office will lead the ideation, planning and execution of events that support CHS and its Centers. This individual will coordinate strategic events of varying sizes and purposes including professional gatherings and celebrations, talent and admissions recruitment events, community events, and other events that engage CHS audiences. Reporting to the Marketing Manager, the Marketing & Event Associate will also support ongoing Marketing & Communications team projects and daily operations as assigned.

Responsibilities:Lead the events for CHS including strategic ideation, planning, execution, and follow up, including but not limited: professional gatherings and celebrations, talent and admissions recruitment events, community events, and other in-person or virtual events that engage CHS audiencesProvide operating and administrative support for the Marketing and Communications Department by updating and managing the project management system to ensure that tasks, assignments and timelines within the department are met, assisting with vendor contracts, and reviewing financial system to ensure POs and payments are processed. Serve as support and liaison for external marketing agencies and vendors in the absence of the Marketing ManagerIdentify external event, speaking and sponsorship opportunities that align with CHS's mission and strategic goals, and coordinate Central Office and/or CHS Centers participationCreate and maintain a calendar of all hosted, sponsored, and attended eventsServe as point person for hosted or attended events for guests, staff, and vendors to ensure smooth execution, payments, coordination, and timelines are successfully metWork collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to manage the overall guest experience, including guest list management, venue selection, entertainment, food and beverage selections, event content and logisticsCollaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to ensure event-associated marketing plan (including but not limited to: social media posts, event promotion) and materials (including but not limited to: event invitations-print or virtual, webpages, presentations, programs, signage) are developedCapturing event feedback and metrics to inform future event plansBuild replicable processes and materials that continuously improve workflowsManage a database of external CHS contacts/audiences and determine appropriate attendees for events and track event RSVPs including responding to questions, RSVPs, and inquiriesAssist in strategizing a communication and marketing plan to promote events and increase and grow attendeesManage event budget, vendor selection, establish and negotiate and create contracts, and ensure payments follow internally processesResponsible for responding to CHS communications and events inboxes inquiries in a timely manner, including weekends and eveningsResponsible for responding to social media comments/messages in a timely manner, including weekends and evenings when on duty as part of the team's monitoring rotation schedule.

Qualifications:Associates' Degree or equivalent in Marketing, Hospitality, Public Relations, or related field required (Bachelor's preferred)1-3 years of versatile event planning experienceResponsible, enthusiastic, and care about working in a mission-focused organizationExceptional time management, project management, attention to detail, organizational, and creative skillsExceptional interpersonal and communication skills - written, verbal, and platformExperience using webinar platforms like Zoom WebinarsExperience with MailChimp, or similar email platformProficiency in using technology including MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)Passional about education and is an advocate for helping young childrenAbility to work in a fast-paced environment with changing prioritiesAbility to work nights and weekends, if neededTakes initiative, actively identifies problems and implements solutions, and seeks strategic opportunities that advance organizational goalsComfortable researching, gathering, and analyzing data and information for leadershipAbility to work well across functions and departments to forge strong cross-disciplinary relationshipsAbility to uphold and effectively represent the mission and values of CHS and MHS with a high degree of professionalism