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Events and Community Engagement Manager (Part-time)

Norwalk, Connecticut

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND 

The mission of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For more than 35 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium historically hosts nearly 500,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals. Altogether, the Aquarium is home to over 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 54,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 60 full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff, in addition to volunteers who contribute over 19,000 hours annually.  

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Inc. (TMA or the Aquarium) seeks a part-time Events and Community Engagement Manager reporting to the Senior Manager, Goal and Performance Management.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Goal and Performance Management, the Events and Community Engagement Manager is responsible for working cross-functionally to support the creation of and execute compelling (cultivation and fundraising) events at the Aquarium. This individual also generates community goodwill by representing the Aquarium at off-site events, trade shows, conventions, etc. and establishes and/or co-manages partners seeking to engage in outreach activities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Establish event manual, processes, and procedures in line with agency processes. Manual should include fundraising, ‘friend-raising,’ membership, community partnership, and other Aquarium-sponsored events. 
  • In partnership with advancement, marketing, guest services, and others, field inquiries from community partners seeking engagement activities; conduct due diligence.
  • In coordination with relevant internal and external partners, plan and execute all engagement events, including but not limited to annual gala, donor cultivation moments, membership exclusives, and others TBD. Key responsibilities include:
    • Serve as primary point of contact to internal and external stakeholders, including event permitting if/as needed.
    • Create and manage event project plan and timeline.
    • Co-develop event specific budgets.
    • Coordinate the event run-of-show; lead on logistics, through event execution.
    • Conduct vendor research for all elements (design, AV, entertainment, etc.), make hiring recommendations, and manage once on-board.
    • Ensure Aquarium staffing and assignments to relevant responsibilities before, during, and after event.
    • Support logistics of press as requested.
    • Plan and oversee event debrief sessions with outlook planning for following year.
  • Work with partners to create meaningful opportunities to connect the community with the Aquarium:
    • Support the development of proposals (and agreements) for partner engagement opportunities and associated benefits.
    • Co-manage and expand relationships with partners, ensuring the relationship is sustained through ongoing communication and evaluation of needs and any possible reports/updates.
    • Attend community partner events as a representative of the Aquarium, both internally and externally.
  • Support/lead special projects as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

Work experience

  • Minimum of 5 years relevant and progressive experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Marketing or related field.
  • Experience in a non-profit organization preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to conceive and manage event details.

Knowledge and skills

  • Commitment to the Aquarium’s mission, with an appreciation for the important role that the Aquarium plays in conservation, education and the life of a vibrant community.
  • Commitment to equity and social justice, and strong alignment with our organizational values.
  • An attitude of creativity, innovation, confidence and entrepreneurship, with an ability to inspire and motivate audiences.
  • Strong interpersonal skills across stakeholders including staff, volunteers, trustees, vendors, talent, donors and others; works well within teams, strong collaborator.
  • Ability to prioritize the needs of the business in tandem with the needs of the event and strong guest experiences.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Continuous improvement / problem solving mindset and way of working
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience with fundraising databases.
  • Excellent organizational, project management and negotiating skills.
  • Strong attention to detail
  • A willingness to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

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