Overview

Founded in 1953, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) is a nonprofit organization that educates for liberty, equipping future leaders to embrace and defend the principles and virtues that make America good, free, and prosperous. 

The ideal candidate shares ISI’s mission and wants to play a crucial role in translating ISI’s brand into high-quality events, both at the organization’s headquarters and at venues in other parts of the country.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, this is a full-time, salaried position with benefits based at ISI’s Kirby Campus headquarters on a historic 20-acre preserve in Wilmington, Delaware’s Brandywine Valley. ISI’s campus also features a newly-constructed event hall and digital media studio.

Permanent remote work is not available for this role.

Principal Responsibilities

  • Serve as the event planning and execution lead for ISI’s annual Gala for Western Civilization, Conservative Book of the Year Award Dinner, Homecoming Weekend, and other major events throughout the year which attract 200+ guests
  • Manage 1 – 2 associate events planners
  • Ensure that the look and experience of events align with ISI’s brand identity
  • Select venues, approving menus, developing seating plans
  • Manage all event set-up, tear down, and follow-up processes
  • Maintaining event budgets
  • Coordinate travel for all event participants and/or working with relevant teammates to do so
  • Arrange audio/visual and photographic needs and arranging any other event services
  • Support the ISI communications team in event marketing
  • Collaborate with the ISI development team and senior leadership to determine donor and other relevant strategies for key events
  • Order and manage inventory of promotional materials and giveaways used at events (i.e. folders, pens, notebooks, books)
  • Ensure all registration tables and key event rooms have ISI tablecloths, backdrops, banner bugs, brochures, etc., and are in prominent/visible locations, and that signage is appropriate to the needs of the event and directs guests to event locations
  • Conduct final inspections on the day of the event to ensure everything adheres to ISI’s standards
  • Solicit feedback and produce after-action reports

Qualifications

The Events Manager should be well-organized and possess a sound knowledge of all aspects of event management. Excellent communication and attention to detail are skills vital in this role.

  • At least 5 years of experience as an event coordinator, including hands-on experience planning events that involve 100+ guests
  • Outstanding vendor management skills
  • Keen appreciation for branding and visual presentation
  • Willingness to occasionally work on nights/weekends

Strong Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) skills required. CRM experience (preferably Salesforce) and experience with events registration software/processes is a plus, as is experience with audio/visual setup and needs.

TO APPLY

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:

  • Résumé
  • Brief cover letter detailing your interest in the position, the mission of the organization, and your salary requirements
  • A list of three references

If you have questions, please email [email protected]. No phone calls, please. 

Applications will be considered as received. ISI is an equal-opportunity employer.