Want to Work at BlogHer? Help Us Recruit A Rockstar!
by KristySFOne 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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Comments
I have often thought, I could NEVER do your
job.
Never. Not my skill set, shall we say. Hell, sometimes I wonder how I do MY job. (I kid, I can do a few things here and there.;))
And I'm only not sad because this vast, wondrous Internet keeps us all nicely in touch. :)
Laurie
LaurieWrites
Of course you can!
I have no doubt that you are the rockin'est at your job. Certainly you're an amazing writer.
And no, no reason to be sad. I will NEVER be far from the internets (if anything, I'll be online MORE. Uh, if that were possible).
---
Kristy Sammis
BlogHer's Conference & Event Planner
e. kristy@blogher.com
What Laurie said
When I imagine trying to do your job I see myself hiding under my bed.
Sassymonkey and Sassymonkey Reads.
But that hardly *ever* happens!
(The bed hiding, I mean.) Seriously, there are those occasional moments, but the upshot is it being part of the JOB to hang out with cool chicks like you. :)
---
Kristy Sammis
BlogHer's Conference & Event Planner
e. kristy@blogher.com
Wow!
I'm insanely happy for you, the baby daddy and whatever adorable pet name you'll be giving to the wee one. But I'm selfishly sad for all of us who benefit from the incredibly great work you do. You know that I know just how tough and rewarding your job is and I bow to your awesomeness.
I am having a hard time imagining who could fill your pumps but whomever she is will have an amazing opportunity and get to work with Elisa, lucky girl :)
BlogHer Contributing Editor
PopConsumer
Beyond Help
Thanks, Maria
It's all good stuff, but leaving is still going to be a bit weird and somewhat sucktastic.
And thank you for confirming that working for Elisa is definitely something that makes the pot sweeter. :)
---
Kristy Sammis
BlogHer's Conference & Event Planner
e. kristy@blogher.com
You did it to me again!
So, i had to not even *look* at you when we were telling everyone on the BlogHer Team you were leaving, lest. And this post did it to me again.
But thank you for your kind words, and for writing this post.
And everyone: Kristy has kindly offered to do some significant overlap and training with the new events manager, so you will get full benefit of her prodigious talents and brainpower when it comes to BlogHer Conferences.
So now, tap tap tap, I'm just waiting by the mail client for your emails, tap tap tap.
Elisa Camahort Page
BlogHer
elisa@blogher.com
My BlogHer profile truly shows you everything I do online...Check it out!!
You're welcome, of couse
As I said, I was very happy you encouraged me to write this. It is VERY BlogHer-y.
(I only cried a few times while writing it, too!)
---
Kristy Sammis is still
BlogHer's Conference & Event Planner
e. kristy@blogher.com
OH NO... NOT GOOD ENOUGH!..WHAT ARE YOU A
GUY?
OK let me say...I can't imagine you not being THERE...FUCK THAT!... YOU are a WOMAN...make it WORK!... LOL!
Seriously though. I wish you all the best. Starting a family is DIVINE! and I know you will be a GRANDE Madre! If not I will swoop in and rescue that kid *smile*
Yeah they need a ROCK STAR! One better than you...impossible. They can get close. I am hoping they get close...LOL!
Baby name... Love BABZ! How's that for kick ass COOL...LOL!
May God continue to shine upon you and your family. Kiss that little blessing everyday and let HER know Auntie Babz is just a whisper away!
Be loving & Be in LOVE
"Love Babz" Had not previously been a
contender...
...but we'll take it under consideration.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I have no doubt thatyou'll be left in very, very good hands.
A girl, huh? :)
---
Kristy Sammis
BlogHer's Conference & Event Planner
e. kristy@blogher.com
CONGRATS!
... on all that good news, but I am sad you are leaving BlogHer (hopefully not for too long!)
You're gonna rock as a mamma!
PunditMom
CE Politics & News
Thank you!
I appreciate the mamma confidence. I haven't found that yet.
I will miss being here in an official capacity, but I will always be in and around the site and community.
Thanks again. :)
---
Kristy Sammis is still
BlogHer's Conference & Event Planner
e. kristy@blogher.com
This is so BlogHer-y!
I love this post Kristy! I'll miss you on the job, but we'll keep seeing you on-blog and I hope in real life too.
Could you please make sure before you go, that the next conference is peanut and latex free, has jacuzzis in every room, and that the fancy hotel doesn't have any long, carpeted hallways, and someone fixes my WordPress plugins, there is perfect wireless coverage, and I get a free iPhone? JUST KIDDING!
You have done so much over the last couple of years to make BlogHer conferences kick ass. As I see it, you and Elisa built something that is going to last and that has influenced many, many more people than the ones who actually come to the conference. Thank you so much.
-----------------
Liz Henry
lizzard@bookmaniac.net
Contributing Editor, World and Latin America
HAHA!
Liz, your comment made me laugh right out loud.
Of course you will see me around, at conferences, on the site, etc.
And thank you for your sentiments about what the conferences are and will continue to be. I'm honored to have been a part of them. But of course, I feel the same way about you...!
---
Kristy Sammis
BlogHer's Conference & Event Planner
e. kristy@blogher.com
Congrats
I was an Event Coordinator in a former life, and I must say it is a demanding job, but also a really cool one. If I lived in the US, I might even consider applying, but I just want to say may your 2009 be a rewarding one with you and the news bubs and your family!
Thank you for the well wishes!
And for confirmation that it's a crazy job, but super cool. The one balances out the other...
---
Kristy Sammis
BlogHer's Conference & Event Planner
e. kristy@blogher.com
Congrats!
You are leaving BIG shoes to fill. Best wishes in your new life roles.
Angela at mommy bytes
Thank you so much!
And really, they're just size 7.5s. However, I do recommend they be rubber soled and super comfortable, and that you bring an extra pair to change into halfway through the conference day. ;)
---
Kristy Sammis
BlogHer's Conference & Event Planner
e. kristy@blogher.com
I still want Oprah there...and the other
stuff Liz mentioned
This really is the BlogHer way of doing things. And I love it.
Kristy you are a wonderwoman. You will be missed.
Politics & News Contributing Editor
Queen of Spain
Coming FROM such a Wonderwoman
...that is a true compliment. Thanks, Erin.
(And again, I'm only sorta going anywhere. This innernets connectivity thing is pretty awesome.)
---
Kristy Sammis
BlogHer's Conference & Event Planner
e. kristy@blogher.com
eek, you're pregnant?!
I am so beyond thrilled for you! Congratulations! I am so out of the loop.
I couldn't be happier for you. xoxo steph
A Year of CrockPotting
I only came out of the pregnancy closet last
week!
You're not really out of the loop. :)
Thanks so much, though!
xoox!
---
Kristy Sammis
BlogHer's Conference & Event Planner
e. kristy@blogher.com
Hats off to you!
Good for you for making a decision you're proud of, you sure had a great impact on Blogher. I'm a silet person but I read often here and I'm just starting to participate more.
One question that I know others might be wondering, do you have to live in California to work for BlogHer or apply for this job?
Big shoes to fill but good luck to you!
So Happy For You!
Change is good ! Having a baby is great and I am thrilled for all the good stuff going on in your life -- As Henry Higgins said, " I've grown accustomed to your face" at all the BlogHer conferences and it will be very strange to not see you there.
A big thank you for taking such good care of all of us over the past several years. You will be mised!
elana
Blogher Contributing Editor,Business&CareersFunnyBusiness
Aw, Kristy, good luck and
Aw, Kristy, good luck and congrats! You have patiently answered more than one of my questions, with good humor and aplomb.
Before I start blowing this job posting out to the awesome women I know, can I ask if this is a SF-only position?
SJ
Blogher Pop Culture Editor | I, Asshole
squeeeee! and aaaaahhhhh!
Yay baby! Congrats!
Oh yikes, no Kristy, how sad!
Also sad for those of us elsewhere, I'm pretty sure that "This full-time position will be located out in Redwood City, CA." is the answer to the question a couple of people have asked.
But hey, yay, baby! Awesome!
Congrats Kristy!
Kristy...many, many congrats to you on the new additions coming in 2009!
A. L. Venable is a Random Citizen. She primarily writes at Dimple and a Smirk (dot) com and Our PDX Network.
Congratulations!
Wow, lots of exciting changes for you :)
I was an Events Manager BC (before children) and know how rewarding/challenging/exciting/difficult this job is. IF I didn't live on the east coast and my kids were older, I would apply in a heart beat. Alas, I do live in NH and my kids are too young for me to travel so much again.
I love the unconventional approach to this job post. So very cool.
Good luck, Kristy and BlogHer!
Dang it
Though I suspect I am underqualified I can't even say "I applied" as I now live in Ohio. Why oh why couldn't I still be in the Bay Area. Does Blogher need a virtual Event Manager assistant? Does it help that Maria Niles once referred to me as a rock star. Okay not in relation to work or anything but still.....
Job location
Hi everyone:
BlogHer as a company does have numerous remote employees who work in neither the Redwood City nor New York offices. Depending on the role, this can work out just fine.
With the Events Manager role, my first preference is to have someone local. Most of the events team (Me, Jory, Miriam and Erin) is in RWC, and the Events Manager works very closely with me and with Erin. Being able to collaborate throughout the day spontaneously is a big plus.
All that being said: If you are truly interested and truly qualified, then send your resumes to us. I would never say never, and I would love to know who's out there...if not for this job, then perhaps for any other positions we end up needing to hire that may be very well-suited to remote work.
Thanks!
Elisa Camahort Page
BlogHer
elisa@blogher.com
My BlogHer profile truly shows you everything I do online...Check it out!!
Mazel tov!
On all the great transitions, Kristy. You are really an incredible person for this job - it really does take a certain personality and blend of skill and humanity to deal with how many 1000s of us! But here's to all the goodness coming your way now. Thank you for all your work and contributions, stay healthy and ENJOY!
Jill Writes Like She Talks
(I'm going to stop
(I'm going to stop commenting directly to each comment, I'm totally clogging up the pipeline!)
Green and Clean Mom - Thank you; it was a very difficult decision, and I'm really grateful I get to share it here. Please see Elisa's response below regarding the location of the position.
Elana - Well, thank you. I feel the same way about you. And while I will likely be missing this year's Chicago event, I'm certain there will be plenty more BlogHer conferences in my future. You can't get rid of me THAT easily!
SJ - First, please pass this job around! See Elisa's answer below about location. Also, I wanted to let you know I remember meeting you for the first time in Chicago in '07, and I LOVED your "I, Asshole" name, which I believe you had to write over on your nametag. I think I tried to tell you so, but it may have just come out as frantic pointing and grunting on my way to put out some fire.
Skye - Yes, yay! Well, and also boo! But again, it's not like I'll ever be far from BlogHer. (Um, and obviously this will impact the timing of setting up childcare, but it's still on the radar screen for something to do sooner rather than later!)
A.L. V - Thanks so much for the kind wishes. They're appreciated. :)
Mommycosm - I'm glad you understand where I'm coming from. And as an aside, I hope you're keeping warm and the lights are on and all is well; it's already been quite a winter in NH!
Dharma - If you're super interested, I'd encourage you to apply. A recommendation from Maria in any shape is a great one. :)
Jill - It's amazing BlogHers like yourself that make every event so cool, and such a great experience from the planning side. So really, thank YOU!
---
Kristy Sammis is still
BlogHer's Conference & Event Planner
e. kristy@blogher.com
Why did I move?!
I have not wished that I lived back in California UNTIL NOW.
I would love to do your job though, damn, those would be some big shoes to fill.
Congratulations, Kristy!
This is awesome news - and I cannot think of a better reason for giving up a job that you are obviously fantastic at doing. At the time my daughter was born, I was the meeting planner at a large trade association, and while I continued to work fulltime for nearly three years after her birth, those were not happy years -- I always seemed to be out of town whenever she hit a new milestone (first tooth, first steps, etc)... and because I was no longer able to stretch my workday to accommodate the work (as I had to get to daycare before it closed), I never felt like I was on top of things again (which is disastrous when you have to deal with an event that includes 30 simultaneous breakout sessions). I felt like I was a failure at work AND at home and the minute I had the opportunity to be a SAHM, I took it, because I could not stand that stress any longer. There will always be work for someone as talented as you... but you can't get back those first few years of your baby's life.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year - and I guess I'll see you at the Mommy Bloggers sessions :)
I saw last year at the conference how hard
you were working!
The next person will have some big shoes to fill! Figuratively, of course.
- Maria Young
http://immoralmatriarch.com
twitter.com/maria0305
Blessings, Wow and BlogHer 09 Baby Shower?
Cuz I lost track of the wedding plans and heck maybe we could do a two for one deal or something. I kid, I kid. (I think.)
I remember seeing you on the roof of Chicago, tired, happy, amazed and 50 other feelings that must have been racing through your head.
Take your blessings and hold them tight. Enjoy, enjoy and best wishes for you and the family in progress.
Hey, we could have a cyber-shower if you can't make it.
Just saying...
Gena - Out On The Stoop
MRS. Momma-Kristy-luv
Wow.
First we were discussing pro's con's of wedding dresses and types of celebrations...And now we get to embrace your welcoming a new little one too! AND pause....and think of ALLLL you've poured into Blogher and thus into each one of us and just go, huh? a replacement?
nope. no can do.
You are a one of a kind lady.
:) Sooo happy for your engagement and now your new 'expecting' news...and so I will join all of blogher in expecting this need for a fabobrilliant event coordinator will be met...like yesterday....
And how privileged to work with everyone at Blogher and reporting to Elisa.....wahoo...sooo very cool.
Well I say you start blogging your journal planning 5 events: blogher09, a wedding, a bridal shower (b/c you know you'll have input :)), a baby shower (ditto!) and what's it's like to be pregnant....C'mon. YOU can handle that. :)
I already miss you. ....so get bloggin woman. :)
Hugs, luvs and TONS of respect and gratiTOOD!
Tre~
http://thoughtbythought.net
evolveserenity@gmail.com