Recreation Coordinator - Special Events

General Description: This is an administrative and field-based position responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating special events offered by Hanover County Parks and Recreation. The incumbent performs a variety of professional, administrative, and operational duties associated with event development, logistical planning, vendor and contractor coordination, event execution, marketing support, equipment and supply management, and community engagement. 

Organization: The Recreation Coordinator reports to the Recreation Manager of Special Events and may supervise part-time staff.
 
Essential Functions:

• Researches, develops, plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates departmental special events and community activities. Establishes event objectives, timelines, schedules, operational plans, and resource requirements to ensure successful execution.
• Coordinates all aspects of event logistics, including site layouts, equipment and supply needs, event setup and breakdown, parking arrangements, accessibility, utilities, signage, transportation, crowd management, and other operational requirements.
• Maintains accurate inventories of departmental special event equipment, materials, and supplies. Coordinates the storage, organization, transportation, distribution, maintenance, and replacement of equipment and supplies. Monitors inventory levels, identifies equipment needs, and ensures resources are available and maintained in appropriate working condition. Assists with procurement of equipment, supplies, and materials to support special events.
• Recruits, schedules, trains, supervises, and evaluates assigned part-time employees and volunteers. Establishes work assignments, communicates performance expectations, and maintains appropriate personnel and volunteer records in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Identifies, recruits, schedules, and coordinates vendors, entertainers, exhibitors, contractors, community organizations, county agencies, and other service providers. Maintains professional working relationships, communicates event expectations, monitors performance, and coordinates required documentation, agreements, and logistical arrangements in accordance with County procedures.
• Assists with public relations initiatives, community outreach, and efforts to increase event participation and engagement.
• Assists with the planning, coordination, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of general recreation programs, seasonal activities, and other departmental initiatives as assigned. Provides operational and administrative support to other recreation service areas as needed, including recreation facility operational support.

Working Conditions:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Considerable knowledge of special event planning, coordination, and operational management practices. Knowledge of community recreation principles and familiarity with local government parks and recreation operations. Ability to independently plan, organize, implement, and evaluate multiple special events and recreation activities simultaneously. Strong organizational and time management skills, with demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing operational needs. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Proficiency in standard office software, electronic scheduling systems, spreadsheets, and other technology used for event planning, recordkeeping, and communications required. Ability to work independently and collaboratively while maintaining a strong commitment to customer service and public engagement.

Education, Experience and Training: 

High school diploma or equivalent required (Bachelor’s degree preferred) with at least two (2) years related experience, including supervisory experience – OR – Any equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities is acceptable.

Special Conditions:

• Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver’s License
• Work beyond normal work schedule, including weekends and evenings
• Twelve-month probationary period