Events & Outreach Manager

Event & Outreach Manager
Job Description

About Us:
Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) is a volunteer-led, quasi-governmental agency of the City of Lansing, which is run by an independent Board of Directors. DLI is responsible for the coordination of our local Main Street program and for the management of the Lansing Principal Shopping District (PSD).

The mission of Downtown Lansing Inc. is to strengthen and nurture the culture, health, and sustainability of our downtown district. At Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI), we’re committed to promoting the culture and vitality of Michigan’s Downtown. We know that downtown is more than a district — it’s a place to unwind, a place to start, a place to connect, a place to live, and a place to celebrate.

As champions for our district, DLI works together with stakeholders by providing channels of open communication, tools to perpetuate our culture, and reliable information that strengthens community engagement. We’re here to support and connect the community, whether it’s coordinating events, securing grants, or simply fostering a strong sense of involvement.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Events and Outreach Manager is responsible for the planning, development and execution of volunteer programming and recruitment, community event sponsorships, creation and oversight of Downtown Lansing Inc. events and activities, including our seasonal Neighborhood Market Series, and overall administrative support of the Communications Department. They plan and execute all DLI signature and community events, lead markets and event spaces that DLI oversees. This position will lead the coordinate volunteer and staff teams from the initial conception of events to their successful completion, managing all details, vendor recruitment, and onsite coordination. This position will require working weekends and into the evening hours, with some seasons requiring weekly event oversight. This position will offer a flexible schedule to allow for adjustments when evening or weekend work is needed.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Passion for community building and downtown revitalization.
• Excellent skills in recruiting and managing volunteers for events and projects
• Volunteer management.
• Experience working with and managing budgets, contract negotiations and compliance.
• The ability to define project milestones and deadlines.
• Ability to work with a variety of personalities and audiences, make quick decisions, and positively deal with issues as they arise.
• Coordinate internal teams, volunteers, and external contracts to ensure a successful and enjoyable event that meets the organizational goals and expectations.
• The ability to positively form and maintain relationships with sponsors, managing sponsor relationships, putting together sponsorship packages, securing funding partners and meeting all sponsor returns on investments. and securing sponsorship.
• Ability to recruit and manage vendors.
• Experience and an enjoyment of working with volunteers, artists, contractors, entrepreneurs and other diverse partner groups.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build positive relationships and hold meetings with various city officials, community organizations, community leaders, downtown businesses, and sponsors.
• Recruit and coordinate retail and food vendors to comply with event/outdoor market missions.
• Develop and manage financial elements of event planning and execution, ensuring projects are executed on budget.
• Ensure all event permit requirements are completed.
• Manage budgets and secure budget approvals for all Events & seasonal markets.
• Manage and negotiate relationships and contract process with outside vendors, including but not limited to equipment rental, decor, lighting, amusements, construction needs, etc., including but not limited to estimates, vendor selection, site walk throughs.
• Plan the logistics, layout and design of event(s), ensuring compliance of all legal, liability, health and safety requirements.
• Provide timely and appropriate coordination and communication for all aspects of event(s), especially with the City of Lansing departments.
• Responsible for any and all reporting requirements mandated by events receiving grant funding or sponsorships.
• Serve as the main point of contact for advisory and steering committees, including but not limited to programming and sponsorship.

SKILLS

• Ability to interact professionally and respectfully with all members of the public, especially those that interact in public spaces, as well as the ability to work well and collaborate with coworkers, volunteers, sponsors, merchants, and others in the course of daily work.
• Ability to successfully and effectively interact with vendor partners to produce high quality output and positive working relationships.
• Volunteer management and attraction.
• Ability and skill in working with media to manage brand identity of DLI, represent the organization and events while handling interviews and news stories.
• Conflict resolution
• Effectively manage time and resources, with ability to multitask, delegate, meet deadlines, and problem-solve.
• Excellent communication skills- verbal and written, involving high- level communications with internal and external contacts.
• Knowledge and understanding of City of Lansing Special Event permits and ordinances with a clear understanding and the ability to navigate the event application and permitting process within City of Lansing. If candidate does not have this experience but is willing to learn and lead this process for Downtown Lansing Inc., your application will be considered.
• Maintain and manage a calendar of outreach activities and create opportunities for community events and team member appearances that will receive media coverage.
• Simultaneously organized and detailed in the pursuit of the best possible festival experience and utterly prepared when things don't go as planned.
• Skilled at project management, indoor and outdoor community event planning, strategy and execution.
• Understand the nature of the festival and event world, with the ability to work extended hours required during busy seasons, including nights and weekends. This position is the lead and primary individual responsible for managing signature events and seasonal markets.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Event & Outreach Manager will work in a fast-paced, changing environment requiring frequent collaboration across departments, as well as individual leadership, decision-making, and flexibility. This position will work in both inside and outside environments/event spaces where the noise level and temperature may change. Team members will be exposed to inclement weather; heat, sun, cold, pollen, dust, dirt, grease, as well as exposed to a variety of community members and stakeholders including sponsors, volunteers, artists, market vendors, all residents of downtown. The Event & Outreach Manager must be able to balance all stakeholders who engage in the events and spaces and have the ability to think on their feet while representing the organization and its brand positively.

THE BASICS:

The applicant must be able to have a physical presence in the DLI office, with opportunity to work remotely as needed, walk the downtown area to visit merchants and event spaces, lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and work extensively with community and partners to nurture relationships. Salary/pay is commensurate upon experience. This position will be the sole DLI staff responsible for seasonal markets, signature events, raising sponsorships for events, leading volunteer teams in all event spaces.

This is a full-time position with some irregular hours, including on occasion evenings & weekends. Range: $55,000-$62,000.

Here's what we offer the right candidate:

• An opportunity to develop things that matter in our city! You'll have exposure to exciting events, projects and developments and help to re-define the Downtown Lansing experience.
• A fun and flexible culture. Our diverse team works hard and has a good time doing it.
• Leadership development/professional development
• Health care coverage
• Competitive salary
• Health & Wellness membership discounts
• Paid Time Off
• Opportunities to grow and develop your career

If this sounds like the perfect fit for you, we encourage you to apply by emailing your resume to cathleen@downtownlansing.org for immediate consideration no later than Friday, April 12, 2024.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Events management: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person