RECREATION SPECIALIST II - EVENTS SPECIALIST - Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Special Events Management

• Creatively develop, plan, coordinate, supervise, organize and evaluate outdoor special events
• Oversee recruitment and coordination of food vendors, exhibitors, program components, and entertainment
• Negotiate and prepare contracts and agreements
• Create site maps and coordinate logistical items and services for event set-up/break down
• Manage equipment and services needed for events and maintain vehicle and equipment inventory
• Secure permits needed for events
• Schedule and coordinate various event meetings
• Work closely with marketing team on events
• Research and monitor special event trends
• Establish and coordinate staffing plans, schedule, and roles as well as assign lead roles and tasks to staff for events and event programs
• Assist with identifying and recruiting sponsors and serve as liaison for event sponsors to ensure satisfactory execution of contract/agreement
• assist supervisor with strategic long-term planning and visioning to develop, refresh, and implement large-scale outdoor Special Events
• Establish event timelines planning a year in advance
• Assist with other programs and events as needed

Supervision

• Provide day-to-day supervision and management of full-time and part-time staff, volunteers, and interns to include hiring, scheduling, training, professional development, mentoring, evaluating and disciplining
• Establish goals and responsibilities for assigned staff to plan and produce large-scale outdoor citywide special events
• Skill in handling various personnel matters and administrative duties
• Facilitate and manage unit work
• Skill in handling challenging interpersonal working relationships with various City employees, contractors, and the public
• Ensure compliance of safety protocols and assist with facilitation of training and coordination of Emergency Operating Procedures
• Coordinate with other City agencies and staff as needed for events

Customer Service

• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers in both written and oral forms
• Ability to lead and instruct staff how to provide excellent customer service while promoting events
• Possess the ability to promote teamwork and serve as a catalyst for a positive work environment among several work units
• Maintain strong internal communications among department staff and external communications with other City agencies and department, citizens and customers

Facility/Program Management

• Coordinate use of facilities and facility space in Parks and sometimes Recreation Centers
• Collaborate with work unit to set goals and objectives
• Work with the Department Marketing Unit to collect and analyze demographic information, citizen priorities, and trends
• Develop and maintain strong internal communications among department staff and external communications with other City agencies and departments, partners, citizens, and customers

Budget and Statistics

• Effectively utilize and track resources to project and meet revenue and expenditure targets
• Prepare required reports and documents such as calendar of events, attendance, inventory, revenue, and expense reports
• Prepare statistical date ensuring completion with accuracy and timeliness to assist with the budget
• Work closely with staff to conduct surveys and evaluations for events
• Experience using microcomputers(Word, Excel, Outlook, and databases for financials and events)
• Ensure compliance with established procedures to ensure payment of invoices and contracts meet terms
• Prepare service agreements and procurement of services, equipment, and supplies

Community Outreach

• Conduct and maintain community outreach, partnerships and collaboration with local businesses, City agencies, and school

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work in outdoor elements to include heat, rain, and snow.
• Must be able to stand/walk for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to work extended shifts greater than 8 hours when needed.

Our Commitment

Work with the best - work for Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation! Join our team and contribute to our 60+ year track record of providing legendary experiences! We are dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and protecting our environment. We ensure all residents – regardless of their physical, social, and economic circumstances – can access our programs. By providing enriching and memorable lifelong experiences, we strive to enhance the quality of life for our community by improving the physical and mental well-being of our residents.

Are you…

· Able to keep a positive attitude and foster excellence through your actions, words, and appearance? Personable and genuine with your communication- both written and verbal?

· Someone who seeks opportunity to learn and understand the experience of others, creating a collaborative environment for all voices to be heard? Able to embrace differences and individuality to encourage inclusion? Willing to listen with an open mind?

· A problem solver who can work through sticking points and difficult conversations, holding yourself and team members to the highest standards of accountability?

· Able to find opportunity in challenges, no matter how difficult, finding creative solutions?

· Able to model sustainable practices to ensure an environmental conscious and productive culture (Ex: Recycle, reduce waste, optimize resources, and improve processes)?

· Going to take ownership of your time with the department and strive for excellence?

THEN WE WANT YOU TO JOIN OUR TEAM!

The P&R Employee Experience

At Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, our success is because of our dedicated employees. We are intentional about creating an employee experience where you are empowered to reach your full potential, are supported through strength-based initiatives, and are confident in your abilities. We champion a workplace culture built on our cultural foundations: Professionalism, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and Citizenship. These guiding principles of behavior cultivate a positive and high performing work environment. Success is recognized and celebrated, and legendary experiences are the core of who we are.

Full Time Perks –

Employees who are new to the Virginia Retirement System are eligible for:

• Hybrid Remote Work Schedule Upon Completion of Initial Training and Flexible Scheduling Options
• 11 Paid Holidays plus 3 Additional Personal Holidays
• 18 Days of Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Coverage
• Legal and Identity Theft Protection
• Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Hybrid Retirement Plan & Basic Life Insurance
• Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan(COV457)
• Hybrid 457 Cash Match
• Virginia Local Disability Program (VLDP) – Income Replacement(Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Long-Term Care)
• Optional Life Insurance
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Program / Work-Life Services
• Paid Maternity/Paternity/Parental Care Leave