Event Engagement Coordinator - Contract Role

Upwards; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 34,095 - 48,560; Full time

Job summary

Upwards, a startup transforming childcare accessibility, seeks Independent Contractors for short-term event engagement activities. Ideal candidates are military community affiliates who will host events for families with young children. Flexibility and strong organizational skills are essential for this remote 1099 contract role.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage schedules and coordinate logistics for events.
• Confidence in engaging and presenting information to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills for planning and executing events.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and host family-oriented events.
• Communicate benefits of childcare programs to attendees.
• Track event metrics and engagement levels.

Skills

Event Planning

Networking

Public Speaking

Adaptability

Organizational Skills

Job description

About Upwards:

Upwards (upwards.com) is a fast-growing Los Angeles-based startup transforming childcare in the United States. Backed by top investors and VCs, we're making childcare accessible to all families by connecting families, caregivers, employers, and governments to offer benefits programs that meet ever-evolving family needs.

It is our mission to solve care for good.

About the Contractor Role:

We are seeking Independent Contractors to support event engagement activities on a short-term basis (2–3 months, with potential for extension). This project-based opportunity is ideal for someone affiliated with the military community (spouse, family member, or supporter) who enjoys community engagement, event hosting, and making meaningful connections. We are specifically looking for contractors in Ohio, Southern New Mexico, Central Illinois, and Minnesota.

The contractor will collaborate with our Military Events Marketing Manager and represent our program at local and regional events aimed at families with children ages 0–12.

This is a flexible, 1099 contract role. Contractors manage their own schedules and work independently to fulfill project responsibilities, with support and coordination from our team as needed.

Scope of Work

• Plan, coordinate, and host events designed for families with young children.
• Share information about Upwards’ childcare program at community events.
• Leverage strong networking skills to engage families and increase program awareness.
• Use personal experiences as a military spouse or family member to foster meaningful community connections.
• Attend military-affiliated events such as weekend briefings, Yellow Ribbon ceremonies, and family days.
• Coordinate with the Event Marketing Manager to identify and attend events in your region.
• Communicate program benefits, including how to register for covered care and where to access resources to event attendees.
• Track and report key event metrics, including estimated soldier attendance, the number of soldiers with children and qualified sign-ups based on event size and type.

Contractor Qualifications:

• Ability to plan and execute events, manage schedules, coordinate logistics, and ensure smooth event operations. Reliable and adaptable to shifting schedules or event needs.
• Confidence in speaking to groups of various sizes, from intimate gatherings to large military briefings. Strong ability to clearly present information, engage an audience, and answer questions effectively
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan and manage events.

Requirements:

• Must reside in one of the following areas: Ohio, Southern New Mexico, Central Illinois, Minnesota
• Must be able and willing to travel, including day trips and weekends.
• Must be available for weekend events as needed.
• Must have a personal laptop and reliable internet connection.
• Must be flexible and responsive to event-related scheduling needs.

Preferred (Not Required):

• Bi-lingual in English and Spanish (especially valuable in certain states)
• Reside within 50 miles of a military base.

Next Steps:

• Interview

Compensation and Term:

Rate: $30 per hour

Term: ~2 to 3 Months, project-based (with potential for extension based on event needs and geographic demands.)