Special Events Coordinator

Bring Community to Life — Join Us as a Special Events Coordinator!

City of Kentwood – Parks & Recreation Department

Do you love planning events that bring people together, create memorable experiences, and strengthen community connections? The City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department is looking for a creative, organized, and community-focused Special Events Coordinator to lead the planning and execution of a wide variety of indoor and outdoor community events.

From large-scale festivals to neighborhood gatherings, your work will help shape the events that make Kentwood a vibrant and welcoming place to live, work, and play.

What You’ll Do

As our Special Events Coordinator, you will play a key role in designing experiences that bring the community together. You will:

Create, develop, implement, and evaluate diverse special events that meet resident needs and inspire engagement.

Manage event budgets, logistics, vendors, supplies, registrations, refunds, and financial transactions.

Measure program success through attendance data, surveys, and participant feedback.

Anticipate and resolve operational challenges to ensure high-quality, safe, and enjoyable events.

Provide excellent customer service by responding to inquiries and concerns within one business day.

Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate event staff and volunteers.

Maintain accurate records, reports, and inventory related to event operations.

Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive environment for participants, staff, and partners.

Every event you lead will help build community pride, enhance quality of life, and connect people across the city.

About You

You’re an enthusiastic planner with strong leadership skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You bring creativity, organization, and a passion for serving the community.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in recreation management, outdoor education, parks administration, physical education, or a related field

Two years of experience in recreation programming, event planning, or facility/community center supervision

Or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Valid Michigan Driver’s License

CPR, AED & First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within six months)

You bring skills in:

Event planning, logistics, and budgeting

Staff supervision and team leadership

Customer service and inclusive engagement

Risk management and safety practices

Communication, public speaking, and community outreach

Microsoft Office and recreation management software

Problem-solving, organization, and multitasking under pressure

For more information about responsibilities and requirements, view the full job description here .

Pay & Benefits

Hourly pay range: $25.99–$33.20, depending on experience

10% employer retirement contribution — well above industry average

Up to 4 weeks vacation, 12 sick days, 11 holidays, and 3 personal days annually

4–6 weeks fully paid parental leave

Excellent medical, dental & vision insurance with minimal cost

Free telehealth, EAP access, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage

Paid certifications, trainings, and career development opportunities

Employee discounts on recreation programs and rentals

Why Kentwood Parks & Recreation?

Kentwood is home to 15 parks, 13 miles of trails, and 1000+ programs and events each year, making it one of West Michigan’s most vibrant and active communities. Our events bring residents of all ages and backgrounds together—and as our Special Events Coordinator, you’ll help shape meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impact.

Here, your creativity and leadership turn ideas into unforgettable community moments.

Apply Today!

If you’re ready to bring your event-planning passion to a role that celebrates community and connection, we’d love to hear from you!