Special Events Manager

MPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Are you an organized, solutions-oriented professional who excels at managing complex operations? The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is seeking a Special Events Manager to oversee the County-wide special events program, managing more than 250 event applications annually. This role coordinates permits for events ranging from community gatherings and trail runs to major events such as the Arlington County Fair and Marine Corps Marathon.

The Special Events Manager leads the planning, execution, and post-event review process, working closely with applicants and County departments to ensure successful event delivery. This position chairs an interdepartmental committee representing public safety, transportation, zoning, public works, and other key functions to support Arlington’s diverse community events, cultural celebrations, and tourism initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serving as the primary liaison between event organizers and Arlington County, providing guidance on special event requirements and permitting processes;
• Managing the review and approval process for more than 250 special event applications annually through a centralized permitting system;
• Leading the County’s interdepartmental special events committee, coordinating reviews, approvals, compliance, timelines, and communications;
• Facilitating planning, logistics, safety, and post-event meetings with applicants, County staff, and community stakeholders;
• Representing Arlington County during event planning and execution, ensuring compliance and addressing operational issues;
• Maintaining and enhancing special event resources, including applications, checklists, guidance materials, website content, and regulatory updates;
• Overseeing event billing, invoicing, fee reduction requests, payment processing, and related financial coordination;
• Supporting incident response and problem-solving for permitted events, including safety concerns, emergencies, and changing operational conditions; and
• Performing other job-related duties as assigned.

The successful candidate will have :

• Strong organizational skills and can work collaboratively to manage multiple events, deadlines, and meetings;

• Effective customer service and communications skills to clearly explain processes and address issues across diverse communities;

• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 programs (i.e., Sharepoint, Dynamics, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), website updates, and Customer Relationship Managers (CRM) systems; and

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships.

• Bachelor's degree in event/hospitality management, business administration, events management, recreation management, communications or related field; and

• Some experience planning and coordinating events, recreation programming and planning, communications, or related field.

Substitution: Additional years of directly related experience can substitute for the education requirement.

Desirables : Preference may be given to candidates with a Master's Degree in a related field and experience in one or more of the following:

• Hospitality management, community organizing, or public information;

• Project or organizational management;

• Crisis or emergency response management;

• Park or facility management; and

• Community engagement for urban planning.

Special Requirements

Resume Requirement: A complete application will include an attached resume which highlights how your background and experience align with the qualifications for this position.

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Additional Information

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, core hours are 9:00am - 5:00 p.m., with a flexible work schedule and teleworking opportunities. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for special events, meetings, and emergencies requiring communication or on-site response.

The official job title is DPR Events Coordinator.

For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here .

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Click here to learn more about our commitment.

Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and required for this position. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
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