Event Coordinator

Shrine; La Crosse, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin, is seeking an on-site Event Coordinator to plan and execute conferences, liturgical celebrations, pilgrimages, and retreats. You will collaborate with the Director of Sacred Liturgy and Hospitality to align events with the Shrine’s mission.

Ideal candidates will have 2–3 years of event planning experience, strong organizational and communication skills, and a service-oriented Catholic outlook.

Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with a strong understanding of the Catholic faith and liturgical life.
• 2–3 years of event planning or coordination experience, preferably in a Catholic or nonprofit setting.
• Ability to independently plan, organize, and execute multiple events and projects from initial conception through completion.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a service-oriented mindset.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and Holy Days as required for events and retreats.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic event management software.
• Spanish language ability is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute the logistics of Shrine-sponsored events, including conferences, spiritual retreats, feast days, and staff/volunteer events.
• Coordinate with the Director of Sacred Liturgy to support liturgical celebrations.
• Plan events and retreats at the Saint Juan Diego Pilgrim House with the Hospitality Manager.
• Oversee events to ensure smooth operations and welcoming experiences for attendees.
• Ensure events comply with Church guidelines and shrine reverence.
• Collaborate with Communications to promote events via bulletins, social media, email, and website.
• Assist in developing event budgets and tracking expenses.
• Manage registration processes, vendor relationships, permits, and supplies.
• Develop event ideas for groups inside/outside the Catholic Church; market with Communications.
• Work with Shrine Operations and other departments to establish annual event calendar.
• Collaborate with clergy, staff, volunteers, and vendors to align events with mission and reverence.
• Work with Volunteer Coordinator to recruit, train, and schedule volunteers.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Event planning

Coordination

Communication

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Service mindset

Tools

Microsoft Office

Event management software

Job description

Position Type: Full-Time, including some evenings, weekends, and holidays

Reports To: Pilgrim Services Manager

About the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin, faithful to the message of the Blessed Virgin Mary, through her appearance on the American continent in 1531, serves the spiritual needs of those who suffer poverty in body and soul. It is a place of ceaseless prayer for the corporal and spiritual welfare of God’s children, especially those in most need.

The Shrine welcomes thousands of pilgrims each year who seek spiritual growth, healing, and a connection with God through our liturgical, devotional, and educational offerings.

The Event Coordinator plays a vital role in planning and executing events that support the mission of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This full-time, on-site position in La Crosse, Wisconsin, coordinates conferences, liturgical celebrations, pilgrimages and processions, retreats, fundraising events, and internal Shrine events.

The Shrine looks forward to opening the Saint Juan Diego Pilgrim House in spring 2027. The Event Coordinator will play a vital role in incorporating current and new Shrine conferences, events, and retreats into the Pilgrim House, working closely with the Hospitality Manager to bring these programs to life.

The Event Coordinator is responsible for event planning, coordination, logistics, and execution, while the Hospitality Manager remains responsible for overall hospitality and the guest experience. The ideal candidate combines strong organizational and interpersonal skills with a passion for ministry and service in the Catholic tradition.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute the logistics of most Shrine-sponsored events, including conferences, spiritual retreats, feast days, and events for Shrine staff and volunteers.
• Communicate with the Director of Sacred Liturgy to coordinate events that support liturgical celebrations throughout the year.
• Plan and coordinate events and retreats at the Saint Juan Diego Pilgrim House, working closely with the Hospitality Manager to align event requirements with Pilgrim House hospitality operations.
• Coordinate and oversee events to ensure smooth operations and a welcoming experience for all attendees.
• Ensure all events comply with Church guidelines and respect the sacred nature of the Shrine.
• Collaborate with the Communications Department to promote events through parish bulletins, social media, email, and the Shrine website.
• Assist in developing event budgets and tracking expenses.
• Manage registration processes, vendor relationships, permits, and supplies.
• Develop event ideas for groups within and outside the Catholic Church and work with the Communications Department to market these events.
• Work with the Director of Shrine Operations and other department directors to establish an annual Shrine event calendar.
• Collaborate with clergy, staff, volunteers, and external vendors to ensure events align with the Shrine’s mission, maintain reverence, and are executed effectively.
• Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to recruit, train, and schedule volunteers for events as needed.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with a strong understanding of the Catholic faith and liturgical life.
• 2–3 years of event planning or coordination experience, preferably in a Catholic or nonprofit setting.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, organize, and execute multiple events and projects from initial conception through completion.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a service-oriented mindset.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and Holy Days as required for events and retreats.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic event management software.
• Ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license.

Working Conditions

• Primarily on-site at the Shrine in La Crosse, Wisconsin, with some local travel for errands and supplies.
• Lifting or physical setup for events may be required.