Special Events Coordinator

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is seeking an experienced Special Events Coordinator to support special events, festivals and programs throughout Montgomery County from our Gaithersburg, MD office.

The role oversees event logistics, content, budget management, and collaborates with performers, vendors, volunteers and internal partners to deliver successful events from concept to completion.

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

• Coordinate and implement special events and programs.
• Identify, hire, contract with entertainers and performance groups.
• Coordinate permits, licenses, and approvals during planning.
• Assist with event logistics including site supervision, staffing, and volunteers.
• Assist with marketing and outreach needs and web updates.

Skills

Event coordination

Vendor liaison

Budget management

Marketing support

Staffing & volunteers

Contract management

On-site execution

Public programs

Tools

Sound system

Lighting equipment

Event infrastructure

Tents & setups

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 internals 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.

• 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
• Assist 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

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

• 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.