Conference Operations Manager

Who We Are:

NatureBridge provides best-in-class environmental science education experiences for more than 30,000 students and their teachers every year in the world’s best classrooms: our National Parks. Our mission is to connect young people to the science and wonder of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of the planet. Through our programs, participants explore the outdoors, connect with their peers, discover themselves and develop a lasting relationship with science and the environment around them.

What You Will Do:

As the Conference Operations Manager (COM), you will run the Golden Gate Conference Center and ensure the successful implementation of meetings, retreats and special events for more than 14,000 participants per year. You will be the primary decision-maker and contact for conference customers to ensure groups are prepared for their retreats.  The COM oversees the conference department operations, systems and budget, and supervises the conference staff.

You will need to support occasional weekend work. Approximately 25% of the weekly work entails stepping in as an additional Guest Experience Coordinator; this represents an average and will vary week-to-week based on conference scheduling and will mostly be during the week. This is not a remote position. The role requires regular on-site presence each day; working-from-home is only occasionally possible.

Your primary job will be to:

• Serve as the primary department leader on operations issues related to the Conference and Retreat programs,a nd ensure smooth program implementation
• Manage pre-retreat preparation for single and multi-day conference groups, including informing conference groups of retreat requirements and due dates; collecting paperwork and information from groups and campus departments; updating requests, availability, or policies; and responding to all communication about retreat preparation
• Manage and update the campus schedule; coordinate campus resource uses across all conference and other campus groups
• Record and communicate program details to staff through our CRM (SalesForce) and Google Suite 
• Review and approve required paperwork from attending groups (insurance, contracts, waivers, invoices, etc) for both Environmental science and conference programs.
• Help respond to the needs of guests while on site and support urgent situations as part of our on-call system
• Recruit and hire conference staff and oversee training process of Guest Experience Coordinators (GECOs), both full-time and seasonal
• Coach and mentor GECOs and provide support to conference staff, including being available to advise, help work, fill-in GECO shifts, and be available as on-call support
• Assist other departments as needed (kitchen, education programs, facilities, national office, or help with special events, etc.)

Compensation:

• $25/hour starting wage
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Option for a 403b retirement plan with employer match after six months
• Generous paid vacation, training days and sick leave
• Other benefits include Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and more
• Low-cost rental housing at our campus in the Marin Headlands may be offered as a benefit of employment

Who You Are:

We are looking for candidates who have:

• Organized and able to balance competing logistics between programs while maintaining attention to detail
• Experience in a management or supervisory role; able to effectively support and train successful teams
• Written and verbal communication and customer service skills. Able to communicate complicated logistical information to multiple groups
• Capable of working as part of a collaborative team; maintains positive working relationships with staff and guests.
• Strong problem-solving skills; able to make decisions independently while meeting the needs of multiple stakeholders  
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in the workplace. We especially encourage you to apply if you are a member of (or have extensive experience working with people from) any communities that are impacted by the historic and current system of oppression that has limited access to environmental education, or the outdoors in general.
• Demonstrated office experience, ability to manage and communicate information quickly and accurately
• Experience with Google Suite of apps (Calendar, Gmail, Sheets and Docs) and database management or Customer Relationship Management program (CRMs, SalesForce). Internet and e-mail experience required
• Valid driver’s license

If you are interested in the role and do not meet every requirement listed, please still apply! We are interested in applicants with unique lived experience and skill sets.

*All NatureBridge Employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Employees must be fully vaccinated 15 days or more before the employment start date. Here is the link to our full policy: NatureBridge COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. Employment eligibility is contingent on successful completion of a background check. 

Why should you join the NatureBridge team?

• We are a mission-driven organization that values your contributions and supports you in making a positive impact on young people and the environment
• You will get to work in a beautiful natural setting with other dedicated staff who are passionate about the environment
• You want to be part of an organization that is invested in growth, self-examination, and creating equitable and inclusive environments for staff and participants

NatureBridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate based on any protected category, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, gender, gender expression (including transgender expression or pregnancy), political affiliation, age, immigration status or disability. We encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Please let us know if you require any accommodation. 
 

How To Apply:

Submit your resume and 3 references to our Online Career Portal. Please answer the questions in the application form in lieu of a cover letter.