Duties: Under the general supervision of the Superintendent of Community & Special Events, the Community Events Manager is responsible for:

• Exercise independent judgment in planning, organizing, promoting, supervising, and evaluating District programs and other Park District special events.
• Support the facilitation of Peoria Park District’s community event park rentals in the District’s inventory. This includes, but is not limited to: contracting, obtaining requisite insurance, tracking the rental through permitting and payment process, providing on-site technical expertise to event organizers, and ensuring compliance with all safety regulations.
• Serve as the Lead in the planning and coordination of District-wide special events to include: Parks on Tap, Movies in the Park, ZooTober, and Christmas events at the District’s non-Riverfront facilities.
• Work in conjunction with the Volunteer Coordinator to facilitate and support planning efforts for the annual World Wide Day of Play, Fishing Derby, and Be Anything! Event.
• Work in conjunction with the Supervisor of Community Connections to facilitate and support planning efforts for the annual Streets Belong to Me event series.
• Work closely with the Supervisor of Community Connections and Volunteer Coordinator to promote and encourage participation at designated Community Events as well as to outline potential volunteer opportunities.
• Oversee the Glen Oak Amphitheatre and act as the District liaison with the Peoria Municipal Band to facilitate their annual calendar of events in Glen Oak Park.
• Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders. Act as the Park District liaison, and facilitate between community groups and the PPD Events Division.
• Negotiate contracts with entertainers and vendors for event services, while managing relationships and addressing any issues that arise.
• Oversee the set-up/tear-down crews and volunteers for designated events. This will include acting as the Lead Worker. Typical setup activities include erecting tents, setting up tables and chairs, helping vendors connect to power sources, hanging signs, staging temporary fencing, installing trash boxes, and following event diagrams to place exhibitors in the correct location.
• Provide the logistics, on-site, pre-, and post-event planning as needed or directed.
• Assist in the development and management of event budgets. Monitor expenditures, track financial performance, and ensure events are conducted within budgetary constraints.
• Follow the conclusion of events, conduct evaluations to assess event success, gather feedback, and identify areas for improvement.
• Work with the Marketing team & Superintendent, to develop promotional plans to help ensure strong attendance and community participation in designated Community Events.
• Establish and maintain files of correspondence, records, reports, and other information as relates to relevant District operations.
• Develop program goals and objectives under the Superintendent’s direction in accordance with the overall goals and objectives of the PPD Events Division and the entire Park District.
• Assist in the planning, execution, and staffing of special events and seasonal activities at the District’s RiverFront location, ensuring seamless operations. When working on-site at RiverFront Events, the Manager will report to the PPD Events Supervisor, if the Superintendent is not present.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships among staff members, the public, and other Park District employees.
• Follow all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Support all aspects of the Park District’s safety program.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions: The work requires physical exertion in handling supplies, equipment, and materials relative to the programming content. Bending and stooping, and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds may be required on a regular basis. The programmed activities involve everyday risks that require normal safety precautions typical of the recreation industry. The indoor work environment is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

Education: A four-year degree in Parks/Recreation & Tourism, Business, or a related field is preferred. Although a degree is preferred, extensive experience in a similar position with similar duties and responsibilities may be substituted for all or part of the educational requirement.

Certification: Must obtain and maintain Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training (BASSET) certificate.

Experience: Two years of field experience in facility scheduling, special events, and recreation programming and implementation is preferred.

Knowledge and Ability:

• Understanding of basic philosophy underlying a sound community recreation program and ability to interpret that philosophy to staff and the public.
• Working knowledge of computers and general office procedures is necessary combined with a thorough knowledge of facility promotion, scheduling and function planning, and follow-up.
• Ability to work cooperatively with representatives of the community, public and private groups, and organizations; relate community interests to recreational programming; train, supervise, and evaluate part-time employees and volunteers; and effectively communicate in speaking and writing.
• Ability to provide the best possible image of the Park District so that the public respects and appreciates the Park District and the quality of its recreation programs and events.
• Understanding of Park District finance with the ability to apply and interpret knowledge in practical situations related to facility operations and programs.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.
• Extensive knowledge of business office procedures.

Benefits and Perks:

• Paid sick days, vacation days, and holidays.
• Longevity bonus program and wellness program.
• Pension and retirement programs and Social Security participating.
• Exceptional health plan.
• Paid Life Insurance.
• Disability Insurance.
• Full-time employees and dependents enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.