Company description

Located in Brattleboro, VT, Retreat Farm is an essential Vermont place whose mission is to connect people to the land and to one-another. This is a place where people of all ages come to learn, gather, and connect with the natural world through a variety of public programs. These programs, together with the forests, farmlands, trails, waterways, and historic barns and grounds of the Farm, are central to the health and life of surrounding communities.

Established in 1837, the original Retreat Farm was a working and therapeutic farm serving patients at the nearby Brattleboro Retreat. A prominent feature of the region for 180 years, the Farm today encompasses 500 acres of conserved forests, farmlands, trails, and waterways, and a historic eight-structure Farmstead. Retreat Farm sits adjacent to downtown Brattleboro, a gateway to Vermont, and the geographic center of New England.

Job description

Retreat Farm, Ltd. (a 501c3 nonprofit) seeks an Events Coordinator to help set up, break down, and otherwise coordinate efforts to put on both private and public events at Retreat Farm. Private events include celebrations such as weddings and bar mitzvahs, celebrations of life, conferences, and a variety of nonprofit events. Public events include Retreat Farm’s signature events such as Food Truck Roundup and the Retreat Farm Ramble bike ride, as well as programs produced in partnership with others, such as Music Under the Stars.

The Events Coordinator serves as a highly visible ambassador for Retreat Farm and is responsible for event logistics and preparations including public safety, setup and breakdown, resource coordination, and occasionally vendor management. They are responsible for clear, complete, and timely communications among event staff. This position is part of a dynamic, collaborative events team committed to creating a positive work environment and fulfilling the mission of Retreat Farm.

The Events Coordinator reports to the North Barn Manager. This is an FLSA non-exempt, full-time (typically 40 hpw) position. Hours will include periodic nights and weekends.

Responsibilities include:

Public and Private Events

• Carry out preparation and day-of activities for public and private events at Retreat farm, including equipment set-up, breakdown, and pre-event communication. This will be done with direction from the North Barn Manager and coordination with the Program Manager and Venue Coordinator.
• Assist with maintenance and cleaning of all equipment and spaces used by events and program staff.
• Assist the North Barn Manager with weekly ordering of retail, food, beverage, and event-related supplies.
• Coordinate with staff across the organization to ensure appropriate staff and volunteer support for each event.
• Tend bar at the Thirsty Goat and satellite bars during events. Must maintain appropriate certification (certification will be provided by Retreat Farm if not already obtained).
• Communicate regularly with other staff, volunteers, vendors, and collaborators to anticipate needs, set expectations, and create transparency around all events.
• Provide exceptional customer service and a welcoming environment for visitors, vendors, and collaborators.
• Act as a Retreat Farm ambassador, communicating Retreat Farm’s mission, values, history, and impact to visitors as appropriate.

Events Administration, General

• Work with the North Barn Manager and Program Manager to ensure contracts are upheld during events (e.g., with performers and food trucks).
• Work with North Barn Manager to ensure proper event reporting and record-keeping.
• Utilize and adapt appropriate training materials for event volunteers and staff.
• Other related assignments as necessary.

Reporting

The Events Coordinator reports to the North Barn Manager and coordinates closely with the Program Manager (for public events) and Venue Coordinator (for private events). The Events Coordinator may help lead seasonal events staff and volunteers, as well as year-round shift workers for Retreat Farm events.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 30 lbs
• Ability to perform repeated motions (bending, twisting, etc.) while carrying weight
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods, climb stairs, navigate uneven terrain
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments, in a variety of weather conditions

Work Environment:

Retreat Farm is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. The Events Coordinator must be able to switch focus as needed, to address changing priorities while maintaining mental focus in an environment with occasional high noise levels and interruptions.

Compensation:

• $22-24/hour
• Paid time off
• Optional health benefits
• Eligibility for enrollment in Retreat Farm’s SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% employer matching
• 25% discount at the Retreat Farm Market

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

April 25, 2025