Special Assistant to the Director

The Yale Sustainable Food Project has an opening for a full-time position as Special Assistant to the Director, to begin no later than September 15.

Every day, food offers us the opportunity to engage with the world around us.  By gathering people around shared food, shared work, and shared inquiry, the Yale Sustainable Food Project fosters a culture that draws meaning and pleasure from the connections among people, land, and food.  The Sustainable Food Project directs a sustainable dining program at Yale, manages an organic farm on campus, and runs diverse programs that support exploration and academic inquiry related to food and agriculture.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Special Assistant will have primary responsibility for 2 areas: support to the executive director, and developing and implementing the Sustainable Food Project's public programs, including tours, visits, and special events. The Special Assistant has a high-level of responsibility in a dynamic, innovative, and stimulating work environment.

This is an opportunity to support and learn from the Sustainable Food Project, and to be part of building a revolutionary movement to change the way we eat as a nation.

Responsibilities:

1. Events & public programs (50%):

• Develop and implement events that advance the Project's priorities and build investment in the Project's work.
• Hire and supervise pizza makers and event interns, who create events centered around the Yale Farm's wood-fired pizza oven.
• Coordinate visits and tours by outside groups and community members to the Project.
• Act as initial contact with public via phone and email, and filter communiqués to appropriate persons. Answer routine inquiries and re-direct inquiries to the appropriate Project staff in a timely manner.
• Lead the logistical coordination of various development events, staff meetings, and other meetings as necessary, including onsite & offsite meetings with coordination of travel plans for participants as needed.
• Represent YSFP at external events.
• Oversee any special projects, as determined by the Project's director.

2. Administrative support (50%):

• Maintain a consistently high level of professional support to the executive director to ensure smooth leadership and effective operations.
• Prepare timely expense reports for the executive director and coordinate timely expense reports for staff.
• Review and monitor budgets relating to specific events and special projects.
• Act as office manager, including maintaining all of the office equipment, supplies, and subscriptions: copier, fax machine, printer, supplies, subscriptions, and stationery.
• Other duties.

Qualifications:

Required Education and Experience:

1. Bachelor's degree.
2. 2-3 years work experience, preferably as an executive assistant or in events.
3. A passion for sustainable food and agriculture.

Required Skills:

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong organizational, management, and supervisory experience.
2. Self-motivated, with ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic, and stimulating environment while maintaining high professional standards.
3. Demonstrated ability to work with a positive attitude as an effective and collaborative team member.

Deadline: Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, September 1. Interviews will be held on an ongoing basis.

To Apply:

Please email a cover letter and resume, as well as submit them through Yale's HR website (search for requisition # 7964BR, or use the keywords "sustainable food project"). If you have any questions, please contact us via email rather than over the phone or by mail.