Marketing and Downtown Events Manager

TOWN OF CORNELIUS•Cornelius, NC

5d•$52,465 - $65,331•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Recreation Superintendent, this position manages all marketing efforts for the department and coordinates events and programming in the downtown district. The role is focused on building strong community engagement and raising awareness of the department’s programs, events, and facilities through targeted marketing and outreach. This manager also oversees STEM and nature programming, broadening the department’s educational and environmental offerings. Additionally, they serve as the primary liaison for the downtown district, fostering connections between the town, residents, and local businesses.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of marketing principles, public relations practices, and community engagement strategies, with demonstrated experience in promoting diverse programs and events.
Strong understanding of STEM and nature programming, with the ability to develop, oversee, and promote educational and environmental initiatives that appeal to various age groups and community interests.
Skilled in social media engagement, digital marketing, design tools (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Canva), and analytics software for tracking campaign success.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage residents, community partners, and local businesses to foster collaboration and participation.
Proven ability to resolve conflicts effectively, maintaining a calm and professional demeanor while addressing concerns, facilitating solutions, and fostering positive relationships among staff, volunteers, and community members.
Strong organizational and budgeting skills, with experience managing marketing and programming budgets, processing purchase orders, and ensuring financial responsibility.
Ability to supervise, manage, and motivate part-time staff, contractors, and volunteers, providing clear guidance and maintaining high standards across all events and programs.
Knowledge of trends and best practices in marketing, downtown programming—including programs and events—STEM education, and environmental programming, with an understanding of how to adapt offerings to meet evolving community needs.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with officials, residents, business owners, and other agencies to enhance the reach and visibility of the department.
Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, public administration, or related field.
At least three years of experience in a municipal recreation setting, including recreation program management, contract management, special event management, or other combination of applicable experience related to the Primary Tasks for the position.
Possession of a valid driver's license.
CPR/AED certification required or ability to obtain certification within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead all marketing efforts for the department, developing and executing strategies across various media—social media, press releases, email campaigns, and printed materials—to promote department programs, events, and facilities.
Plan, organize, and manage special events, town-sponsored events, and programming in the downtown district, collaborating with community partners to align events with town goals and community interests.
Oversee STEM and nature programming, ensuring these offerings are educational, engaging, and accessible to diverse audiences and align with the department’s mission to enhance learning and environmental stewardship.
Serve as the town liaison for the downtown district, building and nurturing relationships with local businesses, residents, and community organizations to foster engagement and collaborative opportunities.
Supervise and evaluate part-time staff, contract vendors, and volunteers involved in marketing, event implementation, and program delivery, ensuring high standards of quality and consistency across all initiatives.
Manage the marketing and programming budget, including processing purchase orders, maintaining inventory for promotional materials, and ensuring fiscal responsibility across projects.
Collaborate with the Public Information Officer to develop and implement policies and procedures that guide marketing, event planning, and program delivery, ensuring consistent branding, effective community outreach, and seamless event coordination.
Coordinate with the Cain Center and other partners to create a cohesive annual event and programming schedule, minimizing scheduling conflicts and maximizing community participation.
Assists with other departmental activities as needed.
Assists in the preparation of regular and special reports as needed.
Performs other duties as required