Part-time Special Events Coordinator

The Catholic Diocese of Arlington is a prominent religious organization serving communities with a commitment to spirituality, service, and community development. As an integral part of the Roman Catholic Church, the Diocese offers meaningful work opportunities focused on faith-based initiatives, community support, and the promotion of Catholic teachings. The organization is known for fostering a service-oriented and respectful work environment that values work-life balance and professional growth. Employees benefit from generous leave policies including paid Family Medical Leave (FML), more paid holidays than the federal government such as Christmas week off, and telework opportunities that support flexible working arrangements. Additionally, staff have access to free parking and transportation to and from the Ballston metro, paid lunch breaks, and comprehensive professional development support including tuition assistance. Unique to the Diocese, tuition assistance is also available for children enrolled in diocesan schools after one year of employment. Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 403(b), and retirement plans are provided as part of the overall benefits package, creating a supportive and secure employment environment.

The role of Part-time Special Events Coordinator is critical to the success of the Diocese's numerous events and community gatherings. This part-time position, averaging 15 hours per week with an hourly wage ranging from $25.00 to $30.00, supports diocesan events by effectively creating, planning, coordinating, and executing meetings and special events. The coordinator is tasked with ensuring each event is welcoming, well-organized, and conducted with excellence, hospitality, and adherence to Catholic protocol and diocesan standards. Due to the nature of the events, the position involves occasional evening and weekend hours to meet the needs of the Diocese’s calendar. The coordinator works collaboratively with various diocesan departments, parish staff, volunteers, and external vendors, maintaining strong, productive relationships and communication channels.

This role requires a detail-oriented and skilled individual capable of managing multiple projects, developing detailed event timelines and production schedules, and handling all logistical aspects including venues, registrations, seating arrangements, catering, audiovisual needs, transportation, parking, and accessibility considerations. The Special Events Coordinator conducts site visits, oversees event setup and teardown, manages event budgets, and prepares necessary financial documents such as contracts, purchase requests, and invoices. Their responsibilities also include tracking RSVPs, ensuring compliance with Catholic liturgical and ecclesiastical protocols, and coordinating hospitality for dignitaries and special guests. Serving as the primary contact before, during, and after events, the coordinator ensures smooth operation and positive experiences for all participants.

Working under the administrative supervision of the Chief Operations Officer, this position exercises a good deal of discretion and independent judgment. The job requires physical activity including visiting multiple locations, standing, walking, and possessing the ability to handle light to medium weights. Occasional travel throughout the diocese and valid driver’s license are required. The role demands excellent communication and organizational skills, strong budgeting and vendor management experience, proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, and a solid understanding of Catholic liturgical customs is preferred. The ideal candidate is professional, tactful, flexible, and capable of making calm, effective decisions under pressure, working independently and as part of a team to uphold the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church.