Assistant Director

The BEST Foundation is a non-profit organization that reaches thousands of students and teachers across Bulgaria through English-language speech and debate tournaments. The largest of its kind in Eastern Europe, BEST promotes diversity of thought and encourages students to engage in their communities with confidence and purpose.

In 2018-19, BEST hosted four regional tournaments (each reaching approx. 300 students), one national tournament and an international "Balkan Voices" tournament, which attracts participants from all over the Balkan region. In addition to BEST's core tournament programming, the organization runs a Student Leadership program, a national debate team and trainings for students, coaches, judges and high school teachers. Despite the challenges of Covid-19 for the 2019-2020 academic year, the BEST Foundation successfully ran three regional tournaments fully online totaling 852 students reached. Additionally, BEST held three coach trainings and a Student Leader seminar. BEST has adapted to the current environment and continues to engage students, teachers and community members in meaningful and impactful ways.

By providing English-language speech and debate tournaments, student leadership opportunities, and international programming to Bulgarian students and educators, the BEST Foundation promotes critical thinking skills and free thought so as to foster a community of engaged, democratically minded citizens who are committed to creating a bright future for Bulgaria.

More information about the BEST Foundation can be found at https://bestfoundation.bg/

The BEST Foundation is seeking an Associate Director (AD) to oversee all aspects of tournament management and spearhead internal operations for the staff. The AD will pursue activities including but not limited to coordinating tournament logistics (hotel accommodation, venue, etc.), managing tournament software, organizing and moderating staff meetings and overseeing project timelines to ensure the leadership team meets all deadlines. Familiarity with the event rules and policies will be important as this person will help establish and enforce rule violation procedures as well recruitment for both judges and coaches. Additionally, this individual should coordinate with the Executive Director to establish a strategy around partner relations and engagement. A self-starting attitude and clear communication skills are important. This individual will report to the Executive Director and be based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Anticipated start date: February 2021 for a duration of 9 months-extendable.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

2+ years in a project management role

Demonstrated track record of effective project management, ideally in an international role. Previous BEST Foundation or non-profit experience is preferred, though not required.  

Logistics and operations experience

Experience leading logistics and/or operations for large-scale events that require significant coordination with external vendors/partners.

Technology orientation

Familiarity with communication tools (Gmail, Google Drive, Slack) and comfort navigating other software platforms.

Passion, Commitment and Understanding of Mission

Strong mission orientation or a demonstrated passion related to BEST.

Fluency in English (C1) and Bulgarian language (native)

Education

An undergraduate degree is required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Embrace the mission, values, and culture of the BEST Foundation.
• Organize staff meetings and ensure deadlines are met and project workflows are continuously updated.
• Manage logistics for the tournaments and other BEST-related events (hotel accommodation, food, venue bookings, transportation, etc.).
• Assist in recruiting judges and coaches; help communicate registration details and important updates.
• Manage and prepare tournament platforms and software.
• Identify the best vendors and partners for event trophies, merchandise, and other BEST-related goods.
• Maintain an awareness of local laws regarding NGOs and important events affecting educational institutions.
• Assist the Executive Director with partner and community relations.

Application Deadline: January 15, 2021

Send Cover Letter & CV to: executive@bestfoundation.bg