Special Events Coordinator

Special Events Coordinator (Park Facilities Coordinator) (Finance)

Riverside County Regional Park and Open‑Space District has an exciting opportunity for a Special Events Coordinator (Park Facilities Coordinator) in Riverside. The role focuses on planning, organizing, and promoting community programs and special events across Regional Parks, Nature Centers, and Open‑Space District. The Coordinator will support initiatives such as Outdoor Equity, free family events, fishing clinics, veterans‑focused mental health events, and other public programs designed to connect residents with nature and recreational opportunities.

Responsibilities
• Plan, organize, and promote community‑focused programs, including the Outdoor Equity initiative, free family events, fishing clinics, veterans‑focused mental health events, and other public programs.
• Support and expand a variety of community‑focused programs and services, working closely with the District Marketing Team, Volunteer Services, Adopt‑a‑Trail program, camp hosts and caretakers, and volunteer‑focused events.
• Manage event setup and teardown, often on Saturdays, performing physical work outdoors in various weather conditions and around animals commonly found in park environments.
• Supervise full‑time and part‑time staff and volunteers assigned to facilities.
• Develop and manage facility use agreements for special events and oversee regular facility use.
• Implement strategies to increase facility use and generate additional revenue.
• Promote and market facility use for events and activities that align with site amenities.
• Provide technical support and assistance to administrative agencies, County departments, current and potential program operators, and community organizations regarding facility use.
• Coordinate and manage maintenance, janitorial, and other service contracts for facility services.
• Conduct maintenance repairs and upgrades, and oversee general janitorial, cleaning, and grounds, landscape, and turf maintenance at the facility.
• Establish and maintain supply and inventory control systems for the facility.
• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of facility budgets and the establishment of fiscal controls.
• Write or revise operational procedures, facility use guidelines, and training manuals.
• Coordinate security measures to protect facility assets.
• Provide basic first aid, as needed.
• Conduct on‑site visits during scheduled events and operations to ensure compliance of user groups and safety of site assets.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement special events and programs to promote facility and Park District assets.
• Collect fees and payments for facility use.

Qualifications
• Experience in event planning, community program coordination, or volunteer program management.
• Knowledge of permitting processes (e.g., fire and health inspections) and event sponsorship strategies.
• Proven experience in program coordination.
• Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers.
• Strong organizational, time‑management, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage a balanced budget across multiple events and programs.
• Two years of progressively responsible experience in coordinating or managing community events, volunteer programs, public outreach initiatives, or related fields.
• Knowledge of contract management, facility operations, marketing, and administrative support.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in hospitality, public relations, marketing, communication, business administration, public administration or a closely related field. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on the basis of one year of full‑time experience equaling 30 semester or 45 quarter units of the required education.

Other Requirements
• Possession of a valid Class C DMV driver’s license.
• Must obtain a standard First‑Aid Certificate issued by the American Red Cross within six months of employment. Failure to obtain the required certification will result in incumbents being returned to their former County classification or new hires being probationary released.

Physical/Environmental Requirements

The position requires setting up and taking down event items, including heavy temporary stages, large displays, and 10‑foot tables. The role also involves providing site tours to prospective customers. Employees will be exposed to a variety of animals and associated odors, such as raccoons, skunks, squirrels, and rabbits, and may work in various weather conditions. The essential duties can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Knowledge and Abilities
• Knowledge of supervision principles, basic accounting principles, fiscal and budgetary procedures, efficient office procedures, facility, landscape, and grounds maintenance procedures, janitorial procedures, contract management, facility marketing, customer service, and special event operations.
• Ability to supervise subordinates, deal tactfully with the public, communicate effectively in writing and orally, prepare clear and concise reports, establish effective working relationships, direct staff activities, analyze data and provide recommendations, anticipate changing needs, manage requests of multiple users, and innovate equipment and techniques to improve facility operations and amenities.

Contact

For questions regarding this recruitment: Please contact Angela Tavaglione at [email protected] or (951) 966‑3590. Please allow 1‑2 business days for a response.