V Foundation Overview

Join a team that truly makes a difference in the world by funding game-changing cancer research and saving lives. The V Foundation for Cancer Research, co-founded by legendary basketball coach and announcer Jim Valvano and ESPN, provides a fun and rewarding environment where your work accelerates Victory Over Cancer. The V Foundation is a diverse community where employees are valued for their ideas and contributions. We offer phenomenal benefits including 100% of healthcare costs covered for you and your family and a generous paid time off plan.

Job Summary Overview

Serve as the operational and administrative support to the Vice President & Managing Director and Senior Director of Signature Events & Operations. Lead high-touch event and hotel registration for an audience of over 600 VIPs, High Bidders, Vintners, Strategic Partners, Board members and other guests for the annual signature event, V Wine Celebration in Napa Valley & Sonoma Epicurean in Sonoma Valley. Orchestrate VIP Guest Experiences, itinerary creation, periodic event updates, and prepare guest program materials to support multi-day participation fluidity, across multiple signature event needs. Generate copy and influence design for invitations, brochures, directional signage, print and digital communications. Assist with event operations as needed.

Major Responsibilities/Activities:

50% Wine Celebration & Sonoma Epicurean Guest Duties:

• Assist with maintaining an accurate guest database (Greater Giving and Luminate software)
• Act as primary point of contact for Wine Celebration & Sonoma Epicurean guest management; to include event registration, payment processing, hotel reservations, room block management, assisting guests onsite, and facilitating proper follow-up to ensure guest satisfaction
• Develop and manage confirmation letters and itineraries
• Provide attendance and guest reports as requested
• Finalize guest seating charts with Managing Director, and manage guest lists to ancillary events

50% Media and Website Development:

• Assist with amenity branding, signage and programs
• Design and manage the Wine Celebration and the Sonoma Epicurean websites
• Create HTML emails for Wine Celebration and the Sonoma Epicurean email lists
• Assist and create digital graphics
• Assist with staff cross training as needed
• Other duties may be added or removed as necessary

Education, Skills & Experience Required:

• Excellent customer service & networking skills, knowledge of auction and event software. Proficiency in Hightail, MailChimp, Dropbox, Canva and EnTribe.
• Knowledge and experience with Office 365 (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent time management skills and ability to manage multiple ongoing projects at once.
• Ability to think creatively and problem solve.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, hotel management or related degree, with 3-plus years relevant experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Proactive self-starter with strong creative, analytical, planning, and project management skills.
• Experience creating communications that inform, excite, and educate guests.
• A belief in the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and action that demonstrates this commitment.
• Strong sense of initiative and an outcomes-oriented mindset.
• Excellent communication, project management, and interpersonal skills.

Experience in the following areas is strongly preferred:

• High integrity with an ability to engage with sensitive and personal information.
• 3-plus years hotel rooms division and event experience.
• Examples of event support and leadership roles that enhance attendee experiences.