Facility Reservation Specialist - East Lansing Parks, Recreation & Arts

The City of East Lansing is a vibrant and dynamic community situated in close proximity to Michigan State University. With a population of nearly 50,000 residents, East Lansing is recognized for its historic neighborhoods and bustling downtown area. As a city government employer, East Lansing is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment where diversity is celebrated and all individuals feel valued. The city promotes a culture that respects differences in age, income, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, ability, language, family circumstances, and cultural backgrounds. This commitment ensures that its workforce mirrors the diversity of the community it serves, making East Lansing an exemplary place to work, live, and grow.

The Facilities Reservation Specialist position at the Hannah Community Center is a critical role within the city’s Parks, Recreation, and Arts department. This full-time, non-exempt position offers a salary range from $25.04 to $35.06 per hour and operates primarily on a Monday through Friday schedule, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility required for evening, weekend shifts, and participation in an on-call rotation. The specialist is responsible for managing facility reservations, ensuring a seamless experience for both internal stakeholders and external customers who utilize community spaces.

In this role, the Facilities Reservation Specialist oversees all aspects of facility rental coordination, including scheduling, communicating setup requirements, conducting tours of the facility for prospective clients, managing contracts and invoicing, and supporting audio/visual and room setups when needed. This position supports the broader Parks and Recreation and Arts divisions by assisting in event logistics and coordination. The responsibilities extend to seasonal support for outdoor venues such as the Patriarche Park Pavilion.

The position demands someone with strong organizational skills, excellent interpersonal communication, and an ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. The Facilities Reservation Specialist acts as a liaison between various city departments, custodial staff, and the public to ensure events and facility uses run smoothly. There is also a marketing component to the role, assisting in promoting venues and encouraging community engagement.

East Lansing’s Facilities Reservation Specialist contributes to the overall mission of enriching the quality of life through recreational, cultural, and community events. Those who take on this position can expect a dynamic, ever-changing work environment filled with new challenges and opportunities to engage with diverse groups of people. The city offers a competitive salary with annual cost-of-living increases, comprehensive retirement programs including pension and deferred compensation plans, and substantial healthcare benefits with no pre-tax premium co-share, plus dental and vision coverage. Additional benefits include paid holidays, sick leave, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.

Applicants should have at least an associate’s degree or the equivalent in hospitality, communications, or business, along with 1 to 3 years of relevant experience in hospitality, facility management, or event planning. They must have or be able to obtain SERV Safe Certification. Candidates should be prepared to work in outdoor environments subject to inclement weather and potential noise exposure, reflecting the active nature of this role in a community-focused setting.