Office Manager and Events Associate | CT

Associate, Office and Events

Start Date: Immediate

Reports to: Senior Director, Talent Operations

Location: New Haven, Connecticut - 5 day per week in office

Salary: $71,437.68

About Achievement First

Achievement First (AF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that currently supports 41 public charter schools in New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. AF has consistently been rated one of the top charter school networks in the country, and we are still learning and growing. The majority of our students are Black and Latinx children from low-income families who will be the first in their families to graduate from college. We currently employ more than 2,200 staff — 64% of whom identify as Black, Latinx, or Multi-racial — who collectively educate nearly 15,000 students in Brooklyn, NY; Providence, RI; and New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford CT.

The mission of Achievement First is to deliver on the promise of equal educational opportunity for all of America’s children. We know that every child—regardless of race, zip code, or economic status—deserves access to great schools. At AF, our students realize their potential and develop the skills they need to graduate from college, succeed in a competitive world, and serve as the next generation of leaders in our community. At the core of our approach is the shared journey by our students and staff to fulfill our incredible potential. For more information about the Achievement First mission, model, our schools and team, please visit our website at www.achievementfirst.org.

We are looking for an Office and Events Associate to join our Talent Operations team in New Haven, Connecticut.

Your Impact

The Office and Events Associate (OEA) is a dynamic role responsible for coordinating and providing on-site support for various network professional development events, including cohort onboarding days, new team training sessions, and board meetings. Additionally, the OEA provides executive-level administrative support to C-level executives, manages office operations, and assists with company communications. This role is crucial to ensuring smooth event execution and optimizing the schedules of senior leaders within the organization.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Talent Operations your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Event Coordination and Planning: Coordinate logistics for network professional development events, including cohort onboarding days, new team training sessions, and board meetings. Manage event schedules, including room bookings, setup, and breakdown, ensuring all requirements are met. Collaborate with internal teams to understand event objectives and ensure all logistical needs are addressed.

On-Site Event Support: Provide on-site support during events, including managing registration, coordinating materials, and troubleshooting any issues that arise. Ensure a welcoming environment for all participants by managing event setup, including signage, seating arrangements, and audiovisual equipment. Serve as the primary point of contact for participants, speakers, and vendors during events, ensuring smooth execution.

Executive-Level Administrative Support: Provide executive-level administrative support to 2-4 C-level executives. Manage and maintain the calendar and scheduling system for each executive, using flexibility, independent decision-making, and discretion to optimize their time strategically. Schedule meetings, review, prioritize, and respond to incoming requests, protect work blocks, balance professional and personal obligations, audit for conflicts, and anticipate and resolve potential scheduling issues.

Office Management and Operations: Manage the day-to-day operations of the regional office, including supplies, equipment, and office maintenance. Oversee the management of the company email inbox (info@achievementfirst.org) and phone lines, ensuring inquiries are addressed promptly and accurately. Manage credit card expenses and financial documentation for the office, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.

Skills You’ll Have

All candidates for this position will support AF core values, lead innovation, and manage projects to ensure our team, like our schools, are setting a high bar in all areas and pursuing it relentlessly. Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in a similarly, fast-paced work environment.

An ideal candidate will have the following experience and qualification:
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in event coordination, office management, or a related role.
• Experience providing administrative support to C-level executives is highly preferred.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple events and schedules simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, calendar management tools, and event management software.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong decision-making skills, with the ability to anticipate needs and proactively solve problems.

In addition, the following characteristics are required to be successful on this team:
• Strong ethics and ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Confident in interacting with and influencing individuals at all levels within the organization
• Ability to work autonomously as well as take direction as needed
• Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, and a roll-up-my-sleeves attitude
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a proactive communication style
• Belief in the Achievement First mission and educational model

Compensation

Achievement First sets salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on the requisite skills, education, and experience relevant to the role. The salary for this position is $71,437.68. In order to uphold our commitment to equity, Achievement First does not negotiate pay. Additionally, Achievement First offers to all regular, full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement benefit package with match, and paid Family Leave

Achievement First is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency is a plus. You can learn more about diversity at Achievement First here: http://achievementfirst.org/about-us/diversity/