SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR

The City of Allentown, located in Pennsylvania, is a vibrant municipality dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its residents through comprehensive community services and well-maintained public spaces. As the third-largest city in Pennsylvania, Allentown is known for its progressive approach to urban living, its rich cultural heritage, and its commitment to fostering community engagement through diverse recreational programs and special events. The city's Parks and Recreation Department plays a crucial role in providing residents access to recreational opportunities, green spaces, and enriching community events. This department oversees a variety of facilities and programs designed to serve a broad range of interests and age groups, emphasizing the importance of leisure and cultural activities in improving community health and cohesion.

The Special Events Coordinator position within the City of Allentown’s Parks and Recreation Bureau is a pivotal role, focusing on the permitting, planning, organizing, and execution of events that take place on city-owned properties. This full-time, non-exempt role offers an annual salary of $59,735 and operates under the supervision of the Special Events Manager. The coordinator acts as the primary liaison between event organizers and various city departments that provide essential services including public safety, sanitation, and facilities management to ensure the smooth operation of events.

This role requires a highly organized and detail-oriented professional capable of managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously. The Special Events Coordinator must guide applicants through the event application process, review event proposals, and ensure all city services required for an event are properly coordinated and implemented. Coordination with city departments such as police, fire, sanitation, and emergency medical services is essential to guarantee public safety and compliance with city ordinances and safety regulations. Additionally, this role involves facilitating pre-event site inspections and overseeing the implementation of emergency response plans including crowd control and evacuation procedures.

The coordinator plays an active role during events, providing on-site support to resolve any issues that arise and ensuring that all city services function seamlessly throughout the event’s duration. Maintaining meticulous records of communications, permits, and service requests is crucial for tracking progress and meeting deadlines. Moreover, the coordinator collaborates with the City marketing team and Special Events Manager to develop marketing strategies that promote special events, enhancing community engagement.

This position demands excellent interpersonal skills for effective communication with diverse stakeholders, including city staff, community organizations, and event participants. The ability to negotiate, manage contracts with vendors, and handle public relations and community outreach plays a significant part in the successful delivery of special events. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed reflects the dynamic nature of event coordination and the commitment required to ensure successful community gatherings. The job environment varies from office work to outdoor event settings, often involving physical activities such as walking on uneven terrain and manual handling of materials up to 50 pounds.

In summary, the Special Events Coordinator is instrumental in bringing community events to life in Allentown, balancing logistical considerations with public safety and customer service excellence. This role requires a proactive, creative, and resilient individual dedicated to fostering community spirit and delivering memorable event experiences that enrich the lives of Allentown’s residents.