Event Coordinator

The City of Durham is a vibrant and growing community located in North Carolina, known for its rich history, diverse population, and commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents. The city government is dedicated to providing excellent public services and creating opportunities for all community members through various departments, including Parks and Recreation. The Parks and Recreation Department plays a pivotal role in fostering community engagement, promoting health and wellness, and enhancing social equity through an inclusive range of programs and events. This department is nationally accredited and staffed by passionate professionals who work tirelessly to build stronger, healthier neighborhoods and provide exceptional recreational experiences to Durham's residents.

This position is a part-time event coordinator role within the City of Durham's Parks and Recreation Department, offering an hourly wage between $28.25 and $31.14. Working 20 to 25 hours per week, including some weekends, this role includes retirement benefits despite being part-time. The work location is 400 Cleveland Street, Durham, NC, providing a dynamic work environment that closely connects with the community.

The Event Coordinator will be responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing major community events such as the Earth Day Festival, Senior Holiday Party, and Rock the Park series. This role requires meticulous attention to detail in reviewing logistics, managing schedules, and coordinating multiple facets of event execution. The coordinator will collaborate with various city employees, contractors, vendors, and volunteers to ensure smooth event operations. This includes overseeing transportation, waste management, stage management, and overall safety and security at event sites.

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage budgets effectively are essential. The coordinator will be entrusted with contract negotiation, sponsorship solicitation, marketing coordination, and vendor payments. Ensuring all agreements are compliant and approved by management before distribution is a critical part of the role. Additionally, this position requires onsite event support, where the coordinator will evaluate weather conditions, manage event logistics in real-time, and lead event staff effectively.

The role demands excellent communication skills both verbal and written, decision-making capability, and initiative-driven project management. The coordinator will contribute to staff meetings, allocate duties, and oversee event staff and volunteers. Furthermore, the Event Coordinator will assist with special projects such as coordinating the Bimbe Festival, Latino Festival, Holiday Fun Fest, and Holiday Parade within agreed timelines.

Candidates with an Associate's degree in event management, recreation, physical education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, are ideal. A minimum of three years of supervisory experience in event planning or recreation is required. The City of Durham also requires a valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License and a valid Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certification with Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Auto Injector certification within the first six months of employment.

Preferred skills include recent experience coordinating large festivals or events and direct supervision over contractors and volunteers. Working for the City of Durham means joining a nationally accredited team dedicated to equitable economic impacts, conservation, health and wellness, and social equity, with a genuine commitment to making a difference in the community through parks and recreation.