Job Opening: Special Assistant to the Director at the Yale Sustainable Food Project

Posted on August 14, 2009 by in Employment, Food Systems, Sustainability // 0 Comments

The Yale Sustainable Food Project has an opening for a full-time position as Special Assistant to the Director, to begin no later than September 15. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Special Assistant will have primary responsibility for two areas: support to the executive director, and developing and implementing the Sustainable Food Project's public programs, including tours, visits, and special events. The Special Assistant has a high-level of responsibility in a dynamic, innovative, and stimulating work environment. This is an opportunity to support and learn from the Sustainable Food Project, and to be part of building a revolutionary movement to change the way we eat as a nation.

Essential Duties
1. Events & public programs (50%)
– Develop and implement events that advance the Project’s priorities and build investment in the Project’s work.
– Hire and supervise pizza makers and event interns, who create events centered around the Yale Farm’s wood-fired pizza oven.
– Coordinate visits and tours by outside groups and community members to the Project.
– Act as initial contact with public via phone and email, and filter communiqués to appropriate persons. Answer routine inquiries and re-direct inquiries to the appropriate Project staff in a timely manner.
– Lead the logistical coordination of various development events, staff meetings, and other meetings as necessary, including onsite & offsite meetings with coordination of travel plans for participants as needed.
– Represent YSFP at external events.
– Oversee any special projects, as determined by the Project’s director.

2. Administrative support (50%)
– Maintain a consistently high level of professional support to the executive director to ensure smooth leadership and effective operations.
– Prepare timely expense reports for the executive director and coordinate timely expense reports for staff.
– Review and monitor budgets relating to specific events and special projects.
– Act as office manager, including maintaining all of the office equipment, supplies, and subscriptions: copier, fax machine, printer, supplies, subscriptions, and stationery.
– Other duties.

Required Education and Experience
1. Bachelor’s degree.
2. 2-3 years work experience, preferably as an executive assistant or in events.
3. A passion for sustainable food and agriculture.

Required Skills
1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong organizational, management, and supervisory experience.
2. Self-motivated, with ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic, and stimulating environment while maintaining high professional standards.
3. Demonstrated ability to work with a positive attitude as an effective and collaborative team member.

Hours
This is a full time position. Regular days of work are Monday through Friday. Hours of work vary depend on program demands, but will generally be 8:30am-5:00pm. Weekend and evening hours occasionally required.

To Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume to sustainablefoodproject@yale.edu, and also submit them through Yale’s HR website at https://www.yale.edu/hronline/stars/application/external/index.html (search for requisition # 7964BR, or use the keywords ‘sustainable food project’). If you have any questions, please contact us via email (sustainablefoodproject@yale.edu) rather than over the phone or by mail.