Special Events Coordinator

Mohonk Preserve, New York State's largest member & visitor supported nature preserve, is seeking a team member who loves creating memorable experiences in nature and enjoys event planning to fill the position of:

Special Events Coordinator - Part-time, Seasonal
Who We Are
Located in the beautiful Hudson River Valley, Mohonk Preserve is New York's largest nonprofit nature preserve. We manage over 8,200 acres of mountain cliffs, forests, fields and streams through four integrated programs - Conservation, Education, Stewardship, and Visitor Experience - and welcome over 300,000 members and visitors each year who come to hike, run, rock climb, boulder, bike, enjoy winter recreation and experience nature.

Based in a vibrant university community, Mohonk Preserve, 'Home of the Gunks,' offers a great working environment in one of New York's greenest counties, with all‑season recreation, access to Preserve lands, a dynamic, committed team of conservation professionals and long legacy of conducting ecological research and environmental education. The Preserve is also the one of America's premier rock‑climbing destinations.

Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to protect the northern Shawangunk Ridge and inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world. Mohonk Preserve supports thriving and resilient natural environments that are welcoming to all who explore, play and work here, and those who seek peace, wellbeing and inspiration amid its lands. To read more about our Vision and learn more about the Preserve visit / mohonkpreserve. org/.

Our Core Values

Teamwork: We trust each other and value collaboration and accountability.

Transparency: We are clear, honest and ethical in our decision‑making and communications.

Belonging: We welcome everyone and treat all with respect and compassion.

Exploration: We value curiosity, education and innovation as pathways to learning and growth.

Stewardship: We are committed to responsibly stewarding Mohonk Preserve in service to the land and the community.

Company Culture & Team Experience

Mission‑driven and conservation‑focused environment - At Mohonk Preserve, the work culture is built around a shared commitment to protecting the northern Shawangunk Ridge and promoting environmental stewardship.

Passionate, dedicated colleagues - Staff are hardworking, mission‑aligned, collegial and committed to stewardship, conservation science and environmental education.

Embedded in a vibrant outdoor community - As the 'Home of the Gunks,' staff work in a
region known for rock climbing, hiking, and year‑round recreation, reinforcing an active, nature‑centric workplace culture.

Opportunities for learning and environmental research - Employees and interns benefit from along legacy of ecological research, with structured internships and exposure to conservation science.

About the Position
We're looking for a detail-oriented, mission‑driven professional to help bring to life the community, fundraising, and member events that support our work in conservation and environmental stewardship. Under the direction of the Senior Manager for Special Events, you'll play a key part in planning and executing signature events-including Rock The Ridge, Shawangunk Grit, and the Annual Benefit Auction-along with a variety of donor, membership, and planned giving programs.

You'll jump into fast paced, hands‑on work: coordinating logistics, partnering with vendors, supporting volunteers, engaging attendees, and helping tell the story of our conservation mission through seamless, inspiring events. Working closely with staff across the organization, you'll bring energy, organization, and creativity to every event.

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations

Build lasting community partnerships by renewing and securing new item donations from local businesses for the Annual Benefit Auction.

Drive excitement and generosity by proactively soliciting standout auction items from area partners.

Keep our auction running smoothly by tracking items, organizing data, and uploading completed descriptions to the online auction platform.

Collaborate creatively with the Communications team to develop eye‑catching event materials and clear, effective directional signage.

Boost event visibility through marketing support that includes drafting and proofreading email campaigns, social posts, press outreach, and post‑event surveys.

Bring events to life on the ground by supporting registration, setup, and breakdown with a can‑do attitude.

What You'll Bring

Associate's degree and minimum 1 year of relevant experience in event planning/production OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

Excellent written, visual and interpersonal communication skills (including email etiquette).

Proficiency using a variety of technological systems including Microsoft Office 365 applications, remote work platforms (Teams, Zoom), project management tools, databases (Blackbaud Altru a plus), registration and ticketing platforms such as GiveSmart and BikeReg.

Dependable, detail-oriented and excellent organizational skills.

Capacity to work easily and effectively with a wide range of people.

Commitment to ensuring that all people are respected and welcomed at the Mohonk Preserve.

Willingness to work irregular hours and workweek, including weekends, evenings, and/or holidays.

Experience in development, fundraising, public relations or hospitality management.

Experience working with non‑profit and/or environmental organizations.

Experience in basic graphic design.

Experience working with volunteers.

Experience using Adobe Creative Suite.

Physical Demands

Frequently uses a computer keyboard, reads, writes.

May require standing, walking, hiking, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, carrying equipment.

The role involves regular physical activity associated with outdoor events, including standing for extended periods, lifting items of at least 20 pounds, and perfor.