Nicola Hesketh

Job Responsibilities

Manage the planning, and execution of the annual California Higher Education Sustainability Conference (CHESC) and related events. The conference attracts close to 1000 attendees and is supported by over 60 corporate sustainability sponsors and exhibitors.

Market and fundraise for CHESC and related programming. Identify potential audiences and sponsors and institute a development strategy for cultivation. Develop and execute pitches, and secure financial and in-kind commitments. Secured $160,000 in 2017 and $167,000 in 2018 of fundraising revenue.

Develop innovative promotional opportunities such as a bike valet sponsored by a bike share company and a “speed dating” event focused on matching attendees and exhibitors.

Coordinate the overall event logistics managing a team of individuals to plan and execute the event. Work collaboratively on event planning, logistics, and act as the primary lead on training, coordinating, and supervising the team of student interns and volunteers.

Maintain excellent communication and working relationships with all team members, event vendors, exhibitors and sponsors, campus departments, and institutions involved in the inter-campus dimensions of the conference.

Responsible for budgeting, financial tracking, accounting, billing, and contracts for a $500,000 budget.