Events Manager
JOB TITLE: Events Manager
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
HOURS Full time; 40 hours per week | Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM
Position Summary:
The Event Manager for the Waconia Chamber of Commerce plays a critical role in planning, coordinating, and executing events that promote community engagement and economic vitality. This individual will oversee event logistics, manage volunteers and vendors, and ensure events are successful, aligned with the Chamber’s mission of promoting a positive business environment and enhancing the quality of life in the Waconia community.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement plans for Chamber events, including (but not limited to) Nickle Dickle Day, annual Waconia Open Golf Tournament, retail events: Sister Saturday & D.E.A.R. Day, and Career & Community expos.
- Maintain event budgets and project plans; create timelines.
- Coordinate event vendor arrangements and site setup. Assist with logistics such as permits and insurance.
- Recruit, train, and oversee event volunteers.
- Assign volunteer tasks and ensure team and committee members understand their responsibilities.
- Foster a collaborative and positive environment.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with sponsors, vendors, and community partners.
- Secure sponsorships and manage vendor agreements.
- Collaborate with the Chamber’s marketing and communication team to promote events through social media, newsletters, and print materials – local publications and newspaper.
- Oversee event setup, execution, and teardown.
- Assist in addressing and resolving issues as they arise during events.
- Ensure events run smoothly and meet safety and quality standards.
- Conduct post-event reviews to assess success and identify areas for improvement.
- Assist with membership engagement and retention efforts, including communication with current and prospective members.
- Support the Ambassador program, including coordination of meetings, activities, and recognition initiatives.
- Provide general administrative support such as data entry, email correspondence, and managing office supplies & event promotional materials.
- Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Marketing, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Proven experience in event planning and execution, preferably in a nonprofit or community-focused environment.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, as required by event schedules.
- Passion for community development and the mission of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce.
- Experience managing volunteers.
- Knowledge of Waconia and its surrounding community.
- Familiarity with social media marketing and graphic design tools (Canva).
- Primarily office-based, with local travel to event/business locations.
- Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds and perform physical tasks related to event setup.
Submit your resume, cover letter, and a list of references to cfenner@destinationwaconia.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:
The Waconia Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, familial status, genetic information, sex, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, or any other protected class status.
The examples given above are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed and are not necessarily all-inclusive. This position description is subject to change as the needs of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce and requirements of the position change.
