Events Coordinator

Events Manager | North Carolina Azalea Festival

Join the team behind one of the Southeast’s most iconic celebrations! The North Carolina Azalea Festival is seeking a dynamic Events Manager to lead the full planning and execution of the Azalea Festival Street Fair and Parade, along with several additional festival events. This role also plays an important part in sponsorship acquisition and retention.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love logistics, and enjoy making large community events come to life, we’d love to meet you.

Key Responsibilities

Event Planning & Execution

• Fully plan and manage the Azalea Festival Street Fair and Parade.
• Serve as the primary liaison for Parade and Street Fair participants, overseeing applications, communication, and payments.
• Maintain and manage vendor/participant databases (Parade, Street Fair, Boxing, Volunteers, etc.).
• Ensure all participant requirements are met, including waivers, payments, float choices, announcer text, and insurance documentation.
• Secure road closures and all necessary permits.
• Develop and manage RFPs as needed.
• Coordinate participant packages, Parade broadcaster text, Parade lineup, and vendor placements.
• Maintain positive relations with businesses and residents within the event footprint.
• Oversee on-site management during event days.
• Recruit, onboard, and supervise Parade and Street Fair interns.
• Manage volunteer recruitment and training.

Sponsorship & Strategic Support

• Secure sponsorships for Festival events.
• Support the execution of strategic and operational plans to expand and enhance the Parade, Street Fair, and broader Festival.
• Provide recommendations to the Executive Director on improving efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability.

Qualifications

We’re looking for someone who:

• Takes initiative and works well independently.
• Can manage multiple projects simultaneously and stay highly organized.
• Is proficient with technology and learns new tools quickly.
• Enjoys breaking down large projects into manageable steps.
• Has excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Brings 1–3 years of project management or event experience.
• Works well under pressure and in fast-paced environments.
• Adapts easily and strives to improve processes.
• Has strong problem-solving abilities.
• Delivers excellent guest service in every interaction.
• Has reliable transportation.
• Has a flexible schedule during peak season (January–April).

Mission Statement

The mission of the North Carolina Azalea Festival is to be nationally recognized as a showcase for our community’s rich array of artwork, gardens, history, and culture through recreational, educational, and family-oriented events. The Festival encourages volunteerism and civic participation as it contributes to the region’s economy and promotes the unique qualities of our river-to-the-sea community.

If you're passionate about festivals, community engagement, and bringing large-scale events to life, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and help shape one of North Carolina’s most beloved traditions!