Part-Time Event Specialist - Event Group

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles – individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride.

 A globally recognized nonpartisan organization based in Simi Valley, CA, with a leading policy institute in Washington, DC, RRPFI delivers impactful public affairs programming, policy convenings and projects of national and international significance, scholarly initiatives, and distinctive educational programming shaping the perspectives of middle, high school, and college students. In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library. A leading cultural institution, RRPFI houses a remarkable 125,000 square foot museum with unique historical pieces that tells the story of Ronald Reagan’s life, presidency, and enduring impact, and houses world-class special exhibitions.  More information is available at www.reaganfoundation.org.

 With views all the way to the Pacific Ocean and an hour from Los Angeles International Airport, RRPFI’s Simi Valley campus sits on 400 acres atop a hill, serves as the final resting place of America’s 40th President and former First Lady Nancy Reagan, displays a chunk of the Berlin Wall, and houses (among other remarkable displayed hardware) the plane President Reagan flew on as Air Force One to 26 countries. Also onsite are the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, the Presidential Learning Center, the Air Force One Pavilion, and the Reagan Leadership Center.

Position Available

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is seeking a Part-time Event Specialist to support the Event Group operations with our Air Force One White House Luncheons and Barbeque Buffet programs. 

The Event Group is responsible for facilitating all aspects of events that occur on the property including luncheons, private rentals, community events (exhibit openings and receptions), annual celebrations (President’s Day, 4th of July, Memorial Day, and Veteran’s Day), and our Foundation-sponsored social events (Valentine’s Dinner and Dance, Summer Sunset Dinner series, First Lady’s Tea and Tour, holiday events, and exhibit lunches).  Many of these events occur on evenings and weekends, including some holidays. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Working under the supervision of the Director of Event Services and Operations, and the Event Group Manager, this person will be responsible for the following duties, and any others assigned thereafter:

• Develop and implement a marketing plan for our White House Luncheons and Barbeque Buffet programs to exceed our revenue goal.  This marketing effort will be put in place to sell this program to corporations, non-profit organizations, and tour groups.  This role will be accountable for the revenue for this program.

• Plan, execute, and be the lead on all White House Luncheons and Barbeque Buffets.

• Provide support to the team and be available for Foundation-sponsored and community events, which may take place during evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Assisting team in the preparation of upcoming events and organizing materials needed.  

• Attend offsite Marketing Meetings/Travel & Tourism Expos in an effort to increase exposure and sales leads for the Event Group. 

• Office administrative support for a department of three staff members: answering phones, filing, screening facility rental calls, checking and communicating phone messages, and returning calls as directed. 

• Using Salesforce database for consistent and timely entry of data primarily focused on new inquiries relating to private rentals.  

• Facilitating post-event follow-up including invoices, thank you letters, evaluation forms, and related database updates.

• Updating as needed the outgoing phone message for the Event Group voicemail.

• Participating and assisting in preparing and executing specific tasks and duties for all events as assigned, including but not limited to the Reagan National Defense Forum and the Reagan National Economic Forum, held annually. 

• May be periodically assigned to manage facility rentals and take the lead on events. This includes securing the venue, planning, and executing the event.

• Additionally, carry out any other duties as required

Qualifications

• Strong organizational capabilities and the ability to multitask in order to provide strong support to the Event Team.

• The successful candidate must be passionate about President Ronald Reagan’s legacy and principles

• Exceptional customer service skills.  

• Enthusiastic, energetic, and a reliable self-starter.  

• Proven sales closer and negotiator.   

• Demonstrated good communication skills, written and verbal.

• Computer skills in all Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); strong user of computers as a work tool; facility with web tools and databases are preferred; experience with Salesforce would be a big plus.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays for events.

• Demonstrated planning and organizational skills with attention to detail and high level of accuracy.

• Ability to collaborate and work in a team environment.

• Demonstrated work and time management skills, including flexibility, punctuality, reliability, and adaptability.

• Experience analyzing and solving problems as well as assessing priorities.

• Initiative, integrity, flexibility, and stress tolerance are essential.

• Must possess a positive attitude and sense of humor.

• High school diploma (or equivalent) required; college degree preferred.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Characteristics of the work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Employee will be working in an office environment, as well as in various locations and event sites around the property.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary/Benefits/Job Location

• This is a non-exempt, part-time, hourly position, typically scheduled Monday through Friday 10am-3pm, with a total of 25 to 28 hours per week. Scheduled days and hours may vary based on booked events and may include some evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Salary will be commensurate with experience.

• This position offers Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits based on hours accrued per pay period and years of service. 

• Employees have the opportunity to participate in a retirement program.

• The position will be located at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, Simi Valley, California.

How to Apply

To respond to this opportunity, please send cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to:   eventgroupresume@reaganfoundation.org.  Please note job title in the Subject line.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.