Experiential & Events Specialist

Overview:

Dole Packaged Foods is a purpose-led organization that champions a more equitable world. A world where everyone has the right to nutrition from the goodness of the earth and we reduce these gaps, one action at a time.

The

Experiential & Events Specialist

will be an integral member of the Dole team and a key contributor to the companys event & tradeshow marketing strategy & execution, spearhead the development of company merchandise and event collateral, oversee event product seeding, gifting and key employee event initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully planning and executing high-profile events, from concept to completion.You should excel at out-of-the-box thinking and problem-solving, and be inspired by the challenge. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational and creative skills to bring brand initiatives and products to life in an engaging way.This role provides flexibility to work in a hybrid environment of home and our Westlake Village, CA office.

( Hybrid is defined as 3 times per week in the office. )Responsibilities:Determine the ideal schedule of consumer events and trade shows in key markets annually in collaboration with retail & B2B marketing and sales functionsCreate and communicate annual event calendars and schedules to ensure all employees are aware of planned events.Assess event marketing and product seeding opportunities and make recommendations to the Communications Manager and cross-functional teammates as needed.Develop and manage workflows associated with event planning preparation, coordinating with cross functional teams as needed.Drive new ways of thinking about events and experiences and collaborate with the brand team to ensure brand consistency and engagementPlan and facilitate logistics for all trade shows, internal & external events including contract negotiations, venue preparation, booth design and build, presentation materials, security, catering, entertainment, AV, transportation, accommodations, and marketing materials.Develop and organize marketing materials, including physical and digital marketing.Ensure all product samples and marketing collateral are ordered and on time for events.Act as an ambassador for the brand at events with both customers and consumers, serving as a go-to resource for fielding questions and problem solving.Develop strong relationships with third party event organizers, builders and other event suppliers for execution supportCollect, document, and share critical feedback learned from events with event vendors and organizers.Draft comprehensive event plans including venue, staff plans, display, sound and lighting, food and beverage, equipment, staffing, entertainment, photo and video, and other functions as necessary.Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors on quotations, contracts, and invoices.Ensure event projects are executed on time and within budget by monitoring spend and effectively managing timelines.Report on final event spending and provide feedback to the VP of Marketing to inform future event budget forecasts.Other duties as assigned.Qualifications:Experience, Knowledge, & Skills You Bring:

5+ years marketing and event experience, ideally in CPG and/or Food Service industries.Experience in trade show event management preferred.Excellent planning, project management and organizational skills to effectively manage numerous activities and resources simultaneously, while ensuring deadlines are met.Creative thinker with strong marketing ability to bring concepts to life in an engaging way for event attendeesAbility to effectively forecast and maintain event budgets.Ability to pivot and problem solve when faced with challenges.Passion for purpose-driven organizations.Proficiency in the MS Office Suite required.What Youll Need to Succeed:

Creativity: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement creative event concepts and solutions. Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach.Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to interact with all internal multi-discipline functional areas and levels of management.Project Management: Leading cross-functional teams and external agencies & vendors in driving projects to completion within required time frame.Time Management: Ability to prioritize and effectively manage workloads in a fast-paced and highly dynamic environment.Team Player: Collaborates and works well in a team environment for optimal event execution.Accountable: Ability to take full ownership of projects, timelines and deliverables.Flexible: Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as may be necessary due to event schedules.Positive Attitude: At Dole, we value a positive working environment as we work as one team to reach our goalsEducation & Certification:

Bachelors degree in Marketing, or related field requiredPhysical Requirements:

Ability to sit and use the computer for extended periods of time; ability to answer phones and use a variety of office equipment; ability to lift 30 pounds and reach overhead.Travel Requirements:

Approximately 20-25% travel required, may include weekends and overnights as needed.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.Hiring Pay Scale: $75,000 to $95,000Dole Packaged Foods is committed to paying our Associates fairly and equitably. The pay rate offered will consider a wide range of factors, including but not limited to experience, education, accomplishments, and location. Pay scales are subject to review on a regular basis and will be updated as appropriate.