Event Coordinator - Parks, Recreation, and Open Space

Location: 15151 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, Colorado 80012-1555

About the role

The Events Coordinator provides special event coordination for the Parks, Recreation & Open Space (PROS) Department by planning, permitting, developing, organizing, producing, and evaluating various special and community events on behalf of the department and city.

Aurora PROS is committed to delivering exceptional public service while being responsible stewards of its diverse system of parks, programs, natural resources, and amenities that enhance the daily quality of life for Aurora residents.

The award-winning operation consists of seven divisions (Golf, Open Space and Natural Resources, Parks Operations, Planning, Design and Construction, Recreation, Business Services, and Communications) that collectively manage more than 8,000 acres of open space, 100+ parks, 180+ athletic fields, over 100 miles of trails, three nature centers, two reservoirs, five recreation centers, five golf courses, indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities, and one of Colorado's largest municipal urban forestry programs.

Responsibilities

• Plans, develops, organizes, implements, administers, and evaluates city special events and coordinates and serves in lead and support roles for other events as assigned.
• Arranges all aspects of public special events (500 to 6,000 attendees) including but not limited to: developing creative details, site mapping, managing event budgets, security, technical arrangements, vendor coordination, sponsorship deliverables and activation, event signage, supplies, and equipment.
• Coordinates with marketing specialists to ensure all marketing, advertising, and communication needs for promotion of the events is addressed and clearly defined for attendees; this includes but is not limited to the sponsorship deliverables, event signage, and website.
• Coordinates event volunteers and ensures onsite roles, responsibilities, and assignments are clearly defined and communicated.
• Establishes relationships with sponsors, neighborhood organizations, local builders, businesses, and any other organizations having an association with special events such as festivals, concerts, and walks/runs.
• Performs administrative tasks including contract management, permitting, fee and deposit collection, budgeting records, event, and annual reports.
• Manages various workflow processes and performs additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in event management, recreation, or a directly related field or equivalent.
• At least 3 years’ experience in special events.
• Colorado Driver’s License with good driving history.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years of large-scale event experience (highly preferred).
• Experience in sponsorship sales and sponsorship relations.
• Experience in a public sector/government environment.
• Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP).
• Experience with event management software, such as Eventeny.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of strategies, best practices, and operations of special events.
• Knowledge of stage specifications, event equipment, and permitting policies as related to special events.
• Knowledge of budget and data management.
• Knowledge of personal computers, laptops, related hardware, and related software packages including but not limited to Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint).
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated capabilities in communications and public speaking.
• Strong customer service skills as it relates to serving as a representative of the department and city to the community, external and internal organizations, and businesses.
• Ability to obtain and retain sponsorship and partnership sales.
• Strong task and time management skills, balancing multiple assignments at once and adhering to deadlines.
• Skills in data and application processes, policy adherence as it relates to obtaining permits.

Abilities

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow city employees and city departments, public, elected officials, local, state, and regional organizations, companies, schools, nonprofits, and other event professionals.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement special and community events, and supervise and direct the work of other staff or volunteers at special events.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle sensitive or stressful situations with tact and diplomacy.

Working Conditions

• Essential Personnel: When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.
• Physical Demands: Medium physical work that involves occasional lifting to a maximum of 50 lbs. with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs. Occasional walking and standing. May require frequent pushing, pulling, bending, and stooping. Clear vision to read and interpret reports and other written documents. Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees, citizens, volunteers, and other groups. Hand/eye coordination for operation of computer keyboard, carts, and moveable shelving.
• Work Environment: Works both indoors and outdoors with exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, fumes, chemicals, and dust.
• Equipment Used: Uses standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel, event planning software, and recreation registration/POS system. During special and community events, this position may use equipment such as tables, chairs, tents, etc. This position may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g., vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment. May require operation of a motor vehicle.

Pay

The hiring range for this role is $59,483 - $74,354 per year.

Benefits

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day.
• Diverse community.
• Competitive total compensation package.
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan.
• Light rail station minutes away.
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs.
• Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement.
• Access to innovation workspaces.
• The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.