Events & Arts Coordinator

City-of-Lakewood,-W; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Lakewood, WA, is seeking an experienced professional to develop and oversee a comprehensive community arts and events program in the Parks & Recreation Department. The role requires coordinating programs, leading staff, and partnering with community groups to deliver engaging city events.

The incumbent will manage budgets, pursue outside funding opportunities, and ensure safety, permits, and quality customer service across all activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation or related field AND two years of experience developing and implementing recreation programs.
• Experience managing budgets, including grants or fundraising activities for program support.
• Ability to coordinate multiple programs and engage diverse community groups.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate City-sponsored arts and events programs, including planning, execution, and evaluation.
• Develop and monitor program budgets and track expenditures.
• Collaborate with community groups, agencies, schools, and City personnel to expand outreach.
• Schedule venues, secure vendors, and ensure permits and safety requirements are met.
• Provide leadership to staff and volunteers, and communicate policies and goals.

Skills

Budget management

Event planning

Community outreach

Public speaking

Staff leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in recreation or related field

Job description

Under the direction of the Parks & Recreation Director, develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive community arts and events program for the citizens of the City of Lakewood.

This is an AFSCME represented position.

*This recruitment may be used to fill additional vacancies within six (6) months of posting closure.

Essential duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Attendance: Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance appropriate to the flexible needs of the position.

Budget & Funding: Develop and monitor program and special events budgets. Monitor and coordinate expenditures in accordance with established procedures. Meet revenue expectations. Oversee Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Quest Card, and healthy bucks programs. Collect, track, and reconcile vendor sales information. Pursue outside funding opportunities through grant applications, solicitation of donations, and other fund raising activities for program enrichment and enhancement.

Community Outreach: Develop effective working relationships and work with community groups, businesses, local/county/state agencies, school district, and City personnel to provide additional programs and outreach services. Promote programs within the community by developing and producing effective marketing tools utilizing a variety of platforms such as brochures, fliers, newsletters, PSAs, video, and social media.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Foster a culture of equity and inclusion by recognizing the diverse needs and perspectives of groups and individuals and contributing to an environment of teamwork and respect.

Other Duties: Provide clerical support, answer phones, register participants, and respond to public inquiries for program and class information. Provide referrals when necessary. Perform related duties as assigned.

Program/Event Administration: Assess program needs, develop program objectives and curriculum, analyze program efficacy, and adjust program criteria as needed. Develop and implement policies and procedures necessary to facilitate City sponsored programs and events. Prepare program and event documents, as well as maintain records and reports related to program implementation, operation, attendance, facility use, expenditures, etc.

Program/Event Coordination: Coordinate City sponsored programs and special events, as requested, to include waterfront activities, cultural arts, athletics, health and fitness programs, community education, special interest classes, summer programs, and seasonal special events. Schedule and secure event venues, equipment, and supplies; coordinate setting up and removing event equipment; secure vendors and ensure appropriate insurance and permits are in place; respond to complaints, incidents, and/or issues; secure appropriate security as needed; ensure appropriate safety protocols are implemented and adhered; identify potential risks and verify if additional liability insurance is required; secure appropriate employees, volunteers, and supplemental staff; and participate in onsite activities.

Safety: Actively champion a culture of and commitment to workplace safety through everyday actions and leadership. Observe necessary precautions to ensure employee, volunteer, and public safety; administer first aid for minor injuries, as appropriate, and follow department procedures in cases of more severe medical needs. Ensure equipment is safe and in good working order; ensure facilities and grounds are kept neat, clean, litter free, and safe to use.

Staff Leadership: Direct program staff, instructors, and volunteers; schedule staff hours; coordinate and provide training; monitor and evaluate staff performance. Conduct informational meetings and trainings with staff to communicate policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Coordinate with Human Resources to recruit program staff, officials, instructors and volunteers.

Any combination of educations and experience that would likely provide the candidates with the knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the job will be considered. A typical combination is a bachelor’s degree in recreation or a related field AND two (2) years of experience developing and implementing recreation programs. This is a relevant combination of six (6) years.

License & Certification Requirements

Valid Washington driver’s license with a driving record that meets an acceptable standard for safety at the point of hire and throughout employment in this position.

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Must obtain valid first aid and CPR certification within six months of employment.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of the community’s citizens.

Principles and practices of recreational program and special events administration, including development, budgeting, implementation, management, review, and evaluation.

Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.

Record keeping principles and procedures.

Policies and objectives of assigned program and activities.

Principles and practices of employee and volunteer leadership, including work planning and assignment, direction, review, and training.

Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations.

Techniques for effective interaction with the public, vendors, contractors, and staff.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service.

ABILITY TO:

Effectively plan, develop, coordinate, manage, promote, evaluate, and update assigned programs and events.

Direct, instruct, lead, and participate in recreational programs and events.

Effectively assign, direct, motivate, train, and evaluate employees and volunteers.

Apply, interpret, and explain applicable policies and procedures.

Accurately analyze situations and recommend/implement appropriate courses of action.

Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted within the course of the work.

Effectively organize and prioritize multiple projects and tasks in order to meet deadlines.

Effectively conduct meetings and make presentations to various groups.

Effectively operate modern office equipment and software applications.

Respond to emergency situations in a calm and effective manner, including providing basic first aid and/or CPR.

Communicate professionally and effectively both verbally and in writing.

Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgement within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

Maintain current knowledge of related rules, regulations, requirements, and restrictions.

Work independently with little direction within a collaborative team environment.

Drive a motor vehicle and observe legal and defensive driving practices.

Identify, implement, and enforce applicable safety protocols.

Work evenings, weekends, or other irregular hours, as necessary, to support programs and events, community meetings, and miscellaneous duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments and requires travel to a variety of locations.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Constant use of sight, hearing, and speech abilities necessary to perform essential functions and communicate with others. Frequent fine finger manipulation and use of hands and arms in reaching/handling/fingering/grasping while operating office equipment and computers, preparing written documentation, handling paperwork, etc. Frequent sitting, may be extended at times, while doing desk activities. Frequent bending/twisting at waist/knees/neck while working at desk, worktable, or moving from sitting to standing position. Frequent standing in combination with walking (short distances) throughout work shift in office areas. Occasional pushing/pulling force up to 10 pounds opening doors, drawers, and moving materials. Moderate lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds. Requires mental acuity to ensure thorough mental analysis of situations in a fast-paced environment. Ability to operate a motor vehicle for transportation to off-site meetings, programs sites, and events.

HAZARDS

Exposure to inclement weather (e.g., rain, cold, heat, wind, etc.), pollen, occasional wildfire smoke, road hazards, other drivers, uneven ground surfaces, loud noises, fumes, moving equipment, airborne activities equipment (e.g., baseballs, Frisbees, etc.), animals, and the public.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The City of Lakewood is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer that encourages, supports, and celebrates respect, empowerment, diversity, and inclusion for all. We welcome your contributions!