Christkindl Markt Operations Coordinator

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market • Grand Rapids, MI

42d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and professional Christkindl Markt Event Operations Coordinator to join their team. This role is instrumental in bringing the event to life, from supporting year-round planning and administration to serving as a Manager on Duty during the holiday season. The coordinator will work alongside the General Manager while collaborating with vendors, seasonal staff, city departments, contractors, and community organizations to help ensure every detail comes together seamlessly. The ideal candidate will take ownership of their work, embrace challenges, and genuinely enjoy serving others, with a passion for bringing order to complexity, solving problems, and making memorable experiences happen behind the scenes.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent professional experience) in Event Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• At least 2–3 years of administrative or event operations experience.
• Exceptional organizational skills; ability to keep projects, people, and information on track while managing multiple priorities, deadlines, and moving pieces without letting important details fall through the cracks.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, including spreadsheets, shared drives, databases, and calendars.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced environment, balance multiple responsibilities, adapt to shifting priorities, and solve problems in real time while remaining calm, organized, and focused.
• Proactive, resourceful, and able to anticipate challenges and prevent problems.
• Ability to build strong relationships with ease and establish trust with vendors, seasonal staff, contractors, community partners, and guests.
• Flexibility to work a Wednesday - Sunday schedule during the Christkindl Markt season (November and December).

Nice To Haves

• Inspired by the mission, core values, and the opportunity to help create one of West Michigan's most beloved holiday traditions.
• Enjoy creating experiences that bring people together and positively impact the community.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Enjoy balancing administrative responsibilities with hands-on event operations.
• Understand what it takes to keep large-scale events running smoothly.
• Appreciate the rhythm of event work.
• Excited to be fully immersed in the event during November and December.
• Take ownership of work and contribute to a positive team culture.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning and execution of the Christkindl Markt with efficiency, professionalism, and exceptional hospitality.
• Work closely with vendors, staff, city departments, contractors, and community partners to ensure every detail comes together seamlessly.
• Support year-round planning and administration for the Christkindl Markt.
• Serve as a Manager on Duty during the holiday season.
• Coordinate logistics, vendors, and staff.
• Coordinate permits, manage schedules, and organize inventory.
• Walk the event, support vendors, answer guest questions, and lead seasonal staff as the Manager on Duty.
• Admit mistakes, ask questions, communicate openly, support teammates, adapt to changing priorities, provide exceptional service, and consistently bring a collaborative, solutions-focused attitude to everything.

Benefits

• Opportunity to help shape one of the region's signature holiday experiences.
• Integral role in creating memorable moments for hundreds of thousands of guests.
• Work alongside a passionate, collaborative team that values creativity, hospitality, and community.
• A career where work directly contributes to the magic of the holiday season and creates experiences people will remember for years to come.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level