Programs and Events Associate

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Hours: 80% FTE
Location: Flexible in the United States of America
Salary Range: $40,000-$44,000 commensurate with qualifications, includes competitive benefits
Travel: Domestic and international overnight travel may be required
Start Date: Available immediately

About the Pacific Institute
The Pacific Institute is a global water think tank that combines science-based thought leadership with active outreach to influence local, national, and international efforts in sustainable water management. Our vision is to create a world in which society, the economy, and the environment have the water they need to thrive now and in the future. Since 1987 we have worked with groups ranging from Fortune 500 companies to disenfranchised communities with a mission of creating and advancing solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges. Among other activities, the Pacific Institute:

• Analyses the risks of climate change for freshwater supplies and develops strategies to address those risks;
• Pioneers and promotes the “soft path” to water concept, which calls for a new and comprehensive approach to managing water infrastructure, demands, and institutions;
• Serves as the organizing force behind the UN Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate, which brings global corporations and international organizations together to adopt water sustainability practices;
• Delivers best practice guidance to governments to help them cope with severe drought and flood conditions.

The Pacific Institute, in partnership with the UN Global Compact, co-manages the CEO Water Mandate. The UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative with over 11,000 participating companies in 163 countries, and 68 Local Networks around the world. In 2020, the CEO Water Mandate launched its major collective action initiative, the Water Resilience Coalition. The Coalition was established with the explicit goal of significantly accelerating progress against the global water crisis particularly in the face of increasing impacts of climate change. It is powered by leading corporations, with the direct and personal involvement of their senior leadership.

Position Description
The programs and events associate will play a pivotal role in support of the Pacific Institute’s programs, particularly the suite of activities being undertaken in the CEO Water Mandate including research, business engagement, and significant events support. The programs and events associate will assist in project management tasks to ensure that programs progress smoothly, meet key timelines, and are within budgets. With the UN 2023 Water Conference, the first conference on water since 1977, the associate will play a key role in supporting events planning for this event and other water and climate events. Dependent on funding, there may be opportunities for this position to grow into a full-time position supporting broader Pacific Institute work.
Events Support – CEO Water Mandate (65%)
In support of the CEO Water Mandate’s Senior Communications and Events Manager, the programs and events associate will assist with the following items:

• Request for proposal (RFP) development, dissemination, and tracking
• Organize event-related documents (promotional materials, information decks, etc.)
• Track comprehensive checklists for events planning to keep the team on track
• Set up, record and track action items for meetings with staff and external convenors including event debriefs
• Handle events schedule including logistics needs before, during, and after the event takes place
• Maintain an up-to-date database of vetted vendors and venues for future use
• In charge of the travel planning and accommodation booking for travelling staff members

Project Management Support – Mandate (15%)
The programs associate will work with a variety of team members and will assist with:

• The development and maintenance of a team-wide project management platform, updating timelines, project milestones, and budgets as needed.
• Development, coordination, and maintenance of overall team calendar and assisting in scheduling relevant team meetings to enable cross-team collaboration
• The use of Salesforce to track company engagement and other data needs of the Mandate.
• Support in other internal project coordination as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, hospitality management or related discipline preferred
• 2+ years experience working with non-profits or foundations supporting programmatic activities and event support highly preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, organization skills, and attention to detail
• Strong project management skills and ability to work across teams
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Skilled problem-solver and self-starter
• Comfortable working with a diverse group of individuals to meet project objectives within established timelines; can effectively move from strategy to details in a seamless way
• Superior interpersonal skills that enhance the ability to connect and build relationships
• Ability to work independently and efficiently in a fast-paced and evolving environment

Compensation and Benefits
Compensation is commensurate with experience but is expected to range from $40,000-$44,000 plus benefits.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
We commit to improving DEI in our internal operations and culture for two reasons:
To stay true to our values and principles: We recognize that historical and current injustices have left out certain voices and perspectives from decision-making about accessing and managing water resources. We acknowledge that the representation of these groups in water-related decision-making and careers is an important step towards addressing past and current injustices. Because Pacific Institute participates in water-related decision making, we acknowledge that hiring and retaining a diverse staff can contribute to a broader need to address systemic injustices.
To better achieve PI’s mission and vision: We know that having diverse perspectives makes for better research, creative solutions, and can help us achieve our mission. We recognize that a diverse team with varied perspectives, skills, and experiences is essential for generating and scaling innovative ideas that solve increasingly complex challenges. We make an active effort to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, heard, validated, empowered, and celebrated across different identities and cultures. We aim to constantly evolve our approach to DEI to reflect best practices in this work, just as we do with our water and climate research.