Auction Program Specialist

Position: Auction Program Specialist

Hours:  Mon – Fri, 8am – 5pm in office, no remote work available, some evenings and weekends around industry events

Location: San Antonio, TX: some travel required

Department: Events - Auctions

Who We Are

https://www.safariclub.org/

Commit to protect hunting for future generations.

Safari Club International (SCI) is the leader in defending the freedom to hunt and promoting sustainable-use wildlife conservation worldwide for over 50 years. As the only hunting rights organization with a Washington D.C.-based national and international advocacy team and an all species focus, SCI mobilizes nearly 150 chapters and affiliate networks representing millions of hunters around the world.

Our staff, partner organizations, and chapter networks internationally are involved in advocacy on local and global hunting issues, such as opposing international hunting import bans, opposing firearms restrictions, supporting rural areas and community leadership, and more.

Our Core Values — You are a HUNTER
 At SCI, our values guide everything we do. We seek candidates who embody our HUNTER mindset:

• H – Hunting Matters: We champion the importance and ethics of hunting and conservation.
• U – Uncompromising Integrity: We do the right thing, always.
• N – Never-Ending Growth: We are committed to continuous improvement and learning.
• T – Teamwork: We collaborate, support, and celebrate one another.
• E – Excellence: We hold ourselves to high standards in all we do.
• R – Respect: We treat everyone with dignity, fairness, and professionalism.

Summary

This position is responsible for maintaining the inventory of donated items to be sold at auction. The position is a designated Federal Firearms Liaison and signs for firearms received.  This position travels up 10% of the time, including to the SCI annual convention, site visits, and events required by SCI/F.

Our Annual Convention is our flagship event, showcasing the largest gathering of hunting outfitters from around the world and leading manufacturers in the outdoor industry. This four-day event includes a members only trade show with over 900 outfitters, more than 20 seminars and keynote speeches, over 1000 live and silent auctions, awards, nightly dinners, and entertainment. 

The position is accountable for approximately $4 million in inventory to be sold through an auction program that accounts for approximately 75% of the revenue produced at convention.  This position is required to perform functions a variety of customer service and sales function to exhibitors of varying and diverse backgrounds. Coordinators are often called upon to be flexible, resolve problems, work with deadlines, and manage conflicting priorities while maintaining professional decorum.  The position interacts with employees at all levels of the organization, members, exhibitors, donors, hotel staff, and outside vendors and service providers.

All applicants should demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, hunting as an essential part of biologically sound and ethically responsible international wildlife management. The ideal candidate will have an existing knowledge of SCI’s current programs and mission and be passionate about hunter’s rights.

Responsibilities

• Tracks donations from time of submission to completion of sale.   Maintains on-line computer and physical inventory all tangible non-hunt donations.  Processes the billing and shipping procedures for uncollected auction items.   
• Works with exhibitors/donors on details for donated items. Works with exhibitors to collect donation information and necessary graphics. Selects auction items for publications, writes and proofs text copy and detailed donation descriptions. Coordinate accuracy of donation write-ups and sales invoices. Coordinates the text and graphics for auction publications and articles.  
• Assists with obtaining Guides & Outfitters/donor approval, ensures donor accountability, and minimizes SCI’s risk.  
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of iMIS Auction database and Auction Program.  Compiles reports of the most current donation information
• Oversees the set up, collection, display, and inventory of auction items.  Helps supervises auction distribution room and temporary on-site staff including all processes relating to auction inventory and sales. Helps to close annual Auction Program sales cycle. 
• Coordinates donor and buyer correspondence.
• Research and make recommendations about prospective exhibitors and donors with attention to the needs of SCI, the Exhibit Program, the Auction Program, and convention attendees.
• Maintains supplies and print needs for auction including sales forms, invoices, pickups, claim receipts, drawings, and other printed forms or supplies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.  Attends meetings, conventions, trade shows, and other events as appropriate.

Qualifications

• The position requires a High School diploma and 3 years of experience in sales, marketing or event/meeting planning. Associate’s Degree or higher preferred.  
• Knowledge of and experience in the outdoor industry preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of firearms and the firearm industry preferred.
• Knowledge of fine art, high-end jewelry and sculpture preferred.
• 2 – 3 years of Data Entry experience
• 2+ years experience with database software
• 2+ years experience in Customer Service
• Valid driver’s license with ability to be insurable on SCI policy

Skills and Abilities

• Proven problem solving skills
• Proficient with  Microsoft Office Suite software, to include OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams with an ability to become familiar with SCI-specific programs and software. 
• Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal and customer service skills, organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees.
• Ability to oversee, schedule, and staff temporary onsite auction staff for various events.
• Ability to have direct exhibitor communication, be familiar with specific exhibitor items and create a report that would allow for increased auction donation items. 

Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that fulfills the requirements of the position will be considered.

Benefits

Safari Club International offers a full benefit package. Please go to our careers page to view our Benefit Summary: https://safariclub.org/careers/