One of the many things that makes BlogHer an amazing organization is that it -- they, we -- believe in what we're doing. We believe in The Blogosphere. We get why women are blogging in record numbers, and we aren't surprised in the least that blogs continue to change the way the whole world communicates. This is an organization whose founders "walk the talk" every day. Perfect example: I can't think of another organization that would actively encourage me to blog this.
See, we're not just saying, "Hey, we have a job opening." Instead, I get to share with you my personal experiences at BlogHer, what this Events Manager job really looks like from the inside...and why we're now seeking my replacement.
First, Why The Change
Believe me when I say this isn't your (or really, I should say my) everyday story of "I'm leaving to pursue other opportunities, blah blah blah." Quite the contrary. A surprising -- but wonderful -- conflation of life changes are happening all at once. I got engaged in October; five days later I made the rather shocking discovery that I'm pregnant. Yay! And also, Gah!
So after much much muuuuuch discussion with my fiance/partner/soon-to-be-baby-daddy who commutes daily 70+ miles away from our apartment in San Francisco (which, by the way, is quite lovely but also nestled among pockets of the city's more colorful crackheads), we decided it's time to move. For all our sakes. And when we put all the pieces together and looked at the big picture, we decided it makes a lot of sense for me to take some time off from working as well. For now.
Especially since I'm due, if all goes well, about three weeks before BlogHer '09 kicks off. Nice timing!
Who We're Looking For
In case you don't know (or just want more information), I am the current BlogHer Events Planner. Since November of 2006, I've helped organize all of the BlogHer Conferences and events. It's a crazy, and fun, and demanding, and rewarding position. And we'd love to have someone who is part of (or at least familiar with) the BlogHer organization take the reins.
For specific specifics about what the position entails, check out the job description here: http://www.blogher.com/jobs
And if that hasn't scared you away -- a good sign! -- please allow me to add a little color commentary. :)
What makes this position incredibly challenging is what also makes it unique, and special, and really pretty awesome for the right person. We don't do "cookie-cutter" events. We don't take a "This is what we're doing, and if they don't like it, tough" attitude about anything. Every decision we make is based on weighing extensive feedback from our community. And our community is quite big. And vocal. And has a LOT of opinions. And that is a great thing!
Of course you can't please all the people all the time. But when you're in the 2.0 world, and you have the incredible opportunity to hear what your customers are saying -- through blog posts, through Tweets, through comments -- every single day, it's your responsibility and obligation to listen.
Granted, that listening thing can get tough. It is not unlikely that you get to the end of the day and realize what people seem to want is an event that's appropriate for uber-tech-geeks but also their moms who may or may not actually know what blogs are, and plus seasoned business professionals and PR people, but no one annoying. Also please have lots of free food and booze and nothing made of plastic and let's definitely go to a big expensive city but only if it offers cheap hotel rooms and P.S. The conference should be free and please try to get Oprah to be there this year.
Okay, okay. I exaggerate. But there are always competing demands, and a huge part of this position requires finding the best balance possible between what the community of bloggers, editors, staff members, speakers and sponsors want, what's feasible, what simply won't work, and what, exactly, our budget will allow. Sometimes the answers are obvious, and sometimes the solution requires some awfully darn "creative" problem-solving.
The bottom line: This role requires making a lot of value and judgment calls. I think those calls are a lot easier to make when you have a genuine feel for the community you're trying to represent, and is why this position would be excellent for someone who's already part of it.
The Really Good News
This position Never. Gets. Boring. There's always something new, different, cool to build. If you are a "What if we tried it this way" kind of thinker, you've come to the right place.
BlogHer has always been about "do-ocracy" and that's true for BlogHer's internal environment as well. I've never been in an organization more open to new ideas and new ways of doing things. Yes indeedy, the entrepreneurial spirit is strong here. Perfect if you're looking to make an impact. (Not so perfect if you're looking for a 9 to 5 desk job.)
Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, this role reports to Elisa, and can I just say? Well, hold on. First let me say that it would be very easy for me to just point to her bio and be all, "See who you'd be working for?" and then you'd be all, "Whoa." But it's even better than that. Elisa is whip-smart and amazingly perceptive. She is the antithesis of your worst manager (and trust me, I know whereof I speak). She is supportive and helpful, she knows the business and industry inside and out, and, well...it's incredibly refreshing to work for someone who just gets it.
To Apply
If you or someone you know would be perfect for the BlogHer Events Planner position, please review the job description and qualifications and send your resume and cover letter to us:
elisa@blogher.com
kristy@blogher.com
This full-time position will be located out in Redwood City, CA. We are hoping to begin interviewing candidates in early January, so please send your info asap. As always, please feel free to leave comments/questions below.
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