Event Specialist

JOB TITLE:  Marketing Specialist Part-time DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:  Marketing Services REPORTS TO:  Marketing Manager   SUMMARY:  Leads in the planning, coordination, execution, and evaluation of the success of the City’s signature event, Carrollton’s annual Festival at the Switchyard. Responsible for organizing an outstanding and unforgettable City event.     ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Develops and produces Festival at the Switchyard content for a wide variety of printed and digital communications, which may include: writing copy for print, web, and television; designing, editing, and overseeing production of collateral materials. Coordinates and attends project planning meetings to maintain relations with supporting departments. Promotes the Festival at the Switchyard to community, staff, and potential sponsors, consults with City staff to create, update, revise, and manage web and social content; to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and relevance.  Plans, facilitates, and reviews advertising for the Festival campaign. Develops creative ideas and proposals for presentation to applicable departments and sponsors. Participates in/on a variety of meetings, committees, teams, and/or other related groups to provide advice and guidance regarding marketing opportunities and options. Also participates in face-to-face communications with community stakeholders. Reserves, quotes, and schedules Festival amenities, such as entertainment groups, rides/games, and food/craft vendors. Provides excellent customer service, monitors vendor approval, and identifies vendor requirements/expectations. Arranges and maps venue locations, determines the cost and arrangement of Festival services, approves menus, develops site plans, and evaluates success afterward through survey feedback and makes changes accordingly. Meets with venue staff, caterers, etc. for planning, and maintaining event budgets. Arranges Festival merchandise and entertainment; efficiently organizes Festival contracts, quotes, and invoices.  Assists and provides direction to volunteer groups engaged in providing support at the Festival. Manages Festival set up and tear down onsite, while providing leadership skills in order for everything to go as planned and solve problems as they arise on event day. Performs a variety of administrative activities in support of department operational goals and other duties as assigned.   SUPERVISORY/BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES: None.   KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of writing and design principles; Knowledge of social media marketing; Knowledge of digital media formats such as web, television, and video; Knowledge of communication principles, and proper use of the English language and AP Style; Knowledge of media relations principles and practices; Knowledge of marketing principles and practices, and event planning methods; Skilled in prioritizing, organizing, and managing multiple simultaneous projects; Skilled in time management while working with a variety of deadlines; Skilled in preparing clear and concise reports, including oral, written, and audio/visual presentations; Skilled in gathering and analyzing information and making recommendations based on findings and in support of organizational goals; Skilled in operating a computer and related software applications; Possesses a sound knowledge of vendor management, communication, and networking skills, and provides attention to detail;   MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, hospitality management or related field. Three years of marketing, public relations, or event planning experience.   PREFERENCES: Excellent general skills in writing, design, and marketing preferred. Experience in Microsoft and Adobe products preferred. Experience in Canva acceptable. Previous event and budget coordinating experience preferred. Having professional demeanor and ability to demonstrate flexibility and enthusiasm.   WORKING CONDITIONS: Frequent reaching, sitting, standing, walking, talking, seeing, and hearing. Occasional lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds. Work is typically performed in both standard office and outdoor environments, with potential exposure to adverse weather conditions.   CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Must pass pre-employment drug test. Must pass criminal history check. Must pass motor vehicle records check.