Trailnet is thrilled to welcome two new members to our team!
In anticipation of a jam-packed summer, we decided to bring someone on board who would ensure our events are high-quality, lively and loads of fun… Meet our new Special Events Manager, Gina Otto.
Gina knows how to make an event a spectacle—how to put on a show. From producing her own one-woman, cabaret-style shows to crooning on the local jazz scene, Gina has entertained audiences across the St. Louis area for decades.
“I have been singing since I was a little girl,” said Gina. “My father was a musician, so I grew up around music. I decided when I was in my early 20s that I wanted to have a music career.”
While Gina shines on stage, she has developed plenty of expertise behind the scenes.
In the early 2000s, Gina owned a small production company that hosted a talent competition in the St. Louis area. Later on, she began running a support group for the Festus High School theater dept. She put on workshops, ran events and fundraised in support of the arts in her community.
Through this work, Gina discovered a passion for producing and marketing events. In 2020, Gina’s passion propelled her back to school. This spring, she graduated with a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies and started putting out feelers for an organization with whom she could do good work for the community.
“I’ve always practiced a healthy lifestyle,” said Gina, “and I am a huge advocate of getting people moving and encouraging others to live healthily.”
We’re excited for Gina to bring her knowledge, energy and years of experience to Trailnet’s lineup of summer 2023 events.
As Trailnet’s events grow and improve with Gina on board, we knew we’d need some help getting the word out. Enter: Monique Roos, our Summer 2023 Marketing & Communications Intern.
Monique was born and raised in Campo Bom, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. She got her Bachelors in Advertising from UNISINOS – Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos in 2015. After graduating, Monique worked as a copywriter and marketing coordinator for various clients.
In 2022, Monique moved to the United States and began pursuing a Masters in Communications at SLU, where she is currently a graduate research assistant in the Communications department.
Monique brings a massive amount of experience to this role, and we are grateful for her help!
Trailnet is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a 34-year history of advancing St. Louis as a place where walking, bicycling, and the use of public transit are a way of life. By advocating for a network of safe, easy-to-access walking and bicycling routes across St. Louis, we aim to bridge transportation equity gaps and make it easier for people of all abilities to get from place to place. We work every day to make our region more sustainable by increasing active transportation options that curb greenhouse gas emissions. Trailnet brings people together throughout the bi-state region with a wide breadth of bicycle rides, educational events, and advocacy programs. Join our team and help make St. Louis a premiere city for walking and biking.
Overview
The Special Events Manager will be responsible for producing high-quality events and donor/member experiences that successfully promote the reputation and mission of Trailnet. The Special Events Manager will plan and execute the Trailnet footprint at all events with varying complexity and scope. These events range from producing the event footprint at Trailnet bike rides with registration and vendor tabling to planning small donor-focused events and an annual gala for 200-300. Reports directly to the CEO and works closely with the Development Director and Communications Coordinator. Coordinates with the Rides Team on ride event production.
Key Responsibilities
Develops and manages production timelines and other documents; hosts briefings for staff and partners,
Manages the footprint of Trailnet Classics* including registration, tabling, volunteers, partner recognition, and sponsorship fulfillment and activation (does not include route support/design),
Coordinates closely with Trailnet Ride Team for bike route activation,
Sets the brand standard for all Trailnet events and partner events and ensures activation goes according to plan,
Plans and executes events, including securing venues for development events, communicating with vendors, and developing the run of show,
Manages event communications and event collateral/merchandise in collaboration with Development and Communications team,
Seeks out event feedback, develops surveys, collects evaluation data, handles post-event reports, evaluates outcomes and lessons learned together with staff and updates senior leadership,
Plans events within budget parameters and manages day-to-day budget for each event,
Responds to comments and questions from constituents related to events.
Job Qualifications
Results-orientation: has a track record of achievement and producing results (rather than getting immersed in the process), perseveres despite obstacles.
Project management skills: stays on top of multiple projects, plans backward, anticipates obstacles, engages stakeholders appropriately, and uses resources wisely.
Highly Organized with strong visual organizing skills–must be able to plan an event footprint and use simple software tools to communicate plans to the team.
Expert interpersonal skills: Clear and direct communication that delegates roles and responsibilities fosters teamwork and recognizes efforts. Comfortable being a team player and a team leader.
Racial equity and inclusion experience, skills, and values demonstrated.
Risk management experience, financial acumen, and a hospitality mindset are a plus.
Educational Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least three years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
Experience and Skills Requirements
A track record of having developed and executed events for three years or more,
Excellent project management and coordination skills,
Expert interpersonal skills, including an articulate communication style,
Solid computer skills and ability to quickly adopt new technology.
A passion for Trailnet’s mission and the ability to convey our mission to various audiences with persuasive communication skills,
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervises hourly and event day staff before, during, and after successful event production.
Supervises event day volunteers.
Physical Demands
Be able to lift 30-40 lbs repeatedly and sit, stand, stoop, bend, climb, and reach to set up event footprint items. Event production requires transporting supplies and set-up materials from the warehouse using Trailnet vans and trailers to reach the event location.
Time Commitment
The Special Events Manager’s primary responsibility is producing the footprint at Trailnet Rides. The dates for 2023 rides are established, and candidates should be available for the majority of the dates.
Required Events
April 16th – StG Gravel Classic in Ste. Genevieve, MO
May – Event TBD
June 4th – Uphill Battle
June 17th – Juneteenth Ride
July 9th – I Scream for Ice Cream Ride in Edwardsville, IL
August 13th – Bottleneck Bridge Ride in Festus, MO
September 3th – Giro Della Montagna in St. Louis, MO
September 30th – Ride the Rivers Century in St. Charles, MO
To support these events anticipate pre-production day(s) leading up to the event, very early call times on event days, and long hours on event days. Depending on the event, lodging may be provided for the night before, particularly for events farther from the City of St. Louis.
Compensation
Part-time work from April until December 15. Approximately 20 hours per week or 80-90 hours per month. Hourly pay $23-26 per hour. Position has potential to begin full time work in 2024.
Commitment to Equity and Equal Opportunity
Trailnet is committed to supporting diversity and equal opportunity in its services, administration, employment, research, and activities. We strive to foster a working environment that values contributions from team members, including those based on race, color, creed, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation, sexual identity, mental disabilities, physical disabilities, or veteran status. We work with a wide range of external partners and stakeholders and seek candidates committed to their own cultural competency. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are encouraged to apply.
*The Trailnet Classics are a series of supported, single-day, multi-distanced bike rides around the St. Louis Region. Every ride includes:
Marked routes, maps, and turn-by-turn navigation
Multiple rest stops with water and snacks
Support (SAG) vehicles on the route to assist with basic mechanical and first aid issues
How to Apply
Qualified applicants should submit a brief letter describing their experience and a resume to hr@trailnet.org.
