International Conference on Degrowth in the Americas
Conference Themes | Organizing Committee | Sponsors | Available Position: Conference CoordinatorAvailable Position: Conference Coordinator
General Description
Convivial degrowth is a relatively new concept, especially in North America. Degrowth or decroissance has been around for a number of years in France and other parts of Europe, with some proponents even calling it a movement. It is not just about negative economic growth, as the English word might imply, but rather represents a complex paradigm shift away from our current industrial society and its model and culture of consumption and accumulation. There are a number of similar currents of discussion with close affinity or at least similarities: post-development, steady-state economics, ecological economics, eco-socialism, sustainable economics, voluntary simplicity and the (mainly Andean) indigenous concept of "buen vivir" or "sumak kawsay", "living well but not better". Drawing from previous degrowth conferences in Paris and Barcelona in 2008 and 2010 respectively, the Montreal conference from May 13-20, 2012 will focus on the particular situations and dynamics of the Americas.
The Conference Coordinator is a member of the International Conference on Degrowth in the Americas organizing committee. This position will be responsible for the Conference Project Management.
Duties and Responsibilities
Pre-Conference
- Coordinate meetings of the various committees.
- Actively participate on all committees.
- Ensure that assigned tasks of committee members are completed.
- Budget maintenance and provide periodic progress reports to committee members.
- Administer financial operations (revenue, invoicing, expense disbursements and reporting).
- Coordinating conference room bookings and set-ups at the various participating universities, including Audio Visual requirements, food and beverage requests, signage, distribution of materials, etc.
- Coordinate appointments and visits to see our space, and scheduling of events on the calendar.
- Prepare event contracts.
- Make travel arrangements/accommodation for keynote speakers.
- Assist conference participants with registration, accommodation venues and local directions.
- Coordinate website updates with the website administrator.
- Perform other duties as may be decided upon by the committee members.
During the Conference
- Onsite Project Manager.
- Registration Secretariat (ensure nametags, materials, notebooks, packages, gift bags, registration lists, seating cards, etc. are complete)
- Oversee volunteer coordination through the Volunteer Coordinator.
Post-Conference
- Coordinate with Finance and Fundraising Committee to ensure that all sponsored funds have been received and any sponsor post-conference reports are handed in.
Requirements
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills, including writing, proof reading skills, and speaking.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and maintain communications with several groups.
- Excellent interpersonal skills both in person and by phone, with high professionalism.
- Ability to accomplish projects with little supervision.
- At least 1 year experience coordinating large events.
- Proficient using the latest versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and mail merges; email and web searches.
- Working oral and written fluency in English and French.
Assets
- Knowledge of academic administration structure.
- Working knowledge of Spanish.
Timeline and compensation
The Conference Coordinator position will run from January 20, 2012 to May 30, 2012 with compensation of $20 per hour based on 25 hours per week.
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter and CV via email to Andrew Ross at aross@jmsb.concordia.ca. Please insert "Degrowth Conference Coordinator Position" in the Subject line.
Last updated: 14/01/11
