Event Coordinator

The City of Pasadena, California, is seeking an experienced and highly organized Events Coordinator to join its Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. This department is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Pasadena residents by providing exceptional recreational and community services. Within this dynamic public sector organization, the Recreation Division oversees various programs and events that promote community engagement and enjoyment of public spaces. The City of Pasadena prides itself on its commitment to inclusive, safe, and well-managed community events that foster a vibrant local culture and enrich residents' lives.

This full-time, exempt position offers an annual salary range of $79,717 to $99,646, reflecting the City’s dedication to competitive compensation. The Events Coordinator role is integral to the Recreation Division, tasked with managing the permit process and coordination for special events throughout the city. This includes responding to public inquiries, processing permit applications, performing onsite event management, conducting inspections, and working closely with multiple city departments to establish event parameters and ensure compliance with policies and regulations.

The ideal candidate will have a robust understanding of Pasadena’s community and municipal departments, along with proven experience handling event permits from application to completion. Exceptional organizational skills, communication abilities, and conflict management expertise are essential for success. The Events Coordinator serves as a vital liaison among event organizers, city departments, vendors, public safety personnel, and the community, ensuring smooth operations that adhere to the city’s safety standards and ordinances.

Key responsibilities also include coordinating logistical details for permits, marketing city locations for private and public events, and supporting city-sponsored event production from planning through onsite execution and post-event wrap-up. The position calls for self-direction within the framework of established policies and procedures and ability to juggle multiple tasks while maintaining positive collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Candidates typically possess a bachelor's degree in recreation program management, facilities and events management, public relations, or a related field, coupled with at least two years of increasingly responsible administrative experience in recreation, event, or public relations program management. Experience in government or public sector work, particularly managing permits and collaborating across city departments, is highly preferred. The job also requires proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications to manage records, communication, and workflows efficiently.

Working for the City of Pasadena not only offers a stable career with a comprehensive benefits package but also contributes to a meaningful community-focused mission. The position supports the city’s ongoing efforts to facilitate positive community interactions through well-planned and safely executed events.

Prospective candidates should note that this recruitment is continuous, with a first review of applications scheduled for the week of March 2nd, and that all employees must hold a valid California Class C driver’s license. The City observes a 9/80 work schedule with alternate Fridays off, adding to work-life balance.

Joining the City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department as an Events Coordinator is an excellent opportunity to exercise leadership, project management, and customer service skills while making a tangible impact on community wellbeing and civic engagement.