Event Coordinator

This position includes the planning and oversight of special events, concerts, fundraisers, and the annual Mountain Makins Festival. This work requires extreme attention to detail, organizational, communication, time management, and problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under stress. The planning and managing of these events includes marketing.

Minimum Qualifications: Any combination of experience, education and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. These would typically include:

·       An AA/AS degree in any related field

·       At least two years’ experience thriving in events management

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills

·       Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office

·       Experience working with sponsors

·       Experience in marketing via social media

·       Solid interpersonal skills

·       The ability to multi-task, work independently, and take direction is required

·       A positive attitude, collaborative spirit, problem solving skills

·       Ability to adapt to changing situations in a calm and professional manner  

Mountain Makins Festival (October) 

This award-winning festival is Rose Center’s largest fundraiser, started in 1976. Craft vendors come from several states, and there are 5000-6000 visitors each year on the fourth weekend in October. It begins with a Preview Party on Friday evening, and takes place inside and outside Rose Center on Saturday and Sunday. There is a comprehensive notebook/manual for running the event. Rose Center uses Eventeny, an online events management platform. Here is a very partial list of tasks:

·      Recruit committee members for various aspects of the festival (crafts, music, Country Store, volunteers, building & grounds, preview party, etc) Many of the same folks participate every year, so it’s not like starting from scratch.

·      Make craft application available on Eventeny in the Spring. Send notice to mailing list.

·      File special event application with the City.

·      Arrange for tents, security, printing, first aid, decorations

·      Recruit bands for both stages and preview evening

·      Contract with food vendors

·      Recruit folklife demonstrators

·      Maintain databases and files for all vendors and volunteers

·      Secure sponsorships

·      Create and distribute publicity materials

Between the Lakes Blues Festival (May)

This festival began in 2023 in partnership with the Smoky Mountain Blues Society. The one-day event features local, regional, and national Blues bands, handmade arts and crafts, children's activities, and food. In 2026 an afterparty was added, extending the event into the evening.

·      Contact all vendors early in the year, updating applications on Eventeny

·      Maintain database of all vendors, with payment info

·      Create map of spaces

·      Publicize event

·      Secure sponsors

·      Schedule and contract with musical guests and food/craft vendors

Midsummer Social (July) 

This event, coordinated largely by the Artists Advisory Council, is a fast paced event with live jazz, food, and an art /experience auction. Every guest goes home with a work of original art. Staff coordinate with the Artists Advisory Council, taking care of all financial details and publicity.

Holiday Craft Sale (December)

This free event takes place in Prater Hall, bringing together local makers who have gifts, holiday décor, food and beverage items, etc. It has included food trucks, children’s activities, and live music.

Live at Rose Center

Rose Center has two concert series each year, Main Stage for larger groups, and another for solo artists.

·      Working with the music committee, propose concert series, with consideration of quality, diversity, and community interest

·      Coordinate details, including contracts, sound, payments, programs, tickets, surveys

·      Secure sponsors and manage promotion of sponsors

·      Emcee concerts, or secure alternate emcees; seek out and manage volunteers

·      Secure sound tech services

·      Maintain data for grant reporting