Manager, Programs & Events
Harvard Cooperative Society
Established in 1882, The COOP is not only the oldest and largest bookstore in the country. It is deeply rooted in the tradition and the fabric of the Harvard and MIT communities with a long history of supporting student groups and initiatives. The Coop, as a cooperative, is owned by its members, yet open to all. All members of the Harvard & MIT communities are eligible to join and enjoy a 10% member discount.
The COOP of the future will build on its storied history and will continue to evolve, enhancing the value we provide and reimagining what it means to be a member. The vision is dedicated to curating experiences that captivate and unite — a new model of modern retail and community engagement, leveraging innovative collaborations, products, and spaces, all designed to spark new ideas, forge meaningful connections, and strengthen our community.
Join the Harvard/MIT Coop Team in Shaping a New Future!
Be a part of a team that is not just thinking about the future, but actively shaping it. The Harvard/MIT Coop is looking to build a forward-thinking, dynamic, innovation-minded team to join in redefining the future of the organization. Here, you will have a unique opportunity to effect change and make a significant impact on the Harvard and MIT communities and beyond.
At the Harvard/MIT Coop, we are committed to fostering an inspiring environment that engages and enhances the experience of students, faculty, alumni, and those with affinity who visit from near and far. As we look to ensure future relevance, we aim to innovate and evolve, embrace new ideas and technologies, transform spaces and interactions, while preserving the best of rich traditions and values that have defined us for 150+ years. Together, we will create a Coop that is a center of innovation, engagement, and excellence, serving today’s and future generations of the Harvard and MIT communities.
After nearly 30 years of leading the COOP, Jerry Murphy, the current President and CEO, is retiring. Jodi Goldstein (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-goldstein-3529373/) will be taking over as CEO full-time effective September 2024.
Under Jodi’s leadership, a new executive team will be formed to reimagine the future of the COOP. Building on its storied history, the vision is to create a new model of modern retail and community engagement. This includes leveraging innovative collaborations, products, and spaces designed to spark new ideas, forge meaningful connections, and strengthen our community.
Position Details
Position Title: Manager, Programs & Events
Location: Cambridge, MA
Reports To: VP Membership
The Harvard Cooperative Society (The Coop) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Manager, Programs & Event to join our team. This position will be responsible for planning, coordinating and executing quality events to strengthen the Coop community. These events will enhance the Coop’s community presence and take place both on campus and in-store, including workshops, speaker series, networking events, and social gatherings.
The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and organizational skills, a passion for community building, and the ability to multitask in a dynamic entrepreneurial environment. Experience in academia is a plus.
Key Responsibilities
1. Event Details
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Develop and implement a comprehensive annual event calendar.
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Plan and coordinate community events, programs, and activities that promote member involvement and satisfaction and align with the Coop’s mission and goals.
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Coordinate logistics, including venue selection, catering, AV setup, transportation, and staffing.
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Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful event execution.
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Conduct post-event evaluations to assess success and areas for improvement. Compile and present event reports to senior management.
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Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effective use of resources. Track expenses and provide detailed financial reports post-event.
2. Member Engagement
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Create and manage engaging event content and programs tailored to the interests of Coop members.
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Foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere at all events.
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Collect and analyze feedback to continually improve the quality and impact of events.
3. Marketing and Promotion
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Work with marketing team to develop promotional strategies for events.
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Support the Coop’s social media channels, website, and newsletters to communicate with members and the broader community to highlight events, promotions and initiatives.
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Utilize various communication channels, including social media, email newsletters, and on-campus advertising, to maximize event attendance and visibility.
4. Relationship Building
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Develop relationships with The Coop, Harvard, and MIT communities to promote engagement.
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Build and maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers, and campus partners.
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Negotiate contracts and manage vendor agreements.
Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
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5+ years of experience in event planning and management, preferably in an academic or non-profit setting.
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Proven track record of successfully planning and executing a wide range of events.
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Strong organizational and project management skills. Ability to plan and execute multiple events simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Dynamic and high energy self-starter with a passion for community building and engagement.
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Proficiency in event management software and tools.
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Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required.
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Passion for community building and member engagement.
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Experience in academia or familiarity with the Harvard and MIT communities is a plus.
Benefits:
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Competitive salary and benefits package.
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Opportunities for professional development and growth.
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A collaborative and supportive work environment.
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The chance to make a meaningful impact within the Harvard and MIT communities.
Contact Us to learn more about this opportunity.
