Job Summary:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and creative Communications and Events Coordinator to join the BestPrep team.
Key job functions include:
Manage and execute two large fundraising events for 500-1,000 guests, which raise up to 10% of BestPrep’s annual revenue. Lead BestPrep staff members during event planning, assigning roles and responsibilities, developing project timeline and scope, and ensuring tasks are completed. Lead designer on media projects and marketing materials for programs and events, serving as the creative driving force and ensuring BestPrep’s brand is consistently represented. Design, copy write, and produce BestPrep’s annual Impact Report, manage content submission, and work with printer and mail house. Grow BestPrep’s external communications to effectively promote BestPrep through website, newsletters, social media, press releases, and radio advertisements. Recruit and supervise school-year intern.
Job Responsibilities:
Manage Fundraising Events – 50%
- Manage BestPrep’s two annual fundraising events: the Annual Luncheon and the Educational Forum.
- Develop each project’s timeline, scope, and tasks, supervising all staff in event roles to ensure tasks are on track and completed by deadlines. Delegate tasks to Internal Event Support Team.
- Negotiate venue logistics and serve as contact person for all vendors.
- Develop event communications strategy and calendar, implementing invitations, newsletter articles, social media, and external media promotion.
- Develop event agenda, script, and program.
- Oversee Executive Assistant as they lead registration and table seating.
- Plan menu, audio & visual needs, event décor and layout.
- Communicate and prepare on-stage talent to ensure smooth flow of program.
- Design and develop all collateral materials for events.
- Present event progress and recap to Board of Directors.
Communications and Public Relations – 25%
- Manage and implement external communications that effectively describe and promote BestPrep to stakeholders.
- Manage social media strategy and calendar, research, design, and create content and find new opportunities to engage various audiences and stakeholders through Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
- Maintain and update BestPrep website using WordPress and serve as liaison between external web developers.
- Serve as BestPrep’s media contact, writing and distributing news releases to promote programs, events, and fundraising efforts.
- Oversee electronic newsletters, from planning and assigning articles to editing and assembling content, ensuring each newsletter is relevant to the stakeholder groups’ interest and focused on specific actions.
- Copy write and produce BestPrep’s Impact Report, manage, edit content, and layout.
- Design and coordinate yearly recap documents for all programs.
Develop Marketing Materials – 25%
- Lead designer on media projects and marketing materials for programs and events, such as newspaper advertisements, flyers, brochures, and Impact Report.
- Serve as creative driving force behind event theme and design to ensure consistency across invitations, sponsorship packets, program booklets, and presentation templates.
- Develop graphics and templates for Program Managers, ensuring BestPrep’s brand is consistently represented across programs and documents.
- Develop BestPrep branded materials such as letterhead, folders, envelopes, and signs.
- Oversee BestPrep’s overall brand and ensure all staff are following brand guidelines.
Other Responsibilities:
MINNESOTA BUSINESS VENTURE (MBV)
- Spend one week off-site at MBV, living on a college campus
- Work with program manager to develop marketing materials
- Manage two student communications specialists to ensure daily photos, writing, blog and social media tasks are completed.
- Write and distribute press releases related to student sponsorships.
- Support MBV Program Manager with event promotion, social media, website, and flyer creation.
DEVELOPMENT
- Meet regularly with the development team to plan communications and report on event planning.
- Support development functions including team brainstorming, promoting appeals like Give to the Max Day, update donor and sponsor listings on website, and more.
Preferred Experience and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 2-4 years professional experience.
- Background in Communications, Event Planning, Business Marketing, Public Relations or similar degree desired.
- Excellent project management skills; ability to manage numerous projects at one time with strong attention to detail.
- Excellent organizational skills, and high level of follow-through, responsiveness and flexibility.
- Experience with InDesign, Photoshop, and Canva.
- Experience in website maintenance and social media marketing.
- Excellent customer service, communication and presentation skills.
- Experience in nonprofit organizations or fundraising a plus.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Proficient in MS Office programs and Google Suite required; experience with Salesforce or other CRM database preferred.
- Must have own transportation with ability to travel to professional events and meetings.
Hybrid work environment; must work in the Brooklyn Park office at least two days per week, plus required in-person meetings as scheduled.
Salaried position, typical hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm including lunch.
Salary range: $47,500 - 52,000
Submit application materials (cover letter and resume) to Bonnie Vagasky via bvagasky@bestprep.org.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $47,500.00 - $52,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Experience:
- Events management: 2 years (Preferred)
- Customer service: 2 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Minneapolis, MN 55428 (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Minneapolis, MN 55428: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Minneapolis, MN 55428