Special Events Specialist

City of Georgetown; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Georgetown, Texas is seeking a part-time Seasonal Special Events Specialist under the supervision of the Special Events & Marketing Program Manager to assist with planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of City-sponsored events. The role focuses on the Red Poppy Festival and other community events throughout the season.

You will work with staff, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners to ensure events are organized, safe, and engaging.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1 year of experience in event planning or coordination preferred.
• Festival or public-event experience is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, organization, and execution of City-sponsored events.
• Support the Red Poppy Festival and other spring events.
• Coordinate vendor management, site layouts, equipment rentals, signage, and supplies.
• Assist with scheduling entertainment, vendors, volunteers, and participants.
• Maintain event timelines, checklists, and project schedules.
• Provide on-site event management support before, during, and after events.

Skills

Event planning

Project management

Communication skills

Customer service

Microsoft Office

Team collaboration

Education

Associate's degree in Event Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business. Under the supervision of the Special Events & Marketing Program Manager. The Special Events Specialist assists with the planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of City-sponsored special events and community engagement activities. This seasonal position is primarily focused on supporting the City's annual events program, with significant emphasis on the planning and execution of the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown's signature event held each April. The Specialist works closely with staff, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, community partners, and city departments to ensure events are organized, safe, and successful. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, customer service, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. This is a part-time, seasonal position. Anticipated Start Date: January 11, 2027 Anticipated End Date: May 14, 2027

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist with the planning, organization, and execution of City-sponsored special events.
• Serve as a key support staff member for the annual Red Poppy Festival and other spring special events.
• Coordinate event logistics including vendor management, site layouts, equipment rentals, signage, and event supplies.
• Assist with scheduling and coordinating entertainment, vendors, volunteers, and event participants.
• Maintain event planning timelines, checklists, and project schedules.
• Support event setup, operation, and breakdown activities.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external partners to ensure successful event implementation.
• Attend planning meetings and provide updates on assigned event responsibilities.
• Assist with vendor recruitment, application management, communications, and on-site coordination.
• Provide on-site event management support before, during, and after events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education, training and Experience Guidelines

• Associate's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing, Recreation, Communications, Public Administration, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One (1) year of experience in event planning, event coordination, hospitality, recreation programming, customer service, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working festivals, community events, or public events is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of event planning principles and practices.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and community partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work effectively in both office and outdoor event environments.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Valid Class "C" Texas driver’s license

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events.
• Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform event setup and breakdown activities.

Work Schedule:

• This is a seasonal part-time position from January through mid‑May.
• Work hours are flexible but will generally occur during normal business hours.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday work will be required, particularly during event preparation and event weekends, including the annual Red Poppy Festival.

The primary responsibility of this position is supporting the successful planning and execution of the 27th Annual Red Poppy Festival, a three-day community festival that attracts more than 75,000 attendees and includes over 150 vendors, live entertainment, a parade, family activities, and community engagement opportunities. The Specialist will play an integral role in ensuring event logistics, vendor coordination, volunteer management, and on‑site operations are executed effectively.

Hiring Range: $18.36 - $23.00, hourly #LoveWhereYouWork!

Temporary (Fixed Term)-Part time

The City of Georgetown, Texas, with a population of 106,907 (July 2025), is located 30 miles north of Austin along I-35. Known for its engaged, educated community, award-winning parks and trails, and small‑town character amid rapid growth, Georgetown is guided by five core values: Integrity, Respect, Service, People-centered, and Adaptability.

The City of Georgetown is an equal opportunity employer.

Offers of employment with the City of Georgetown is contingent upon:

• Proof of education, certification(s) and experience as listed on the employment application based on the job posting requirements.
• Satisfactory results from a pre‑employment drug screening, criminal history background and driving record check.

Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

* *The City of Georgetown confirms verification of employment using E-Verify.

E-Verify checks the information against records held by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to confirm whether the employee is legally eligible to work in the U.S.

For more information about the City of Georgetown, visit our website at https://www.georgetowntexas.gov