Special Events Coordinator- AQM60034904

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) plays a vital role in preserving and managing the beloved natural and cultural treasures of the state. With a stewardship extending over 100 diverse locations across North Carolina, DNCR oversees an impressive range of sites including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, and many other areas dedicated to natural heritage and cultural preservation. This department aims to be at the forefront of utilizing North Carolina's rich natural and cultural resources to foster the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of the region. DNCR is committed to inclusivity and welcomes all individuals to join its team, championing diversity and equal opportunity in the workplace.

Among the distinguished entities under DNCR is the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, a unique educational and interactive facility nestled in the coastal town of Kure Beach. This aquarium stands out with its living collection comprising over 4,000 animals in a sprawling 93,000 square feet of exhibit space. It draws more than 500,000 visitors annually and is surrounded by stunning natural environments including protected woodland, marshes, and beach areas. Adjacent attractions such as Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and the historic Fort Fisher Civil War Museum further enhance the appeal of the location.

The Program Coordinator II (NS) position at the North Carolina Aquariums, specifically focused on the Fort Fisher site, represents a dynamic opportunity for individuals passionate about event coordination and community engagement. This role, serving as the Special Events Coordinator, is charged with the exciting responsibility of managing a year-round calendar of events and facility rentals designed to promote the Aquarium, increase visitor attendance, and generate revenue. Reporting directly to the Aquarium Director, the coordinator collaborates with multiple internal departments and external clients, providing interpretive insights to enhance rental experiences.

The Special Events Coordinator has a diverse and multifaceted role. Primary duties include marketing, promoting, scheduling, and managing events—ranging from evening after-hours happenings to day-time community engagements both on-site and at alternate venues during facility closures. The role demands expert management of audiovisual equipment, event staging, and logistical requirements to ensure smooth execution. This position also plays a crucial part in the fiscal oversight of events, collecting relevant data on revenue and participation, contributing to budgeting decisions, and driving initiatives that reflect the Aquarium's contributions to DNCR’s environmental and educational goals.

Currently, the Fort Fisher Aquarium is undergoing a significant expansion and will be closed for approximately 30 months. During this period, the Special Events Coordinator will operate out of a satellite location at Independence Mall in Wilmington, NC. This unique situation shifts the focus towards organizing and executing Aquarium-related events within the community and coordinating events at alternative locations, both of which require creativity, resilience, and strong partnership-building skills.

This position offers a recruitment salary range from $43,267 to $47,598 and requires weekend, evening, and holiday work, along with occasional travel for meetings. Candidates must meet the minimum educational qualification of a bachelor’s degree and possess at least one year of related experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Preferred candidates will have experience organizing weddings and corporate rentals, demonstrated supervisory skills, marketing savvy, and a background in sales and budgeting. Physical requirements include the ability to work both indoors and outdoors, lift up to 50 pounds, and meet specific safety guidelines associated with vehicle operation.

Joining DNCR and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher means becoming part of a team dedicated to environmental stewardship, education, and community enrichment. The department supports equal employment opportunities, offers comprehensive benefits, and fosters a workplace culture of respect and inclusion. If you are passionate about engaging the public through memorable, well-organized events in a unique natural setting, this Program Coordinator II role provides an excellent platform to grow your career while making a meaningful impact.