Event Program Coordinator

Job Summary

Responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing City and community events in Marion in collaboration with multiple city departments and a range of community partners. This role facilitates placemaking initiatives with groups such as Uptown Marion Main Street District, Marion Chamber and Marion Parks & Recreation, activating unique venues like the Lowe Arts & Environment Center, Uptown Artway, Central Plaza and other public spaces. The coordinator ensures successful event execution, driving community engagement and maximizing venue use. The position requires a flexible schedule, independent judgment and a commitment to fiscal responsibility. Ultimately, this role enhances Marion’s cultural and economic vitality through strategic, well-coordinated programming.

Essential Job Duties/Work Performed

• Oversee reservations, logistics, setup and tear down, coordinating with maintenance and support staff as needed for the Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center, Klopfenstein Amphitheater, Uptown Artway and Central Plaza
• Organize and execute city events (e.g., concerts, movies, seasonal celebrations). Develop event schedules, manage logistics and coordinate with vendors, volunteers, sponsors, performers and City departments within budget.
• Establish and oversee a community special events committee, coordinating the duties of event volunteers to enhance public participation and foster a sense of community
• Serve as a central point of contact for organizers of community events and facility renters and help ensure their needs are met.
• Maintain a database of community events both internal and external and contacts to strengthen partnerships and streamline coordination.
• Develop long-term event strategies, budgeting and funding plans to support annual City events.
• Foster relationships with businesses, individuals and groups to expand community engagement and event participation.
• Facilitate the approval process for event-related hold harmless applications.
• Develop and manage sponsorship opportunities (e.g. events, banners, benches, etc.), creating valuable partnerships to support community events and other initiatives.
• Work with the communications manager to promote events across multiple channels and engage target audiences.
• Monitor event budgets, manage expenses and seek cost-saving opportunities to optimize resources
• Collect and analyze event feedback to drive continuous improvements and suggest new programming ideas.
• Ensure all events comply with City safety standards and coordinate necessary permits and emergency plans.
• Perform additional tasks to support the mission and objectives of the Parks and Recreation Department.

Required Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

• Able to manage all aspects of large special events
• Able to make necessary decisions to ensure safe and well-run events.
• Able to recruit and train necessary volunteers
• Knowledgeable of advertising, promotional, and social media strategies.
• Possess strong organizational and communication skills.
• Is customer service oriented
• Is passionate about community betterment.

Essential Functions/Physical Requirements

• Ability to read, speak, write, and understand English to effectively communicate with residents, City Council, and employees by telephone, in written form, or face to face.
• Knowledge of event planning methods and principles.
• Knowledge of budget development and management related to events.
• Skilled in prioritizing, organizing, and managing multiple simultaneous projects.
• Skilled in preparing clear and concise reports, including oral, written, and audio/visual presentations.
• Skilled in applying independent judgement, personal discretion and resourcefulness in interpreting and applying guidelines.
• Skilled in gathering and analyzing information and making recommendations based on findings and in support of organizational goals.
• Skilled in operating a computer and related software applications.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, event management, recreation studies, nonprofit management, or business management OR demonstrated experience in event management, logistics, or community organization.
• Five (5) years of experience.
• Requires a valid Iowa Driver’s License.

Working Conditions

• Work in both standard office and outdoor environments, with potential exposure to adverse weather conditions.
• Work a flexible schedule as necessary based on event schedule.
• May be required to work some overtime upon demand of workload.

Salary : $23