The Program Coordinator is responsible for achieving excellent customer service and member satisfaction by coordinating and helping grow IFT educational activities. In addition, this position supports the successful implementation of the scientific sessions at IFT’s annual event as well as face-to-face short courses. The Coordinator provides outstanding volunteer/customer support, for IFT members, customers, faculty and volunteers.
Essential Responsibilities
Coordinate Operations of Scientific Sessions and Short Courses
Proactively coordinate all aspects of assigned programs:
Educational sessions with individual presentations (approx. 100 sessions; each session has on average 3-4 presenters)
Poster presentations (approx. 750 physical posters and 150 ePoster presentations)
Short courses held at IFT Headquarters as well as pre-annual event (approx. 15 courses)
Work with Program Manager to coordinate the peer review and session scheduling process and input/manage all session data in online program development tools (Planstone, mobile app, online session planner, presentation management)
Coordinate the collection, preparation and distribution of program materials and resources (i.e. presentations, evaluations, agendas, handouts, etc.)
Collect and maintain registration and attendee data as well as course/session evaluations and ensure reports are created and distributed internally and externally as appropriate
Work with meetings to plan all logistics, including scheduling, catering, room assignments, special requests, and onsite support
Plan and execute student research competitions during the IFT annual event
Coordinate, train and oversee monitors for scientific sessions who troubleshoot any issues or presenter/moderator needs in the session rooms
Volunteer Support
Provide logistical and program support to speakers and volunteer leaders
Support assigned task forces and workgroups (i.e. Teaching & Learning Workgroup, AMSPAP) by coordinating meetings, calls and writing meeting notes
Provide support year-round to presenters, instructors, and volunteers including the collection of presenter/instructor agreements and presentation materials; setting conference calls, sending periodic reminders, etc.
Customer Service and KLE Admin Support
Provide member/non-member support as related to assigned programs – able to professionally, courteously and knowledgably respond to phone and e-mail inquiries
Actively partner with Knowledge and Learning team to stay aware of educational industry trends, products and services
Assist with eLearning and KLE product administration in Personify, Bluesky LMS, Planstone, ift.org and iftevent.org
Provide administrative support with variety of Knowledge and Learning Department efforts
Complete other responsibilities as necessary
Experience Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Education, Communications or related area
Experience coordinating professional development and training programs (i.e. education conferences/meetings) in associations, non-profits or higher education a plus
Experience with a health or scientific organization a plus
Competency Requirements
Superior written and oral communication, including editing and proofing
Critical thinking, positive attitude, willingness to learn
Excellent project management skills for managing multiple large-scale projects
Ability to work independently
Actively engages in continuous improvement and offers solutions to challenges/issues
Coordinator Skill Requirements
Anticipate, understand, and fulfill customer needs and expectations by providing excellent direct and indirect service
Able to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside and outside of the organization
Organize and express ideas and information clearly with great attention to detail in all written and oral communications
Consistent demonstration of cooperative attitude – assume responsibility and maintain flexibility when faced with challenges and different ideas
Demonstrate a commitment to follow-through; results oriented
Manage multiple projects simultaneously
Maintain a presence and passion for the role & organization while at work
Work Conditions
Travel 5%, domestically, including the ability to occasionally attend evening, weekend and overnight meetings
Physical demands
Sitting for extended periods of time and may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
Ability to exert up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
Use of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and handling of other office equipment
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work
About Institute of Food Technologists
For 75 years, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has been unlocking the potential of the food science and technology community by creating a dynamic global forum where members from more than 100 countries can share, learn, and grow. We are a scientific society with a vision. By transforming scientific knowledge into innovative solutions, we strive to provide every person on the planet access to a safe, healthy, and abundant food supply, both today and tomorrow.IFT exists to advance the science of food. Founded in 1939 by a group of scientists in Massachusetts, we are a professional society with more than 17,000 members worldwide working in academia, industry and government and specializing in food science, food technology and related professions. IFT contributes to public policy, opinion and research on a global scale. We help members of our community connect in person through scientific and technical education sessions and networking events. We also help them connect through our online community, webcasts, publications and other resources.By serving as a nonprofit, independent and authoritative source for information on food science and technology as well as a catalyst for ...change around the world, we educate a variety of audiences—from consumers and the media to public policy leaders and government agencies.
