We Are The Durham Parks and Recreation Department is a 100-year-old, nationally accredited team of 136 full-time passionate professionals, over 250 part-time team members, and over 150 independent contractors devoted to building better lives and a better community through the power of parks and recreation. With an operating budget of over $20M, our talented team is devoted to community service and providing a wide range of programs, services, opportunities, and experiences while united through our core pillars. Internally, we’re focused on strengthening our culture through inclusion and equity and having fun. We believe, regardless of job title, each of us has a voice, an opportunity to make a difference and to be a part of something great. The Opportunity: In the role of Special Events Manager, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, and managing a variety of exciting events and projects across Durham to strengthen the community while elevating and strengthening the community culture. Operating out of the Director of Parks and Recreation’s office you will build and cultivate relationships (public and private sector), multitask, prioritize, and make quick decisions as you will serve as the City’s main point of contact for internal/external event producers, facilitating the special event permitting process and coordinating with multiple City departments.
Objectives Include: 1. With local partners like Discover Durham, Downtown Durham Inc. and others, you’ll identify opportunities for events, festivals, and programs to benefit residents, businesses, and key stakeholders. 2. Assess, improve, and build the City’s Special Event process. a. Make measurable improvements to the process regarding customer/event producer experience, affordability, and internal and external communication, and increase the number of events strengthening and celebrating community and culture and generating economic impacts. 3. Strengthen current strategic partnerships with key stakeholders such as residents, businesses, non-profits, and local universities. 4. Review, evaluate, and recommend necessary changes to local ordinances, policies, and practices to increase the opportunities for place-making initiatives and foster a connection between downtown Durham business owners, residents, and the City.
Duties/Responsibilities
Special Event Manager Duties and Responsibilities: • Oversee the City’s special events office, including the citywide special event permitting process and large-scale special events produced by the department. • Hire, train, supervise, motivate, and evaluate professional staff. • Develop and maintain a team environment for service delivery, including staff in addition to volunteers and contracted partners. • Establish a knowledge base of the City’s special event ordinance(s) and implementing proper policy decisions and implications. • Work directly with external organizations to meet their event production goals throughout the City of Durham. Organizations include Downtown Durham Inc., Durham Arts Council, Durham C Central Park, Discover Durham, Durham Bulls, North Carolina Central University, Duke University, other non-profit organizations, neighborhood associations, etc. • Establish and implement goals, work plans, and direction for the special events office. • Evaluate programs and events and implementing changes to service delivery as needed. • Manage the annual budget, procurement, and revenue intake for the office. • Develop and implement a marketing program, to include a significant online presence, for the special events office. • Secure grants and sponsorships to enhance department-wide program and event delivery. • Negotiate and generating contracts. • Service on boards and commissions representing Durham Parks and Recreation. • Provide clear, well-written event reports. • Analyze event performance and working with the Marketing Department to prepare metrics presentation. • Enthusiasm regarding collaborative work with multiple departments to promote and publicize events. • Take proactive approach to handling issues and troubleshooting any emerging problems on the event day. • Follow-through and willingness to conduct pre-and post-event surveys, report on the outcomes, and enforce permit requirements. • Research skills to identify event opportunities, understand the market, and generate interest. • Help define project scope, tasks, goals, required resources, and deliverables • Collect and manage cross-department and external project teams, • Manage budget and allocate project resources • Create a schedule and project timeline • Track deliverables • Monitor and report on project progress • Present to stakeholders reports on progress as well as problems and solutions • Evaluate and assess results of projects • Other duties as assigned.
The Special Events Manager role might be for you if: -You possess significant experience directly managing programs and/or special events in a public setting.• You are a proven leader in personnel management and leadership. -You are innovative and have experience collaborating with a variety of diverse partner agencies and associations for service delivery. -You enjoy solving problems and have demonstrated experience in the development of team-driven goals and objectives. -You can work weekends, evenings, and holidays as dictated by program needs and can be available for callback purposes, and/or emergencies. -You possess exceptional communication skills to ensure the highest level of customer service. -You are a strong public speaker with the communication skills necessary to work across multiple departments. -You have proven budget management experience and proven experience with securing alternative resources. i.e. partnerships, sponsorships, etc. -You take pride in exceeding the expectations of customers and residents -You may be required to work during periods of inclement weather to ensure that service delivery continues uninterrupted and may be assigned to assist with other areas as program demands dictate.
Closing Date: 10/9/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in recreation, leisure services, or a related field,
Five years of significant work experience as a program administrator/events planner or organizer.
Two years of supervisory experience
Valid, unrestricted, North Carolina driver's license "or" if you currently have another states driver's license, must be willing and able to obtain a valid NC driver's license within 60 days of hire.
Ability to perform the physical duties of this job, which includes lifting to 50 lbs.
Essential responsibilities and duties may require maintaining the physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, kneeling, or walking for prolonged periods; extreme physical activity including running, climbing, and crawling; moderate to heavy moving and lifting; the use of arms and legs.
Additional Preferred Skills
Organized, creative, and passionate about all stages of event planning, design, and production.
Strong time management and communication skills, both verbal and written.
Exceptional people skills/relationship-building skills.
Ability to oversee multiple projects independently.
A team player with leadership skills.
Proficient in MS Office; Adobe Creative Suite a plus.
First Aid/CPR/AED certification or must obtained within six months of hire.
Durham, NC:
Welcome to Durham NC, A.K.A. The Bull City a city where the echoes of a rich history unite with the vibrant pulse of modern innovation and a promising future. Ideally positioned in the heart of the Triangle, Durham is proud to have a unique blend of culture, diversity, and opportunity. We have evolved into a thriving city, boasting a population exceeding 280,000 residents. Our diverse community is proud to embrace and strengthen all cultures and backgrounds and foster a spirit of inclusivity and collaboration.
As the third fastest-growing city in the United States, our growth rate is a testament to its magnetic allure. Here, innovation knows no bounds. With a thriving economy fueled by a diverse array of industries from health care to technology, Durham offers a rich ground for a professional seeking to make their mark on the world stage.
In Durham, education reigns supreme, with renowned institutions such as Duke University, North Carolina Central University, and Durham Technical Community College shaping the minds of tomorrow's leaders.
Durham’s healthcare and technology industries stand as pillars of economic strength, with world-class facilities and groun...dbreaking research initiatives shaping the future of healthcare and technology. At the heart of Durham’s innovation ecosystem lies the legendary Research Triangle Park, A global epicenter of research, technology, and entrepreneurship. Here, collaboration thrives, and groundbreaking discoveries are made, propelling Durham to the forefront of scientific innovation.
For entertainment and leisure, Durham is home to an impressive array of attractions, from the beloved Durham Bulls baseball team to the world class performances at the Durham Performing Arts Center. Nature enthusiasts can explore the city's picturesque parks and recreation areas, offering a sanctuary of tranquility amid the urban hustle.
Renowned for its livability, Durham has gathered numerous accolades including recognition as one of the best places to live, work, and play in the United States. From its thriving art scene to its commitment to sustainability, Durham offers a quality of life that is second to none.
Come be a part of the Bull City and help write the next chapter of Durham’s extraordinary story. Your journey starts here. #DoItInDurham Learn more here: https://www.discoverdurham.com/