About SquashBusters:
SquashBusters is a 29-year-old sports-based youth development program that uses a combination of squash, fitness, academic support and enrichment, community service, and mentoring to improve the lives of youth in Boston, Lawrence, and Providence. SquashBusters’ mission is to challenge and nurture youth in these cities – as students, athletes, and citizens – so that they can recognize and fulfill their greatest potential in life. SquashBusters currently serves 300 middle school and high school students who practice three days a week throughout the school year and participate in weekend practices, tournaments, and summer opportunities. After high school graduation, students join the Post-Secondary Success Program, and a dedicated staff team supports them in their chosen post-secondary path, and provides career development, internship placement, and employment opportunities. SquashBusters currently serves 180 post-secondary students, and with our first class of Providence post-secondary students, the program is growing. In Boston, programming takes place at the Badger-Rosen SquashBusters Center located on Northeastern University’s campus. In Providence, we work and play out of the Gorgi SquashBusters Center on the campus of Moses Brown School. In Lawrence, we recently opened our own state of the art facility, the New Balance Foundation SquashBusters Center in partnership with the city. Our core values are Love, Honesty, Attention, Teamwork and High Standards. Do these match yours?
The Role:
The Events and Communications Manager plays a vital role in executing SquashBusters’ events-based fundraising strategy. This team member is responsible for planning and producing materials, managing logistics, and carrying out day-of operations for SquashBusters’ three major fundraising events. Additionally, the Events and Communications Manager oversees external communication with donors, supporters, and the public through newsletters, mailings, and social media.
As a member of the development team, they will collaborate closely with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and all staff to ensure an integrated approach to our work in service of the students and communities that SquashBusters serves.
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Reports To: Chief Development Officer
Schedule: Full-time, hybrid role requiring 4 in-office days (M-Th) per week and attendance at all fundraising events
Responsibilities:
Event Management
Oversee and manage all aspects of event production including the planning process, logistics, vendors, event website and communications.
- In collaboration with CEO and CDO, create and execute timeline for production of the MashUp, Rumble, and Derby.
- Coordinate with Development Team and outside consultants to host weekly planning meetings, assign responsibilities and monitor progress.
- Produce collateral materials such as player packets, sponsor packets, and draw boards.
- Design, launch and manage event websites.
- Work with site liaisons and outside vendors to secure catering, AV equipment, tables/chairs, and other necessary items day of.
- Manage event swag and trophies including ordering, branding and pro gifts.
- Coordinate pro travel, accommodations, and reimbursements.
- Coordinate with Development and Office Coordinator to ensure player pages are up-to-date and accurately reflect off-line donations.
- Coordinate with site Program Directors to secure student speakers and appropriate staffing.
- Manage invoices and monitor event budgets.
- Oversee event wrap-up and sponsor mailings.
- Assist CDO as needed with the Boston Marathon Team and other events.
Communications
Coordinate and produce donor communication materials and collateral to educate and inform the public and further fund-raising goals. Written products include e-newsletters, annual appeal letters, campaign brochures, fact sheets and one-pagers, presentations, postcards, and other development collateral as needed.
- Develop, produce, and disseminate event-related communications including save-the dates, invitations, and post-event wrap-up reports.
- Create and maintain event websites.
- Create and disseminate player and sponsorship packets.
- Drive all aspects of SquashBusters’ Annual Report production including content creation, design, and printing process to ensure delivery on agreed upon schedule.
Marketing
Oversee SQB’s external marketing, including plans to communicate with major stakeholders such as donors, partners, and families.
- Create and execute upon communications calendar that includes plans for:
- Seasonal Newsletter (a minimum of 2)
- Event recaps
- Social media postings
- Coordinate with Program Directors to create collateral materials in support of recruiting and other program goals.
- Oversee SQB’s press strategy, working with local media as applicable to produce articles, videos, etc.
- Identify opportunities for positive press and reach out to media contacts for coverage.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required; graduate level degree preferred
- Demonstrated success in event management and communications
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with tight deadlines
- Strong relationship-building skills, able to collaborate with SquashBusters staff and constituents
- Background and experience using Salesforce for tracking and reporting; WordPress for website maintenance; MailChimp for mass email communications; and multiple social media platforms
- Love for the SquashBusters mission
Compensation and Benefits:
- Annual salary, commensurate with experience, starting at $60,000
- Retirement plan with employer matching up to 5%.
- 5 paid company holidays and days off plus an additional 16 vacation days (with some restrictions).
- Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance available.
- Employer paid life and long-term disability insurance.
- Free Employee Assistance Program, a cell phone subsidy, and public transportation and parking subsidies available.
To Apply:
Please send a resume and brief letter of interest addressed to the Chief Development Officer, Rebecca Latimore at the following email address: recruiting@squashbusters.org.
SquashBusters is an equal opportunity employer and strives to reflect the diverse community it serves. SquashBusters is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and looks to all its staff members to foster and promote its values.