Helpful Skills and Background:

The Special Event Coordinator position is responsible for scheduling Blue Ribbon Book Fairs and SciZooka Science Shops. The Special Event Coordinator is the primary liaison between Blue Ribbon and the host organizations we support (Schools, Corporations and Hospitals, and ultimately, local families). The position requires strong support skills to ensure fundraising goals are achieved, and to maintain a high degree of customer satisfaction. The main goals are to schedule new events, plan/conduct quality events, attain fundraising targets per event and increase revenue at subsequent events and develop long term relationships with our customers. Key motivations include: being passionate about helping children become better readers and learners, understanding the need for academic fundraisers for schools and non-profits, and a strong desire to be a part of an entrepreneurial company with the opportunity to build a long lasting territory. The position is based in the home, and successful Event Coordinators will travel locally to support fundraising efforts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Effectively organize and service a customer territory to include contacting customers, scheduling Book Fair events, servicing Book Fair events and rescheduling future events.
• Build and maintain strong relationships on behalf of Blue Ribbon with each assigned customer.
• Plan for, and complete, pre-event and on-site visits to customers in a timely and effective manner.
• Assist the event sponsor in the successful planning of events through to successful completion of the event.
• Volunteer training; as well as providing guidance, assistance and copy for the pre- advertising and promotion of the event.
• Maintain current, accurate records of individual activity within assigned territory.
• Prepare and submit all weekly field reporting requirements to the company including schedule activity reports, mileage logs, commission sheets, etc. on a timely and accurate basis.
• Stay knowledgeable and up-to-date on developments in the education marketplace.
• When appropriate, meet with Reading/Media Specialists, teachers, principals, PTA/PTO’s, school districts, and other community leaders who might assist in future growth; and participate in our events to further promote events at the local/county level.
• Manage, coordinate, attend and conduct presentations at conventions, exhibits, trade shows, etc. as offered by management.
• Previous successful experience in revenue generation and customer service.
• Previous experience working or volunteering in a school environment.
• Experience and/or aptitude for planning, organizing, and managing events.
• Experience and/or aptitude for advertising, merchandising, e-commerce and use of point-of-sale retail devices
• Business-oriented, entrepreneurial mind-set; flexible to new challenges.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and management of multiple priorities.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including oral presentations.
• Basic computer skills, with access to a computer and email.
• Excellent customer service skills: persuasive, friendly, patient, courteous, and helpful.
• Strong work ethic; and proven time management and paperwork skills (including ability to be prompt and on-time for appointments and events).
• Professional attire, appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to travel up to 35% of the time in a local assigned market area.
• Ability to work occasional family night events and other flexible schedules as assigned.
• Personal automobile available for business use (depending on territory), with evidence of acceptable levels of auto insurance.
• Ability to push, pull, and lift materials weighing up to 30 lbs.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $37,787.82 - $45,507.91 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Referral program

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Des Moines, IA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: On the road