At the Gary Sinise Foundation, we support and honor our nation’s defenders. We seek individuals who recognize that freedom and security come at a cost and who are committed to serving those who answer the call to duty. We want team members whose principles and values resonate with our culture of service, commitment, and appreciation.
About the Gary Sinise Foundation
Established in 2011 by actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise, the Gary Sinise Foundation honors and supports our active-duty military, veterans, first responders, and their families. Through programs designed to inspire and uplift our nation’s heroes, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who serve and sacrifice for our freedom.
Position Summary
The Reunion Coordinator at the Gary Sinise Foundation plays an important role in advancing the Foundation’s mission to support veterans, first responders, and families of the fallen. Reporting to the Reunion Manager, this position supports the coordination and delivery of approved reunions, builds meaningful relationships with recipients and unit representatives, and helps ensure a high-quality, compassionate experience throughout the reunion process.
Key Responsibilities
- Build meaningful, professional relationships with veterans, first responders, families of the fallen, and other program recipients throughout the reunion experience
- Conduct follow-up outreach, provide guidance, and respond to recipient questions and concerns with empathy, sound judgment, and a solutions-oriented approach
- Guide unit representatives and planning committees through reunion requirements, timelines, processes, and available Foundation resources.
- Coordinate and support approved reunions from initial planning through completion, ensuring timelines, requirements, communications, logistics, and deliverables are effectively managed.
- Provide ongoing guidance and hands‑on support to planning committees and participants before, during, and after reunion events.
- Monitor assigned activities, identify potential challenges or outstanding needs, and communicate updates to the Reunion Manager.
- Coordinate event logistics, materials, shipments, communications, and other operational needs to ensure a seamless participant experience.
- Collaborate with internal departments, including Marketing and Communications, to support recipient engagement, outreach, and program initiatives consistent with the Foundation’s brand and mission.
- Develop and maintain relationships with external organizations, agencies, community partners, and other resources that may benefit program participants.
- Support outreach efforts that strengthen relationships and increase awareness of Foundation programs within the veteran and first responder communities.
- Track program activities, metrics, expenses, and outcomes and prepare recurring reports to support program oversight and decision‑making.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation related to reunions, communications, expenses, participant resources, and program outcomes.
- Coordinate the distribution and tracking of apparel, materials, and other resources provided to participants.
- Assist with maintaining and improving program applications, SOPs, resources, and processes based on recipient feedback, operational needs, and program data.
- Support cross‑functional projects and other initiatives that advance the Reunion program and broader Foundation priorities.
Skills
- Exceptional customer service and relationship management skills, with the ability to establish trust, credibility, and positive relationships with a diverse range of individuals.
- The ability to communicate clearly, compassionately, and effectively with a diverse range of individuals.
- Displayed empathy, emotional intelligence, and discretion, with a genuine commitment to serving and supporting others.
- Strong event planning and execution skills, with experience coordinating event logistics, timelines, vendors, materials, communications, and on‑site activities.
- Strong problem‑solving, critical‑thinking, and decision‑making skills, with the ability to assess challenges, develop practical solutions, and exercise sound judgment.
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities, projects, deadlines, and competing demands.
- Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and leverage program data to monitor outcomes, identify trends, inform decisions, and improve processes.
- Flexibility and adaptability to respond effectively to evolving priorities, recipient needs, and program requirements.
- Strong understanding of and genuine commitment to supporting the military and first responder communities.
- Experience working with or supporting veterans, active‑duty military personnel, first responders, military families, or families of the fallen is highly valued.
- Willingness and ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as required.
- A collaborative spirit and a genuine desire to serve others, contributing to a positive and mission‑driven team environment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, public relations, hospitality, event management, business administration, social services, or a related field preferred or relevant professional experience.
- 1-3 years of experience in a nonprofit, public service or event coordination environment.
- Prior service, experience with or personal connection to veterans or first responders is a strongly preferred.
- This is an in-office role at the Franklin, TN headquarters, with standard work hours of 8am-5pm CST.
- Travel expected (up to 30%), with occasional nights and weekends.
The Gary Sinise Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.