What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate, Conference Services position at PARTNERSHIP FOR PUBLIC SERVICE?
ORGANIZATION
The Partnership for Public Service is the only nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. We believe that our future and our democracy depend on our ability to solve big problems—and that we need an effective federal government to do so. For more than 20 years, we have helped make this vision a reality, helping our government—the public institution most fundamental to our democracy—address current and future challenges.
Our work is strategic, fast-paced and guided by our values:
- Passion for public service and our work toward a more effective government
- People who promote a culture of learning, leadership, collaboration, inclusion and respect
- Persistence to drive change, take strategic risks and deliver results
- Promise to be trustworthy, nonpartisan and fiscally responsible
We hire smart and friendly people who are great at what they do and good to one another in the process.
POSITION OVERVIEW
This hands-on, entry-level position requires seamless and efficient execution of operations related to the Partnership’s programming, which is critical to successfully achieving our mission. As a Conference Services Associate on the Operations team, you will bring an energetic, positive attitude to help teams across the organization plan and execute quality events for our partners and constituents. This includes understanding the objectives of the Partnership and its programs, anticipating the needs of program participants and clients and helping team members manage day-to-day logistics of events in the Partnership’s conference facilities and at external venues.
Events will include training workshops, panel discussions and research report releases, business meetings to convene government and private sector leaders around relevant public service and human capital issues, plus large internal events (e.g., the Partnership’s annual staff retreat). Along with event-related logistics, this position will work with staff on the Operations team and others across the organization on a range of activities, which may include catering, IT and audio/visual support, direct program support and customer service.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work collaboratively with members of the conference services team and others to maintain a neat and orderly office space.
- Work with the conference services team to ensure rooms, tables, A/V and computer equipment, chairs and supplies are clean and organized before and after each event; refresh rooms between meetings.
- Set up additional items for events, including flipcharts, whiteboard, TV screens, microphones and other A/V equipment, pens, paper, handouts, etc.
- Stock/restock beverage coolers and other office supplies.
- Assist the Conference Services Coordinator in arranging for and attending to catering needs.
- Assist the A/V Technician in the setup, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of audio, visual and related systems.
- Maintain consistent phone, MS Teams, text and email communication with team members and internal/external stakeholders and provide excellent customer service.
- Assist clients and visitors throughout the Partnership office, including providing directions and escorting them to conference rooms, huddle rooms or worksuites.
- Provide recommendations to project managers regarding appropriate room setups and collaborate to identify solutions for unique setup challenges.
- Assist with basic IT troubleshooting and other needs, including performing computer updates and laptop administration.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment and organize multiple and varied assignments as a collaborative team player.
- Excellent customer service skills and attitude.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to professionally and respectfully communicate conference center standards and information to colleagues, clients and other individuals.
- Hands-on approach and can-do attitude to meeting the organization’s in-house event-related needs.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to listen and be open to learning from other people’s advice and observations.
- Maintain and follow all operational standards associated with, but not limited to, conference rooms, breakrooms, telephone rooms, common areas and conference center.
- Commitment to the values of public service; the mission of the Partnership for Public Service; and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
REQUIRED/PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or relevant professional work or military experience required; undergraduate degree preferred.
- One to two years’ experience required, which can include internships, co-curricular activities and/or relevant coursework.
- Previous customer service experience preferred.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/REPORTING STRUCTURE
This position reports to the Senior Operations Manager. This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates in a professional office environment in Washington, DC. and at external venues, such as hotels and public conference centers. While the Partnership is a hybrid (remote and in-person) environment, the majority of work for this position requires being in-person in our office and present with program participants. This job requires standing, sitting, bending and lifting for event set-up and take-down and physical movement of Partnership and customer equipment and furnishings. This includes moving, resetting and reconfiguring conference room setup before, during and after events. This position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and consistent use of office equipment such as computer, telephone, printer and scanner.
In assessing employee performance at the Partnership, we consider collaboration, results, demonstration of our values and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. Our performance review process runs the calendar year; we conduct a performance check-in at mid-year and complete a formal full-year assessment at year end. Salary increases are based on the full-year performance assessment.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is a full-time exempt position with regular work hours Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, because this is a position that supports our programs and activities, work hours are highly dependent on level of activity and may include varying schedules including earlier mornings and occasional evenings.
TRAVEL
If travel occurs, it is usually local and during the business day.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The starting salary range for this associate position is $50,000-$52,000. The Partnership offers a compensation package that includes a competitive salary; medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; long- and short-term disability insurance; a 401K program with a 4 percent employer match; opportunities for training and development; 15 days of annual leave per year, 10 days of sick leave per year, plus all federal holidays and the day after Thanksgiving off; and use of an on-site exercise facility.
AAP/EEO STATEMENT
The Partnership is an inclusive organization that fosters learning, collaboration and respect. We actively recruit for diversity in our workplace, believing that a range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences contributes to our mission of revitalizing government. The Partnership for Public Service is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, caste, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, veteran status, disability; or on any other basis prohibited by law.
VACCINATION POLICY
All Partnership employees, regardless of position or physical location, must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. For new employees, a simple unnotarized copy of the official vaccination card or a notarized COVID-19 Vaccination Form attesting to full vaccination must be provided to human resources within two weeks after the start date.
If you believe you qualify for an exception from the requirements of this policy, for medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs, you must provide a letter (on letterhead) from your doctor or clergy to the Vice President of Human Resources. The Partnership will explore potential reasonable accommodations for you that would not cause undue hardship to the Partnership. However, such reasonable accommodations are not required and cannot be guaranteed.
Salary : $50,000 - $52,000