Events Coordinator (Program Coordinator)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Events Coordinator is responsible for coordinating permitted events on the Capitol Campus, including responding to customer questions, planning logistics, arranging setup, and overseeing events on the day they occur. The role serves as a Department of Enterprise Services (DES) ambassador by explaining campus rules, addressing issues, and helping ensure safe and equitable access for event organizers and attendees. The coordinator works with Visitor Services, building tenants, stakeholders, Washington State Patrol, and DES teams to support smooth operations while balancing government business, campus asset protection, and First Amendment rights. Work takes place in an office and outdoors on campus in varying weather, as well as in crowded, noisy spaces. The role regularly involves moving event equipment, including chairs, tables, stanchions, and audiovisual equipment, and helping position safety or security equipment such as barricades, cones, and signage. The coordinator uses standard office equipment and event-related equipment and communicates with visitors, customers, tenants, legislators, and staff in person and through phone, email, and other electronic channels. The position follows standard business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with schedule adjustments to accommodate permitted events, including events at night, on weekends, or on holidays. Schedules may vary between Legislative Session and interim based on coverage and permit forecasting. An alternative work schedule may be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisor approval.

Requirements

Two years of experience in any combination of interpreting and enforcing rules and regulations, organizing large and complex events, and customer service.
Post-high-school or equivalent education in Public Administration, Social Sciences, Communications, or a related field may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
Demonstrate willingness to learn from new experiences, seek feedback, consider different perspectives, and continuously improve knowledge, skills, communication, and work approaches.
Seek to understand the needs and experiences of customers, coworkers, and communities; identify and address barriers to access and participation; and provide respectful, timely, and effective support.

Nice To Haves

Experience navigating political or highly charged groups or customers.
Experience with community, youth, and public engagement.
Knowledge of civics, the legislative process, and/or Washington State history.

Responsibilities

Provide welcoming, professional, and responsive customer service to visitors, event organizers, legislators, state employees, and members of the public.
Coordinate permitted Capitol Campus events, including planning logistics, arranging setup, and providing day-of oversight.
Monitor event communications, plan event logistics, create diagrams and signage, take payments, and troubleshoot audiovisual equipment using computer applications and programs.
Help customers use the permit request and reservation system, website, and relevant forms.
Anticipate visitor and event needs and address potential service issues proactively to minimize disruptions and improve customer experience.
Provide front-of-house event management, supervise event staff and volunteers, manage vendors and alcohol, resolve conflicts, and escalate safety and security issues as needed.
Support Visitor Services during staff shortages with building operations, tours, volunteers, and public-facing work as needed.
Identify and report recurring visitor concerns, service barriers, and operational issues to supervisors and appropriate program staff.
Provide campus and building oversight as the DES representative, enforce DES rules and policies, and explain rules to event attendees, employees, and visitors.
Coordinate with Capitol Security personnel, DES Buildings & Grounds, security partners, stakeholders, and other teams to address issues, identify conflicts, and plan public-space use.
Set up and move event equipment and basic safety or security equipment, including chairs, tables, stanchions, audiovisual equipment, barricades, cones, and signage.