Operations and Events Coordinator

Western States Center is looking for a highly motivated and skilled Operations and Events Coordinator who has a passion for the work of social justice, a highly organized approach to work, and an interest in putting together all the details to make events happen without a hitch.

Organizational Background: Western States Center’s mission is to advance social, economic, racial and environmental justice in the West. The Center works with hundreds of organizers, grassroots organizations and constituency groups in the eight-state region of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada and Utah. The Center is a dynamic training, organizing and movement building organization based in Portland, Oregon. More information is available on our website, www.westernstatescenter.org

The Position:

The Operations and Events Coordinator implements many of the daily tasks necessary for the efficiency and success of the programs and internal operations of The Center. This position assures that all events of the organization are well run, meet the organization’s goals and are well received by the participants. Attention to detail, high level of organization, and ability to track multiple projects simultaneously are required. Demonstrated commitment to social justice and equity is also a must.

Core Responsibilities:

• Secure sites and appropriate on-site support (including catering, translation, childcare, A/V and tech support, photography, etc) for all of the Center’s trainings, meetings, and special events. • Responsible for daily office functions and support to the Operations and Finance Manager, including sorting mail, handling income deposits, check requests, ordering office supplies, routing phone calls, and basic IT functions. • Coordinate our annual summer training event from developing and implementing program content with the leadership of our field team, to recruiting trainers and speakers, to tracking appropriate data and communications, to close out evaluations and points for next year’s program consideration. • Assist in organizational record-keeping including data entry and maintenance. • Provide support to the Executive Director including travel arrangements and meeting scheduling as requested. • Contribute to a healthy organizational culture and support a positive work environment.

Skills and Experience:

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and able to prioritize and do multiple tasks. • Experience with Access or other relational databases, Windows, Microsoft Office, email and web communication. • Event planning and ability to coordinate all aspects of a conference. • Superior ability to work with people, especially in high-stress situations. • Previous nonprofit or volunteer experience with grassroots organizing, progressive organizations, and/or electoral campaigns. • Bilingual/Bicultural Spanish skills, a plus. • Ability to work effectively with leaders and organizations from our very diverse constituency. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • A positive attitude and a sense of humor.

How to apply:

Please by email the documents listed below to Candice Haster at [email protected] no later than Monday, September 27, 2010. • Cover letter which includes your interest and unique qualifications for this position • Resume • Three professional references • An essay of no more than three pages, addressing the following questions: 1. Describe in two to three paragraphs what makes a successful event. 2. Share a brief story that illustrates how you are a highly organized individual. 3. Western States Center’s mission is to advance issues of equity and we work especially to challenge racism, homophobia, transphobia and sexism. Write a brief statement as to how these values relate to your own interests in social change work.

Complete applications will have all four components. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Western States Center is an EEO employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.