SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR (Contract Position)

City of Bowie; Bowie (MD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Bowie seeks a motivated Contract-based Community Outreach Coordinator to plan, promote, and execute a diverse portfolio of city events, arts programs, and City-sponsored activities that enrich residents’ quality of life.

Reporting to the Special Events Manager, the role includes creating marketing materials, managing digital communications, coordinating logistics, and representing the City at programs and events, including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license.
• Associate’s degree in Recreation, Marketing, Communications, or related field.
• Two years of experience in Special Events, Recreation Administration and Programming, Public Relations, or related field.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing 25 pounds or more.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate planning and execution of City events and programs, including logistics, permitting, vendor and volunteer coordination, registrations, equipment needs, and on-site event support.
• Create marketing and communications materials to support division programs, including flyers, graphics, newsletters, signage, social media content, and other print and digital communications.
• Maintain the division’s digital presence by updating webpages, creating and scheduling social media content, and developing online forms, registration tools, surveys, and other digital resources.
• Provide administrative and community support by maintaining program records, responding to inquiries, assisting participants and partners, and supporting communication with residents, vendors, volunteers, and community organizations.
• Collaborate with City staff and external partners to support successful delivery of programs and events and assist with additional division initiatives as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Event coordination

Marketing communications

Digital communications

Logistics

Education

Associate's degree in Recreation, Marketing, Communications, or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Canva

CMS

Job description

The City of Bowie is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our Community Outreach, Arts and Events Division in the contract-based position of Community Outreach Coordinator. The selected candidate will be responsible for planning, coordinating, supporting promoting efforts, and executing a diverse portfolio of community events, arts programs, and other City-sponsored activities that enhance the quality of life for our residents.

This position reports directly to the Special Events Manager and provides creative, marketing, event coordination, and administrative support to the Special Events Manager and Community Outreach Manager in support of their respective programs, initiatives, and events. The position works collaboratively with the Arts & Culture Program Specialist and other division staff to advance the goals of the Community Outreach, Arts and Events Division.

This incumbent must be a detail-oriented, organized, and self-motivated individual who is comfortable with logistics, working in a fast-paced environment, and coordinating multiple projects simultaneously. This individual must be equally comfortable coordinating events, creating engaging marketing materials, managing digital communications, and representing the City during a variety of community programs and special events. This role requires the ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays, based on the needs of City programs and timing many City events.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the planning and execution of City events and programs, including logistics, permitting, vendor and volunteer coordination, registrations, equipment needs, and on-site event support.
• Create and coordinate marketing and communications materials to support division programs, including flyers, graphics, newsletters, signage, social media content, and other print and digital communications.
• Maintain the division’s digital presence by updating webpages, creating and scheduling social media content, and developing online forms, registration tools, surveys, and other digital resources.
• Provide administrative and community support by maintaining program records, responding to inquiries, assisting participants and partners, and supporting communication with residents, vendors, volunteers, and community organizations.
• Collaborate with City staff and external partners to support successful delivery of programs and events and assist with additional division initiatives as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A valid driver’s license
• Associate’s degree in Recreation, Marketing, Communications, or a related field
• Two years of experience in Special Events, Recreation Administration and Programming, Public Relations, or a related field
• Skill in providing quality customer service to visitors of all ages and abilities.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays as required to support City programs and events.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials, equipment, supplies, and other items weighing 25 pounds or more in support of event operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience creating promotional materials and digital content for events and programs, including graphics, website updates, and social media content.
• Experience planning and coordinating creative workshops, festivals, and other special events.
• Strong graphic design skills using Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or comparable design software.
• Experience maintaining website content using a content management system (CMS) and creating online registration forms, surveys, and other digital engagement tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Salary

$23.00 - $25.00 Hourly Depending on qualifications

Application Deadline

September 18, 2026 BY 5:00 PM

All applicants MUST submit a completed City of Bowie employment application in order to be considered for this opportunity.

A proud Equal Opportunity Employer, the City of Bowie is committed to providing a fair and inclusive work environment where all employees are valued and respected. This commitment is a vital part of the City’s organizational culture and values.