Event Manager & Vendor Experience Lead

Job Description About the role

The SoCo Market is Sonoma County's premier outdoor community market — a vibrant hub where local vendors, live music, food, and community come together. We're looking for a seasoned event professional who can manage all pre-production remotely and show up on event day ready to execute with precision and energy.

How this role works

Pre-production planning, vendor communication, logistics coordination, and run-of-show development all happen remotely. You'll come on-site for day-of coordination only — owning the floor from load-in to strike.

Responsibilities

Remote pre-production

Before event day

Develop and distribute run-of-show documents and vendor timelines
Manage vendor onboarding, space assignments, and confirmations
Coordinate with rental partners and live music artists remotely
Communicate logistics, policies, and expectations to all 60+ vendor partners
Venue walk-throughs and pre-event production planning with founder
Anticipate operational needs and build contingency plans

Day-of coordination

On-site only

Serve as primary on-site point of contact for all vendors and partners
Oversee load-in and load-out for food, retail, and rental vendors
Manage live music stage logistics, artist arrivals, and performance flow
Execute run-of-show and brief all day-of staff
Resolve real-time issues — vendor conflicts, weather, logistics — calmly and decisively
Work side by side with the founder from open to strike

What you Bring

3+ years event or project management
Live music experience
Vendor coordination
Run-of-show expertise
Remote work discipline
Outdoor event ops
On-the-spot problem solving
Passion for local markets
Strong communicator
Community-oriented mindset

Compensation

Contract type: Independent Contractor · 1099

Pay structure: Fixed daily rate

Rate range: Scales with event size & production scope

Commitment: Per-event basis

Perks & community benefits

Founder accessWork side by side with the founder on every event
Guest ticketsComplimentary tickets to events
Community networkExposure to SoCo's largest outdoor market community
Portfolio-worthy eventsHigh-visibility productions to showcase your skills

Pay: Up to $1,500.00 per day

Benefits:

Flexible schedule

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Santa Rosa, CA 95401