Events Coordinator

Gulfport, MS, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

flexible schedule

Professional development opportunities

Employee assistance program

Job Description

Mississippi State University is a renowned public research university committed to fostering academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. Located in Mississippi, this institution is dedicated to providing quality education and promoting sustainable development across the state and beyond. One of its integral departments, The Crosby Arboretum, functions as a nature center and research facility focusing on plant life and ecology native to the coastal regions of Mississippi. The Crosby Arboretum offers educational programming, research opportunities, and community events geared towards nature conservation and environmental awareness. It serves as both an educational hub and a recreational space for visitors interested in the natural world, making it an important asset to both the university and the local community. The Arboretum's connection with the MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center further emphasizes its role in coastal ecology and natural resource management, reflecting the university's broader commitment to regional environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism initiatives.

This full-time, time-limited, 12-month position at The Crosby Arboretum, under Mississippi State University, is centered on developing, planning, promoting, and executing nature-based programs and events. The role of Nature Based Tourism Events Coordinator is designed for a dynamic and organized individual who will be responsible for all aspects of event planning and implementation, from conceptualization through completion. This includes managing logistics, coordinating instructors, vendors, and volunteers, handling promotional materials, and maintaining budgets and schedules. The coordinator helps ensure that events align with the Nature-Based Tourism Plan for Coastal Mississippi and effectively engage the community to foster appreciation and participation in nature-based tourism. This position also demands strong administrative skills, including reception duties and cash register operations, demonstrating its integral function within the Arboretum’s daily activities. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the promotion of nature tourism while supporting environmental education and community outreach initiatives. This role offers a unique combination of event management, tourism development, and ecological education in a supportive university environment, ideal for candidates passionate about nature, community engagement, and educational program management.

Job Requirements

High school diploma
One year of work experience directly related to the essential duties and responsibilities
Valid driver’s license

Job Qualifications

High school diploma
One year of work experience directly related to the essential duties and responsibilities
Valid driver’s license
Associate’s degree preferred
Three years of work experience directly related to the essential duties and responsibilities preferred
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Knowledge and understanding of meeting and event planning principles requirements procedures and available resources
Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities
Ability to develop plan and implement short- and long-range goals
Knowledge of conference facilities technology and equipment
Ability to create compose and edit written materials
Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions
Ability to perform complex tasks and prioritize multiple projects
Ability to adapt to a fast-paced work environment and accommodate scheduling changes
Knowledge of Microsoft Office including PowerPoint Excel Word Publisher
Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends
Knowledge of local flora and fauna is helpful but not required

Job Duties

Organizes and manages logistics of programs and events including designing promotional materials mailing and responses securing scheduling and coordinating instructors and vendors preparing event summaries and coordinating committees and volunteer support services
Assists in planning and executing functions including workshops field days programs public events outreach activities and plant sales
Determines event needs based on activities and estimated attendance arranging hotels venues transportation books and catering
Maintains programs and events calendar and manages the special events budget of the department
Serves as a nature-based tourism outpost coordinator ensuring initiatives and priorities for the Nature-Based Tourism Plan for Coastal Mississippi are carried out consistently and goals achieved
May supervise support staff intermittent workers and/or student employees
Performs other administrative and technical support duties as assigned including greeting and orienting visitors operating cash register answering phones and directing calls