Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR) is looking for a program and event coordinator to assist in the execution of talent retention programming, Crash Course Columbia and Capture Columbia. This is a front-facing point of contact for all logistics and event related responsibilities for these programs. COR’s board and action teams will set the strategy and direction for all talent retention events, but this position will be responsible for executing all events. This position is a contractor opportunity that would not constitute as a full-time position.
While this position is primarily focused on event logistics, we want this person to be as involved in sales and development as much as desired. This position is based in the Columbia, SC region and requires in-person attendance at multiple meetings and events.
CRASH COURSE COLUMBIA
Crash Course Columbia is a one-and-a-half day tour (Thursday evenings + all day Friday) going behind-the-scenes of hidden gems and burgeoning development across the Columbia SC region. The tour is held four times per year with 25 attendees, who are typically either new to Columbia or new to the working world. Attendees hop between entertainment districts, visiting attractions, public art and restaurants, while hearing from movers & shakers in the community along the way.
Partner Relations
- Schedule and attend introduction meetings with all itinerary partners, including transportation, with support from the board
- Secure quotes and negotiate costs with all itinerary partners
- Write and manage signing of contracts with all itinerary partners in advance of first tour and for any tour changes throughout the year
- Work with communications contractor to schedule any marketing needs with itinerary partners throughout the year, i.e. IGTV, Instagram stories, etc.
- Act as main point of contact with itinerary partners, including sending reminders incrementally leading up to each tour
- Send thank you communications to itinerary partners at conclusion of year’s programming
Marketing
- Work with graphic designer to adjust printed itinerary once finalized, ensuring all details are accurate, i.e. COR general info, sponsorships represented, etc.
- Work with graphic designer to update or design new collateral and swag
- Work with local vendors to print any swag, i.e. tote bags, stickers, t-shirts, etc.
- Distribute and manage all communications with participants before and after each tour with support from the talent retention action team
- Pre-tour survey & details for tour (Within week before tour)
- Post-tour follow up (Monday after each tour)
- Post-tour survey (3 months after each tour)
Hosts
- Collaborate with COR board members and talent retention action team members to schedule hosts for each tour
- Schedule and manage host orientation when needed
- Communicate with hosts leading up to tours
- Assign duties with hosts during tour as needed
- Collaborate with COR board members and talent retention action team members to facilitate growth of host program
Logistics
- Print marketing materials and construct swag bags for each tour
- Assemble day-of needs for each tour including water, hand sanitizer, cash, etc.
- Attend each tour date and serve as main logistics coordinator throughout
- Communicate with itinerary partners the day-of, including transportation
- Keep track of expenses at each tour stop
- Serve as main point of contact with participants throughout each tour
- Report expenses and manage budget after each tour, making adjustment for future tours as necessary
CAPTURE COLUMBIA
Capture Columbia is a program for summer interns and associates at companies in the Columbia area to take a deep dive into the community while building personal and professional relationships that will help them land jobs and build careers here. The program includes four main events, each featuring professional development opportunities, speakers from the community, and networking/social time.. Outside of these events, social and community service opportunities will be provided.
Communications and Marketing:
- Write, distribute and manage all communication with participants before and after each tour
- Reminder emails to all participants before each event
- Post-program survey
- Work with communications contractor to plan Capture Columbia social media content calendar and other marketing needs
- Manage volunteers at eventsManage application process for program, monitoring student applicants, notifying them of acceptance into the program, etc.
- Serve as main point of contact with participants throughout program
- Work with graphic designer to update or design new collateral or swag
- Work with local vendors to print any swag, i.e. tote bags, stickers, t-shirts, etc.
Event Management/Logistics:
- Plan and execute 4 – 6 events throughout summer (May – August)
- Obtain quotes and sign contracts for venues and food & beverage partners
- Report expenses and manage budget throughout program
- Schedule and manage speakers for each event, including clarifying expectations in advance
- Schedule COR Board Members and other volunteers to be at each event, networking and assisting in execution
- Attend each event and serve as main logistics coordinator throughout program
- Communicate with venues and food & beverage leading up to events
- Set-up and break-down of each event
- Collaborate with talent retention action team to recruit volunteers for events
Preferred Skills
Exceptional organizational skills
Excellent written and verbal communicator
Comfortable meeting and interacting with new people
Strong relationship development and management skills
Takes initiative, asks questions, and efficiently completes program related tasks
Summary
We are looking for someone that shares COR’s values and line of thinking about Columbia. With lively entertainment districts, outdoor recreation just minutes from downtown, an eclectic art scene and an unexpected culinary scene, Columbia is a hidden gem that should not be losing existing talent, and should become a first-choice city for others looking to relocate.
To apply for this position, please visit the listing on LinkeIn or email your resume to [email protected]
