The James Beard Foundation (JBF) is a vital cultural institution with deep roots honoring and advancing the culinary arts and industry for over 30 years. JBF’s mission is to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability. The organization has experienced a historic period of organizational transformation and an increase in philanthropic support as it focused its efforts towards supporting the independent restaurant industry to rebuild and recover in the wake of the pandemic. As a 501c3 national organization, JBF brings its mission to life through the annual James Beard Awards, industry and community-focused initiatives and programs, advocacy, partnerships, and events across the country.

The Special Events Manager is an integral part of the Events Department, and in ensuring the Foundation’s events are executed as “Chef-first” and engage new and returning audiences with the Foundation’s mission. The Manager of Special Events will report to the Director of Special Events, while working in tandem with the Vice President of Events and the Events Coordinator.

This role is currently hybrid due to Covid-19 and based at our New York City office. The Foundation currently requires employees to be in office one day per week, which may scale to 2-3 days in 2023. JBF requires all employees to be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 unless a medical or religious accommodation is needed in accordance with applicable law.

Requirements

• Support Director of Special Events in planning of 18+ JBF Greens events for food lovers under 40 in New York City, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles
• Manage timeline for Taste America chef/restaurant research process, and contribute to city-specific research in 20 markets
• Manage Salesforce database with most up-to-date chef contact information, and serve as primary contact on regular reporting needs across department
• Manage Monday.com project management across department

• Manage requests and receipt of relevant collateral material in partnership with JBF MarComms team
• Secure photographers and prepare photography shot lists for events in partnership with JBF MarComms team
• Prepare talking points for JBF Greens events in partnership with JBF Development team

• Liaise with Special Events Coordinator to monitor and support tickets for JBF Greens events, including reviewing final guests lists, managing dietary restrictions, finalizing seating plans, and guest communications
• Manage JBF Staff volunteers at the Foundation’s Fall Gala in NYC, including securing volunteers and overseeing roles and responsibilities on-site
• Liaise with Finance team on post-event vendor payments
• Liaise with the Sponsorship team on sponsor integrations and activations (as needed)

• Contribute strategic thinking, best practices, and innovative solutions to increase the effectiveness of events and the Events department as a whole
• Maintain a robust knowledge of industry, trends, and issues so events remain innovative and on-trend.
• Provide on-site support at events – approximately 15 to 20 events per year.
  

Minimum of 3 years of experience working in special events, hospitality, or project management. Knowledge and experience working with Independent Restaurants, Executive Chefs, and project management software desired.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• High energy and passion for the James Beard Foundation’s mission
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proven experience as an event and/or hospitality operations manager
• Experience in the culinary and beverage industries including knowledge of cooking techniques, ingredients, wine, and mixology
• Excellent communicator
• Flexible and adaptable style
• Customer-service orientation
• A team player with leadership skills and strong emotional intelligence
• Tech savvy, proficient in MS Office including PowerPoint, CRM systems (preferable Salesforce), and Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Excellent ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and work efficiently and independently in a fast-paced environment

Benefits

There are many benefits to a career at the James Beard Foundation. In addition to working to promote a good food world through thought leadership, education, and advocacy, JBF offers its employees a dynamic work environment with benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, 403(b) retirement savings, and generous paid time off. Additional perks include TransitCheck, discounted health club memberships, and much more.

The Foundation is accepting resumes for this position and will begin outreach to qualified candidates in Spring 2023.

The salary band for this position is $62,000-$68,000.