Event Specialist

Under the direction of the Recreation Coordinator - Special Events, the Event Specialist will assist in the coordination and implementation of events produced by the Parks & Recreation Department which may include event planning, event marketing, and onsite event production. This position is also responsible for the daily coordination of all volunteer services and related activities within the Meridian Parks and Recreation Department and areas within City Hall. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: • Under the direction of the Recreation Coordinator - Special Events, assist in the event planning for annual events including selecting entertainment, scheduling vendors, and creating production timelines as necessary; • Prepare and distribute event marketing materials and volunteer recruitment promotion including designing website updates, social media images, printed flyers and/or banners; • Manage onsite logistics of various department events from set-up to clean-up to ensure successful execution of event production that includes engagement with vendors, entertainers, sponsors, subcontractors, city staff, volunteers and the local community; • Maintains and oversees ongoing volunteer programs including the Park Ambassador program, City Hall volunteer desk, City Hall educational tours, and Eagle Scout Merit Award Projects ensuring programs have proper support; • Continuously engages in volunteer recruiting activities such as speaking at local organization meetings or posting volunteer opportunities on volunteer matching sites; • Conducts interviews and background checks to match volunteers to special events, park projects, ambassador programs and other volunteer programs; • Creates volunteer training materials and conducts training sessions to prepare volunteers for their positions; secures all necessary uniforms and volunteer supplies; • Works with the Parks Division to identify and manage volunteer projects in the parks and find local groups to complete them; • Facilitates recognition of volunteers including an annual ceremony and individual awards; • Assist as a backup receptionist and telephone console operator, receiving and transferring incoming calls, taking registration information, and providing general department information as required to support park and recreation programs and facilities. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: • Must have computer skills and be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Canva and other computer software as needed; • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills; • Must be able to consistently demonstrate the ability to work as a team player, communicate in a professional and diplomatic manner, collaborate with others, adapt to change, show respect to co-workers, volunteers and customers and demonstrate integrity in the performance of job responsibilities; • Requires the ability to maintain an effective, cooperative, professional and positive working relationship with co-workers, volunteers, outside agencies and the general public; • Must be able to read, write and speak clearly; • Requires neatness in all aspects of necessary reports and other paper work; • Must be detail oriented; • Must have knowledge/understanding of general office practices/procedures; • Must have conflict resolution, customer service, presentation, public speaking, organizational/time management skills and have the ability to make sound decisions; • Must be detailed oriented and have empathic listening skills; demonstrated maturity and a high degree of follow through and professionalism; • Must be able to handle stressful situations; • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, be self-motivated and have the ability to work independently with little supervision; • Must be able to demonstrate good judgment and initiative; • Must display an attitude of cooperation and the ability to work well with others; • Ability to communicate and interact with management, co-workers, and the public in a professional and positive manner and handle complaints skillfully and respectfully; • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, supervisors, co-workers, and the general public; • Ability to work as a team player, collaborates with others, adapts to changes, works effectively with frequent interruptions and has integrity, in the performance of assigned tasks. Work Environment & Physical Demands: • While performing the duties of this position, work is performed in and outside the office.