Quality of Life Specialist

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to employee success and we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Review more information at BNL | Benefits Program

As a Quality-of-Life Specialist, you will leverage advanced administrative expertise and program-management skills to lead high-profile QOL/BERA/Recreation initiatives, autonomously manage the BERA merchandise operation (on-site and online), and perform complex clerical and store-support tasks under broad policy guidance. You will set priorities for small teams (primarily composed of volunteers), advise the Supervisor on strategic direction, and ensure flawless delivery of both events and retail services. You will act with autonomy in the field, mentor part-time staff, and continuously refine processes to enhance the employee experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Design & Planning

• Co-design and execute a full spectrum of QOL, BERA, and Recreation offerings: summer-winter-spring camps, swim lessons, “Safety Makes Sense,” ASAP, borrow-a-bike, and seasonal community events (Rudolph Run, Health Fest, etc.).
• Serve as a field liaison: welcome and assist employees, guests, families, and on-site residents at all recreational activities and special programs.
• Independently plan, coordinate, and run off-site trips (NYC excursions, cultural tours, sporting events), including transportation logistics and vendor arrangements.
• Act as primary contact for BERA Activity Chairpersons (40 + clubs) and the Retired Employees Association in the Supervisor’s absence.
• Collaborate on annual calendar development: set target dates, budgets, staffing requirements, and communication plans.
• Draft detailed run-sheets and resource checklists for each program (equipment, facilities, permits, signage).
• Source and contract qualified instructors, speakers, or entertainment—negotiating fees, contracts, and logistics.

Field Coordination & Execution  

• Lead on-site setup and breakdown: coordinate venue layout, audio-visual needs, directional signage, and safety checkpoints.
• Deploy digital check-in systems or manual sign-in logs; collect real-time attendance and satisfaction data.

Off-Site Trip Management  

• Plan multi-leg itineraries: secure group transportation, block-book tickets, and arrange catering or snack breaks.
• Conduct pre-trip orientations: provide participants with schedules, packing lists, and code-of-conduct guidelines.
• Manage contingency planning: prepare rain-out alternatives, medical support protocols, and emergency contact rosters.

Continuous Improvement  

• Analyze post-event surveys and key metrics (attendance, cost per participant, Net Promoter Score); compile lessons-learned reports.
• Propose enhancements—such as hybrid/virtual offerings, tiered pricing, or thematic branding—to elevate engagement and cost-efficiency. 

Vendor & Procurement Management  

• Draft and issue purchase orders; verify packing lists against invoices and inspect product quality upon receipt.

Merchandising & Promotions  

• Design in-store and online promotional campaigns: coordinate window displays, email blasts, and social-media teasers.
• Supervise store associates’ daily tasks—cash handling, customer service, and merchandising resets.

Front-Line Support & Reporting  

• Produce weekly sales dashboards and monthly trend analyses, present actionable insights to the Supervisor.
• Accept and review BERA club quarterly financial reports

Staff Mentoring & Training  

• Onboard seasonal and part-time staff: deliver tailored training modules on customer service standards, cash-handling, and event protocols.
• Conduct biannual performance reviews; set SMART goals and identify professional development opportunities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience 2:1 + a minimum of 4 years related work experience of progressively responsible administrative, program-coordination, or retail-operations experience (Lab or nonprofit environment preferred)
• Proven ability to oversee small teams, set priorities, and exercise independent judgment within policy frameworks
• Experience with Event Coordination
• Experience working with Volunteers
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills to interpret data and