idealist.org

Educational Resource Specialist and Conference Coordinator
Part-Time (20 hour’s week)

Overview:

The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) is seeking a part-time Educational Resource Specialist and Conference Coordinator who will be responsible for researching, presenting, cataloguing and disseminating up-to-date information and resources on all topics related to Down syndrome to the MDSC membership and other key stakeholders.

The MDSC is a vibrant non-profit (501c3) organization whose mission is to ensure individuals with Down syndrome in Massachusetts are valued, included, and given opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives by providing information, networking opportunities, and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and their families, educators, health care professionals, and the community-at-large.

The MDSC recently transitioned from an all volunteer organization to one that is run by a professional five member management team. Since bringing on this team, MDSC has experienced significant growth and is searching for a professional with a strong background in Education, Social Work, Conference Coordination, or other related background to work with the Executive Director and Management Team to meet the growing needs of the organization

MDSC Programs and Conferences:

• Parents’ First Call program, a statewide volunteer network that provides information and support to parents after their child is diagnosed with Down syndrome.
• Educator’s Forum held annually at the College of the Holy Cross for over 250 educators from across Massachusetts who come together to share and learn best practices in teaching children with Down syndrome in general education.
• Library book distribution project provides free up-to-date books on topics related to Down syndrome to every public library in Massachusetts.
• Annual Conference for over 600 parents, family members, individuals with Down syndrome, and professionals who come together with the nations leading experts on Down syndrome and participate in lectures, workshops, and networking sessions to learn more about Down syndrome.
• Teen and young adult program empowers young people with Down syndrome and their peers through educational workshops, community service activities, and social and recreation experiences.

Definition of Position:

The Educational Resource Specialist and Conference Coordinator reports to the MDSC Executive Director and works with the MDSC Management Team and Conference Task Force to plan, organize, and coordinate all aspects of the MDSC Educator’s Forum, Annual Conference and other meetings and events. One of the primary roles of this position is to develop MDSC as a central clearinghouse of information on all topics related to Down syndrome including: health, education, research, recreation, employment, housing, advocacy, legislative issues and other areas that will provide people with Down syndrome and their families with the information and resources they need.

Educational Resource Specialist Responsibilities:

• Researches and disseminates best practices and up-to-date accurate information about Down syndrome related topics to people with Down syndrome and their families, educators, health care providers and the general community.
• Ensures that comprehensive information about all Down syndrome related topics is available on our website.
• Answers inquiries from the MDSC membership and others to provide helpful accurate information and resources in a timely manner.
• Write articles for the MDSC newsletter with helpful information and resources for the membership.
• Organize quarterly regional statewide meetings for the membership in collaboration with area support groups on topics of interest to the membership

Conference Coordinator Responsibilities:

• Works with the Executive Director to convene Conference Task Force to guide the planning of the conferences and to develop the program agenda.

• Develops written information and marketing materials to promote the conferences and disseminate the information to ensure successful attendance.

• Secures venues for conferences and works out details of contracts.

• Contacts and coordinates conference speakers to ensure their successful participation in the event.

• Coordinates travel and lodging needs for speakers and others as needed.

• Arranges entertainment, award ceremonies, or other special features and presentations for conferences.

• Acts as the point person to respond to all inquires, needs, and/or issues that arise regarding the conference.

• Researches prospective conference sponsors and exhibitors, creates and distributes sponsorship and exhibitor proposals, and follows up with prospects.

• Coordinates conference registration process keeping detailed accurate information on spreadsheets and on our Blackbaud website event management tool.

• Recruits, trains, and supervises conference volunteers.

• Develops comprehensive conference compendium and/or other conference materials for conference attendees.

• Creates effective materials and systems for on-site conference coordination including registration of attendees, processing of payments, distribution of materials, seating and floor plans, merchandize sales, exhibits and displays, signage, name tags, etc.

• Coordinates purchase of supplies and materials for conference implementation.

• Provides on-site conference management to ensure conferences run smoothly including coordinating audio visual needs and setting up and tearing down event.

• Monitors event planning to ensure adherence to deadlines and maintains appropriate records including detailed minutes of Task Force meetings, project work plans, and financial records for the event, etc.

• Provides post-conference follow-up including writing acknowledgement letters and evaluating results of event.

• Five plus years of documented work experience as an educator, resource specialist, conference coordinator, social worker or other related field.
• Knowledge of disability related issues and resources on a state and national level. and ability to organize and disseminate this information in a useful way.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with constituents.
• Strong project management and event planning skills with highly developed attention to details.
• Knowledge of conference and meeting management and planning procedures with ability to meet tight deadlines to ensure successful conferences and meetings.
• Ability to engage and motivate the MDSC membership as volunteers in the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work and manage multiple tasks in both an independent and collaborative setting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint and experience with databases and event management systems.
• Ability to operate audio visual equipment needed for meetings and conferences.
• Ability to work from a home office during the first year of employment.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to participate in committee meetings and events.
• Ability to travel throughout Massachusetts.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.

Send cover letter and resume by November 30, 2009 to:

Maureen Gallagher, Executive Director
Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress
at mgallagher@mdsc.org