Program Coordinator

Founded in 1969 to inspire creativity and encourage excellence in the fiber arts, the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc. (HGA), brings together weavers, spinners, dyers, basket makers, fiber artists, and educators as part of our mission to educate, support and inspire the fiber art community. With more than 4,000 members, we provide educational programs, conferences, and an award-winning quarterly publication, Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot.

The Program Coordinator is responsible for creating and overseeing the overall strategy and day-to-day implementation of HGA's in-house programs and services (Convergence® conference, Spinning & Weaving Week celebration, Guild Development Retreat, etc.). Programs are designed to provide education, inspiration, and support. The Program Coordinator ensures that programs help to fulfill the organization's mission; plans and executes programs; and assesses their effectiveness. The position supports and reports to the Executive Director.

Office hours are from 9 AM to 5:30 PM ET, Monday-Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours. Some travel is required (approximately 10-14 days per year). Physical demands include sitting or standing for extended periods and the ability to lift and carry boxes and equipment up to 40 pounds. This is a remote work-from-home position, but preference will be given to candidates who reside in one of the following states: Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Wisconsin.

Major Responsibilities & Duties:

• Prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in development and management of all programs and events.
• Provide administrative support for a menu of programs including Convergence® conference, Spinning & Weaving Week, Guild Development Retreat, and others. This may entail application processing, outreach, report tracking and evaluation, meeting logistics, and managing volunteers.
• Event planning and logistics management for HGA’s biennial fiber art Convergence® conference and HGA’s annual virtual Spinning & Weaving Week celebration. This may entail seeking proposals, negotiating contracts, developing work plans, budgeting, material and program development, media assistance, and execution.
• Proactively identify potential event partners through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls, emails, direct mail, networking events, and client visits. Engage and schedule meetings to discuss sponsorship opportunities, follow-up development sponsorship proposals, and communicate results and decisions to Executive Director.
• Serve as liaison between the organization and contracted artists and volunteers.
• Effectively utilize and manage volunteers including the hiring and supervision of conference interns.
• Assist in the marketing of the programs. Work with the Communications Coordinator to develop content for marketing materials.
• Track, monitor, and develop reports on the progress made towards HGA’s performance measures/community indicators.
• Continuously monitor and create mechanisms for internal and external evaluation of the effectiveness of all programs and engagement activities and implement programmatic and strategic changes as needed.
• Regularly evaluate and improve upon the quality of the overall participant experience.
• Provide exemplary and proactive customer service to all internal and external clients such as members, teachers, vendors, board members, etc. Answer questions and dispense information about programs, policies, and procedures. Manage and respond to complaints.
• Manage fiscal expenditures and revenue including spending for program supplies and equipment; efficiency rate of related service providers; monitor registration and participation and other fiscal issues.
• Exercise confidentiality and integrity upon handling personal and financial customer information.
• This list of essential duties, tasks and responsibilities is not all-inclusive; individual will perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Event management and/or logistics experience.
• Account management experience, marked by strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and persistent follow‐up.
• Experience in forging and developing relationships with clients and an understanding of the business culture with a solid network of contacts in the fiber art community.
• A resourceful style with the ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple tasks and projects while meeting required deadlines and project milestones.
• Flexibility to embrace change and unexpected opportunities.
• Creative and strategic thinker and team player.
• Experience with outreach and community building.
• Cultural sensitivity and understanding of diversity.
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills; strong ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisor, fellow employees, volunteers, and general public.
• Technology aptitude and experience with emphasis on managing computer-based information and datEducation and experience in the fiber arts is preferred.

Qualifications:

Qualified applicants may possess any combination of education and experience enabling them to successfully perform the responsibilities of the position. Preferred qualifications are: Bachelor's degree from four-year accredited college/university and 2-3 professional years' experience (internships and other educational experience will be considered). Experience as a handweaver, spinner, or dyer. An expert with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience with the following software is a plus: NeonCRM (or similar CRM), Cvent, Microsoft 365, Proofhub (or similar project management software), and Reviewr. Strong teamwork skills to collaborate with staff and volunteers. Passion for the organization’s mission is a must!

This is a work-from-home position. Employees are expected to have a modern computer with an HD webcam, printer, high-speed internet, and a dedicated workspace without distractions. Dual monitors are recommended but not required. HGA will provide all software, which is 100% web-based (in the cloud), envelopes, paper, printer ink, and a VOIP phone.