Public Events Assistant

Department: Special Events & Performing Arts

Reports To: Events Logistics Supervisor

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Schedule: Part-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt | Variable schedule which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on concert and event schedules.

Why This Role Matters

Great events don’t happen by accident. Behind every successful concert, exhibition opening, and community program is a team of people solving problems, supporting guests, coordinating logistics, and keeping operations moving. This role provides critical on-the-ground support that helps transform planning into exceptional guest experiences.

What You’ll Do

• Welcome guests and provide exceptional customer service throughout events. Answer questions, provide directions, and assist with guest needs. Monitor guest experience and address concerns in a professional manner.

• Serve as a liaison between staff and volunteers during events. Help ensure volunteer assignments are filled and operating effectively. Monitor volunteer needs and provide support throughout the event.

• Assist with managing guest entry, exit, and movement throughout event spaces. Set up and maintain stanchions, barriers, and queueing areas. Help minimize congestion and maintain a positive guest experience.

• Address day-of-event issues, last-minute changes, and operational challenges. Communicate emerging concerns to event leadership. Assist with maintaining schedules and supporting event logistics.

• Provide assistance to performers, presenters, and program participants. Help coordinate equipment, materials, and presentation needs. Support event teams to ensure programs remain on schedule and well-executed.

What You Bring

• Required Qualifications:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent.

  • Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills.

  • Ability to remain calm and professional in fast-paced environments.

  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

  • Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and guests.

  • Comfortable working outdoors and in varying weather conditions.

  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as events require.

  • Ability to follow operational procedures and safety guidelines.

  • Strong attention to detail and situational awareness.

  • Ability to lift, move, and transport event-related materials and equipment as needed.

• Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in events, hospitality, guest services, recreation, tourism, or customer-facing roles.

  • CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification.

  • Experience working with volunteers, large crowds, or public-facing events.

What Makes This a Unique Opportunity

Be part of a nationally recognized cultural institution. Work behind the scenes at concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and signature events. Gain hands-on experience in event operations and guest experience management. Build skills in communication, problem-solving, and event logistics. Help create memorable experiences for guests from across the region and beyond.

Our Values

• Welcoming: Fostering joy and an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.

• Excellence: Approaching all we do with world-class intentionalism.

• Innovation: Embracing the future to create unique and engaging experiences in art, culture and nature with a commitment to creativity.

• Integrity: Operating with honesty, transparency and accountability throughout the organization.

• Stewardship: Preserving and enhancing our community, physical, cultural, and financial resources for current and future generations.

Working Conditions

This position operates in both indoor and outdoor environments and requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules. Work involves frequent interaction with guests, volunteers, performers, presenters, and staff in a fast-paced setting. Employees must be comfortable standing and walking for extended periods, navigating event grounds, and working in varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, cold, and direct sunlight.

Physical Requirements

The role requires the ability to regularly lift and move up to 20 pounds, frequently lift and move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally assist with heavier materials or equipment. Duties may include setting up event infrastructure, transporting supplies, ascending and descending ladders, and operating in environments with elevated noise levels, large crowds, and changing event conditions. Attention to safety, situational awareness, and professional communication are essential.