What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Events Specialist position at Roanoke County, VA?
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Plays a key role in planning, organizing, and executing events that enhance community engagement and promote local attractions. This position involves coordinating logistics, working with vendors and sponsors, ensuring a positive guest experience, and fostering partnerships to create memorable and successful events. Strong organizational skills, creativity, and a passion for public service are essential to bringing dynamic events to life. Does related work as required.
*Shift Hours and/or Days worked: Tuesday - Saturday*
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
~ Plan, organize, and execute special events, ensuring smooth logistics, scheduling, and on-site coordination
~ Assist in the development, promotion, and implementation of special events, programs, and activities
~ Oversee event registration, manage participant data, and utilize registration software systems for collecting fees, maintaining financial records and reporting
~ Provide on-site event support, including vendor coordination, setup, and troubleshooting
~ Assist with marketing and promotional efforts to increase event visibility and engagement
~ Contributes to event evaluation and improvement strategies
~ Manage event-related purchases, inventory, and supplies to ensure successful execution
~ Work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required by event operations
REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES
Education:
Required: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in recreation, special events or related field, or equivalent experience and education.
Experience:
Required: One (1) year experience in event planning, recreation programming, or related supervision.
Preferred: Three (3) or more years of experience in event coordination, recreation programming, or public event management.
Certifications/Licenses:
Required: Valid Virginia driver’s license with good driving record. Current CPR, First Aid and AED certification or ability to obtain.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
General knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of event planning and execution. General knowledge of community event needs. General knowledge of marketing strategies and promotional methods for increasing event participation and visibility. Some knowledge of budgeting and financial tracking. Ability to plan, schedule and coordinate special events. Ability to supervise event staff, volunteers, and vendors. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees, customers and the general public. Effective verbal and written communication skills to a wide variety of staff and customers. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Skill in developing and implementing events for diverse audiences, including youth, families, and older adults. Skill in the use of standard computer software. Ability to learn and effectively use new software programs. Awareness of risk management and safety considerations in event planning and execution. Ability to assess event success and evaluate performance against established objectives.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Leads and supervises support staff
Additional Requirements:
Subject to a complete criminal history and Child Protective Services background search with acceptable results. Must be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description. Must be able to drive a large truck with an event trailer attached. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and some holidays.
