Special Event Manager

Atlanta, GA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Professional Development

flexible schedule

Remote work option

Job Description

APS - IT is a technology-focused division within the Atlanta Public Schools system, dedicated to supporting innovative IT solutions that empower educational excellence across Atlanta, Georgia. As part of a larger commitment to fostering a collaborative and efficient operational environment, APS - IT provides robust information technology services designed to enhance the school's administrative and instructional capabilities. Specializing in cutting-edge technology infrastructure, software development, and IT consultancy, APS - IT plays a pivotal role in driving the district's digital transformation and community engagement strategies.

The Special Events Manager role at APS - IT involves significant responsibility in planning, executing, and managing a diverse portfolio of events that range from small team meetings to large public gatherings. Reporting directly to the Coordinator of Special Projects, the successful candidate will set annual event goals and establish budgets that align with both fiscal policies and strategic objectives. This role requires exceptional planning skills and an ability to collaborate across multiple departments to coordinate all elements of events including scheduling, marketing collateral, logistics, and vendor management.

The manager will oversee event calendars to ensure smooth execution and coordination of activities, developing detailed checklists and timelines for each event to align with organizational priorities. They will act as a liaison for marketing efforts alongside the Office of Communications to develop invitations, graphic designs, social media outreach, and website content that effectively promote events and foster community participation. Volunteers will be supervised and maintained, requiring strong interpersonal skills to build and sustain positive engagement.

Event execution touches every detail from venue selection through site tours and catering to décor and equipment setup. The Special Events Manager will maintain an organized event storage space and manage inventory using tracking systems to prepare resources for current and future events. Providing the highest level of customer service, this role demands managing concurrent projects efficiently with a focus on quality and client satisfaction. Acting as the main contact for assigned events, the manager supports continuous communication with stakeholders before, during, and after each event.

Applicants should bring a passion for events management, an ability to function under pressure, and sharp organizational skills. Familiarity with industry trends and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google collaboration tools, and Event Management Systems are essential. This is a contract position located onsite in Atlanta, Georgia, offering six or more months of engagement under C2C or W2 employment types. The Special Events Manager will thrive in a dynamic environment where creative problem solving, teamwork, and dedication to excellence are highly valued.

Job Requirements

valid Georgia driver's license and availability of private transportation
five years of experience in event planning, coordinating, and conducting special events
experience in budget planning and financial management
strong communication skills and ability to write clearly
ability to work independently and in a fast-paced team environment
ability to think critically and creatively under pressure
detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills
proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google collaboration tools, and Event Management System
knowledge of industry trends in event management

Job Qualifications

five years of successful experience in event planning, coordinating, and conducting special events, including non-professional experience and/or volunteer work
experience in budget planning and financial management
certified meeting professional certification a plus
strong communication skills
ability to work independently and in a team environment
ability to think critically and creatively under high-stress conditions
must be extremely detail-oriented, have excellent organizational and multitasking skills
possess strong analytical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and time management skills
proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, collaboration tools, and Event Management System
knowledge of industry trends in event management

Job Duties

sets event goals and budgets for each fiscal year
works with supervisor and division leaders to plan large and small cultivation gatherings, meetings, and receptions
coordinates and maintains the calendar of events, provides checklists and timelines per event and plans, and manages short term and long-term projects
coordinates with the Office of Communications, as well as other departments, for all event collateral, marketing needs, and equipment
maintains, builds positive relationships, and supervises with all volunteers
executes the logistics, plans, and action steps for all events, including décor and catering
provides the highest level of customer service while delivering high-quality coordination for multiple, sometimes concurrent or overlapping, corporate and public events of all sizes
works collaboratively with clients and department staff to design, specify, plan and coordinate event needs
acts as the primary contact before, during, and after assigned events
maintains and organizes the office's event storage room and implements an event inventory tracking process
conducts pre-event site/venue tours and recommends appropriate venue options based on the scope and specifications of the event
performs other duties as assigned