Christkindl Markt Operations Coordinator

Grand Rapids Downtown Market is a vibrant public market located in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan. It serves as a hub for fresh food, local agriculture, and community engagement. The market is home to a wide variety of vendors offering an array of culinary delights, craft goods, and unique shopping experiences. This establishment is renowned in the Midwest for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and fostering connections among local producers, artisans, and visitors. The market not only offers daily shopping experiences but also hosts signature events that highlight the rich cultural heritage of the region and create lasting memories for the community.

One of the market's premier offerings is the Christkindl Markt, a holiday event inspired by traditional European Christmas markets. This event draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy festive shopping, seasonal foods, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The Christkindl Markt is a cherished holiday tradition in West Michigan, known for its warm community spirit and magical atmosphere.

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Christkindl Markt Event Operations Coordinator to join the team. This full-time role is crucial in bringing the Christkindl Markt event to life through meticulous planning and seamless execution. As an Event Operations Coordinator, you will support year-round administrative tasks and event preparation while taking charge of daily operations during the holiday season. You will collaborate closely with a diverse group of stakeholders including vendors, city departments, contractors, seasonal staff, and community partners. Your responsibilities will encompass everything from coordinating logistics and permits to managing schedules, inventory, and on-site operations.

The role requires exceptional organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to stay calm in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. You will act as a Manager on Duty throughout the event season, providing leadership and support to ensure that every aspect of the market runs smoothly and guests have memorable experiences. This opportunity allows you to uniquely blend behind-the-scenes coordination with active event participation, interacting with guests and staff to maintain a welcoming and professional atmosphere.

The ideal candidate will be driven by passion for event management and hospitality, possess strong problem-solving abilities, and enjoy working within a collaborative, positive team culture. The position follows a Monday to Friday schedule from January through October, shifting to a Wednesday to Sunday schedule during the Christkindl Markt season in November and December. Flexibility is essential to accommodate the demands of the event season.

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market values integrity, collaboration, resourcefulness, respect, proactivity, and fun, and these core principles guide all aspects of the role and the team’s work environment. Joining this team means becoming a part of an organization committed to bringing people together and creating joyful holiday experiences that resonate long after the season ends. If you are passionate about event operations and eager to contribute to a beloved community tradition, this position offers a meaningful and fulfilling career path.