Special Events Coordinator

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission's Parks Activation team seeks an experienced Special Events Coordinator to support festivals, events, and programs across Montgomery County from our Gaithersburg, MD office. You will help develop, plan, coordinate and implement a wide variety of public events, including festivals, concerts, community celebrations, and art performances.

You will manage event logistics, content, budgets, marketing outreach, staffing, and coordination with

Qualifications

• Experience planning special events, programs, and outdoors classes.
• Knowledge of event logistics including timelines, staffing and on-site operations.
• Experience working with event equipment such as sound, lights, staging, tenting, and event infrastructure.
• Experience working with diverse communities and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and implements special events and programs
• Identifies, hires, coordinates, and contracts with various entertainers and performance groups
• Coordinates appropriate permits, licenses, and approvals during event planning process
• Assists with logistics for events including site supervision, staffing and volunteers
• Assists with establishing marketing and outreach needs and web updates
• Serve as liaison with performers, vendors, community partners, volunteers and event staff
• Manage charges and expenditures related to programming
• Lead onsite event execution including set-up, event management, and breakdown
• Assist in preparing event budgets
• Routes contracts, creates purchase orders and processes payments
• Manages special projects as assigned

Skills

Event coordination

Budget management

Vendor coordination

Volunteer coordination

Public outreach

Marketing support

Job description

The Parks Activation team is seeking an experienced Special Events Coordinator to help support special events, festivals and programs throughout Montgomery County at our Gaithersburg, MD office. The Special Events Coordinator is responsible for assisting with the development, planning, coordination and implementation of a wide variety of public events and programs, including festivals, concerts, community celebrations, outdoor recreation activities and art performances.

Working as part of the Parks Activation team, this position coordinates event logistics, event content, budget management, and works closely with performers, vendors, volunteers, community partners, and internal partners to ensure successful event delivery. The coordinator helps oversee event planning from concept through execution, including developing event timelines, supporting marketing and outreach, web support, coordinating staffing, and maintaining accurate program records.

Montgomery Parks is an award‑winning park system and part of The Maryland‑National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M‑NCPPC). Supported by more than 1,000 dedicated employees, we care for 416 parks, including trails, and natural spaces across Montgomery County, with team members working in a wide range of roles including park operations, public programs, park planning, public safety, and administration. Our work is visible in everyday moments, from safe, well‑maintained trails to welcoming parks and community programs. Careers with Montgomery Parks offer purpose, stability, and the opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact where people live, work, and connect.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Montgomery County Department of Parks believes that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to its success. Montgomery County Parks does not make hiring decisions on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, political affiliation, ideology or status as a Veteran.

Examples of Important Duties

• Coordinates and implements special events and programs
• Identifies, hires, coordinates, and contracts with various entertainers and performance groups
• Coordinates appropriate permits, licenses, and approvals during event planning process
• Assists with logistics for events including site supervision, staffing and volunteers
• Assists with establishing marketing and outreach needs and web updates
• Serve as liaison with performers, vendors, community partners, volunteers and event staff
• Manage charges and expenditures related to programming
• Lead onsite event execution including set‑up, event management, and breakdown
• Assist in preparing event budgets
• Routes contracts, creates purchase orders and processes payments
• Manages special projects as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience planning special events, programs, and outdoors classes
• Knowledge of event logistics including timelines, staffing and on‑site operations
• Experience working with event equipment such as sound, lights, staging, tenting, and event infrastructure
• Experience working with diverse communities and community partners

Working Conditions

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand for at least two hours at a time.
• Tolerance for working in various weather conditions, including heat, rain, humidity, and cold.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to work evenings and weekends
• Applicants must be at least 18 years or older
• Must possess a valid Maryland Driver’s License

Supplemental Information

• This position is not eligible for benefits.
• A background investigation will be completed prior to hire.
• 20‑30 hours/week. The position requires weekend and evening availability according to the event schedule.

The Maryland‑National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M‑NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non‑merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301‑454‑1411 (Maryland Relay 7‑1‑1).

M‑NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.

THE MARYLAND‑NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION

2026 Benefit Summary For Seasonal Intermittent Employees

The following information is a summary of benefits extended to all Seasonal employees of the Maryland‑National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M‑NCPPC). This is for informational purposes only and is subject to change.

Limited Benefits For Seasonal Employees

Health Insurance Plans

You are eligible for specific health insurance benefits if you worked, on average, 30 hours per week during your first 12 months of employment or from October 3rd to October 2nd each subsequent period following your first 12 months of employment. This equates to 1,560 hours over a 12‑month period.

Eligible Employees Pay 35% of the health insurance plan premium and The Commission Pays 65%.

• Medical
  • Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with Prescription Plan
  • UnitedHealthcare Select Plan (EPO)
• Prescription: CVS Caremark Prescription Plan

Other Benefits

• Credit Union
• Sick Leave Benefits

This summary is intended to highlight some of the benefits offered by the M‑NCPPC. It is not an all‑inclusive agreement and is subject to change. For a more detailed description of benefits, please see the appropriate benefits brochure, service agreement or manual. For more information, contact The Health and Benefits Office at [e-mail] or 301-454-1694.