ASOR SEEKS MANAGER OF PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
The American Schools of Oriental Research (ASOR) invites applications for a Manager of Programs and Events. Founded in 1900 and currently located at Boston University, ASOR is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that supports and encourages the study of the cultures and history of the Near East, from the earliest times to the present. ASOR is apolitical and has no religious affiliation. This opening will be a full-time managerial position with a salary commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience. The review of applications will begin on July 12, 2013, and continue until the position is filled.
Description and responsibilities: The primary responsibility of the position will be overseeing, planning, and managing the program of ASOR’s Annual Meeting. The successful candidate will also be expected to work with ASOR staff to develop and promote other programs and events sponsored by ASOR, including outreach events, a lecture series, and travel programs.
ASOR’s Annual Meeting is the organization’s focal event of the year, and the majority of this position will be devoted to ensuring that this event runs well and grows. The Annual Meeting currently attracts about 950 attendees. The program includes a plenary session, outreach events, board and committee meetings, and the presentation of approximately 420 academic papers in roughly 85-90 sessions. The successful candidate will be the primary staff member supporting the Annual Meeting Program Committee, a group of academic volunteers who are responsible for the intellectual content of the meeting and who are led by a Chair or Co-Chairs (with whom the successful candidate would primarily communicate). The Manager of Programs and Events will oversee all aspects of the Annual Meeting, including program management and planning, coordination with hotels, development of online resources, oversight of online paper submissions, and development of the Annual Meeting program book. The Manager of Programs and Events also will supervise student workers and work with the ASOR staff to integrate the Annual Meeting into ASOR’s membership and outreach initiatives.
Requirements and qualifications: A bachelor’s degree is required, and a master’s degree or equivalent experience in fields related to ASOR’s Annual Meeting (e.g., archaeology, biblical studies, Near Eastern studies, religion, anthropology, etc.) is desired. The successful candidate must have excellent communication, interpersonal and writing skills, as well as strong attention to detail. Ability to provide first rate, unfailing customer service is critical for this position. The applicant is expected to be proficient with the entire Microsoft Office Suite, including spreadsheets, databases, word-processing, and basic html. The successful candidate will also be responsible for working with the vendor of the online abstract submission and management system to which ASOR subscribes to ensure appropriate customization. While experience in the hospitality industry is not a requirement, it is a plus. At the very least, the candidate must be comfortable working in a hotel setting and willing to learn how to contract for, organize and manage meetings in such environments.
Application Process: Applications should be addressed to Dr. Andrew Vaughn (ASOR Executive Director) and sent by e-mail to Ms. Britta Abeln, Assistant to the Director, (info@asor.org). A complete application should include a CV, a letter of interest addressing the position description and requirements, a short writing sample, and names and contact information for three to five references.
