Recreation Coordinator - Special Events

Hanover County Government•different locations in Hanover County, VA

About The Position

This administrative and field-based position plans, coordinates, implements, and evaluates special events offered by Hanover County Parks and Recreation. The role performs professional, administrative, and operational duties related to event development, logistical planning, vendor and contractor coordination, event execution, marketing support, equipment and supply management, and community engagement. The Recreation Coordinator reports to the Recreation Manager of Special Events and may supervise part-time staff. The position also assists with general recreation programs, seasonal activities, other departmental initiatives, and operational support for recreation service areas and facilities. Work is split between an office and field environment, including parks, recreation facilities, and public event spaces. Travel to event sites and meetings is required. The position is non-exempt and may require work beyond the normal schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
At least two years of related experience, including supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training.
Considerable knowledge of special event planning, coordination, and operational management practices.
Knowledge of community recreation principles and familiarity with local government parks and recreation operations.
Ability to independently plan, organize, implement, and evaluate multiple events and recreation activities simultaneously.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing operational needs.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Proficiency in standard office software, electronic scheduling systems, spreadsheets, and other technology used for event planning, recordkeeping, and communications.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with a commitment to customer service and public engagement.
Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver’s License.
Criminal records check, including fingerprinting.
Ability to travel to Parks and Recreation event sites and meetings.
Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds; frequent walking, standing, bending, and stooping; occasional physical activity for event setup and breakdown; and possible extended periods of standing or walking during events.
Availability to work beyond the normal schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Research, develop, plan, organize, implement, and evaluate departmental special events and community activities.
Establish event objectives, timelines, schedules, operational plans, and resource requirements.
Coordinate event logistics, including site layouts, equipment and supplies, setup and breakdown, parking, accessibility, utilities, signage, transportation, and crowd management.
Maintain inventories of departmental event equipment, materials, and supplies; coordinate storage, organization, transportation, distribution, maintenance, and replacement.
Monitor inventory levels, identify equipment needs, and help procure equipment, supplies, and materials.
Recruit, schedule, train, supervise, and evaluate assigned part-time employees and volunteers; assign work, communicate expectations, and maintain personnel and volunteer records.
Identify, recruit, schedule, and coordinate vendors, entertainers, exhibitors, contractors, community organizations, county agencies, and other service providers.
Maintain working relationships with providers, communicate event expectations, monitor performance, and coordinate documentation, agreements, and logistics in accordance with County procedures.
Assist with public relations, community outreach, and efforts to increase event participation and engagement.
Assist with planning, coordinating, implementing, supervising, and evaluating general recreation programs, seasonal activities, and other departmental initiatives.
Provide operational and administrative support to other recreation service areas as needed, including recreation facility operational support.