Emeril Lagasse Foundation | New Orleans
Emeril Lagasse Foundation is a 501c (3) public charity headquartered in New Orleans. Our mission is to create opportunities to inspire, mentor and enable youth to reach their full potential through culinary, nutrition, and arts education. We support thousands of youth each year through three programs: the Community Grants program, Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen, and the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund.
Fundraising is a crucial part of the Foundation’s efforts and essential to achieving its mission. Funding for the Foundation’s programs is provided through individual and corporate donations and annual fundraising events. Each fall, the Foundation hosts its signature annual fundraising weekend, which includes the black-tie gala and top ranked charity wine auction, Carnivale du Vin. In the spring, the Foundation hosts Line, Vine & Dine, a weekend fishing tournament in Fort Lauderdale, FL and the Throwdown Weekend, a spirited BBQ competition in Walton County, FL. In the summer, the Foundation hosts Fueling the Future, a golf tournament and gala in The Woodlands, TX.
Position Description:
The Event Coordinator will support the Director of Events and the Advancement Team in executing event logistics, including chef and wine activations, vendor coordination, auction development, and onsite event support. This role involves administrative responsibilities essential to maintaining an efficient and well-organized advancement department. The ideal candidate has strong communication and problem-solving skills, with experience in event coordination, high-end customer service and hospitality. Exceptional attention to detail, interpersonal skills, and strong writing skills are key to success in this role. As an integral part of the foundation team, this position collaborates closely with the Advancement Team to ensure seamless event execution and donor engagement.
Specific responsibilities include:
Fundraising
- Event & Vendor Logistics
o Assist in Chef Activations (travel, rentals, onsite logistics)
o Assist in Wine Activations (travel, shipping/receiving, product organization, onsite logistics)
o Assist in Sponsor Activations (travel, rentals, onsite logistics)
- Coordinate hotel blocks, air travel and ground transportation for chefs, wines, sponsors
o Organize and execute Hospitality Suites on-site
o Assist in updating event production schedules
o Support vendor logistics and coordination
- Travel to fundraising event weekends, approximately 4-5 times per year
- Auction Development & Execution
o Lead Silent & Super Silent Auction development
o Manage silent and super lot item solicitation, receiving, inventorying, and onsite setup
o Write silent auction lot descriptions, including images/logos in Greater Giving (GG)
o Oversee post-auction follow-ups, including winner connections and item shipping
o Manage tracking of auction redemption trips and redemption coordination with guests
o Handle auction redemption for Super Silent and Live Wine Lots
- Sponsorship & Hospitality Support
o Assist with hospitality packets and mailings
o Support in-kind sponsor coordination
o Track in-kind event donations (auction items & beverages)
o Support advancement team with stewardship touchpoints and tasks
o Handle various administrative and logistical tasks, including procurement, deliveries, and special assignments as needed.
Administration
- Donor Management Database
o Support the Advancement Services Manager with database imports, exports, and maintenance
o Manage auction solicitation constituents and maintain database records
o Assist with yearly tax letter edits, and mailings
- Storage & Shipping Coordination
o Manage storage unit organization
o Oversee shipping/moving logistics (PakMail)
Reports To: Director of Events
Skills and Qualifications:
- BA or BS degree preferred
- 3-5 years in event coordination, logistics, or administration required
- Nonprofit experience or volunteerism preferred
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- CMS or CRM experience preferred; Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge & Greater Giving being a plus
- Strong verbal & written communication skills required
- Ability to manage projects independently
- Deadline-driven, organized, & detail-oriented
- Proactive & problem-solving mindset
- Professional demeanor and conduct
- Able to lift 40 lbs for event setup
All applicants should include a cover letter in addition to their résumé. Please send materials to opportunities@emeril.org.
The Event Coordinator will be a part of a unique team of professionals and will adhere to the mission, vision and values of Emeril Lagasse Foundation, along with performing other duties as assigned. The staff values include being ready and flexible, committed to excellence, creative and innovative, respectful, and passionate, with attention to work-life balance.
This is a salaried, full-time position averaging 40-45 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. A resident of greater New Orleans area is required. Some travel, nights and weekends are required in association with fundraising event weekends or representing the foundation at various functions.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive Salary of $50,000-52,000 commensurate with experience as well as level of education and training
- Health, Vision and Dental benefits
- Employer Paid Life Insurance and LTD
- Optional Additional Life Insurance and Dependent Care Savings Account
- 10 Annual PTO days
- Up to 10 Days of Accrued Sick Time after 3 months of employment
- Paid Holidays Off include:
- New Year’s Day, Mardi Gras Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
- Hybrid remote work structure
- Support for professional development
