Community Events Manager

Please Apply Here: https://desotoks-events-comms-and-events.app.transform.civicplus.com/forms/61382 Applicants must apply on the City's website to be considered. Department: Communications & Events Reports to: Communications & Events Director Starting Pay Range: $27.50-$29.00/hour Employment Type: Full Time Application Deadline: Open until filled Position Summary The Community Events Manager plays a key role in shaping the De Soto experience by planning and delivering engaging public events that reflect the city’s values, history, and vision. Under the direction of the Communications & Events Director, this position manages the full lifecycle of city-hosted events—from concept to cleanup—ensuring cross-department collaboration, smooth execution, and a strong sense of community connection. Public events may include concerts, festivals, holiday programs, tournaments, dedications, ribbon cuttings, open houses, town halls, State of the City, and civic celebrations. The role also leads internal employee appreciation efforts, such as staff lunches, holiday gatherings, and recognition initiatives. This position builds and maintains strong partnerships with vendors, sponsors, and community collaborators, and thrives on creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect. The ideal candidate is inventive, dependable, and driven to make public events both welcoming and impactful. Examples of Work Event Planning & Execution: Plan, attend, and manage community events including but not limited to summer concert series, movie nights, park dedications, Halloween celebrations, open houses, volunteer days, and holiday events. Oversee logistics such as site layouts, timelines, vendors, sound/stage, parking, accessibility, and weather backup plans. Event Innovation & Experience Design: Design and implement new initiatives, including open houses, expanded State of the City events, school partnerships, Mayor’s Charity Fundraisers, and special one-time experiences (e.g., World Cup watch parties). Stakeholder & Interdepartmental Coordination: Coordinate with City departments, public safety partners, and external stakeholders—including community groups and businesses—to ensure smooth execution and effective collaboration on all events. Sponsorship & Budget Coordination: Develop sponsorship packages, manage in-kind and monetary donations, and coordinate budgeting for city-hosted events. Communicate with businesses and organizations to foster partnerships and secure community support and participation. Vendor and Volunteer Management: Recruit, coordinate, and oversee third-party vendors, performers, food trucks, and volunteers. Ensure all participants understand expectations and logistics prior to the event. Community & Public Engagement: Represent the city at events and engage with residents, partners, and stakeholders. Serve as a public-facing resource before and during events. Asset Management: Maintain and organize event materials such as signage, tablecloths, tents, branded items, lighting, and games. Inventory event supplies and coordinate necessary purchases or rentals. Post-Event Follow-Up: Evaluate event success through debriefs, public feedback, and internal discussions. Track attendance, expenses, and opportunities for future improvement. Send thank-you notes to vendors and volunteers. Employee Appreciation Support: Coordinate internal appreciation and recognition events, such as holiday gatherings, team lunches, and staff competitions. Qualifications: Education and/or Experience Two (2) or more years of experience planning and executing community or public events, preferably in a local government, public agency, or nonprofit setting. Candidates with transferable experience or fresh energy are encouraged to apply. Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects, contracts, budgets, and vendor relationships. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively. Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills. Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Preferred Experience Bachelor’s degree or higher in Event Management, Nonprofit Management, Hospitality, or a closely related field. Equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Experience securing and managing sponsorships or fundraising for events. Knowledge of event permitting, safety regulations, and ADA compliance. Experience managing volunteers or temporary staff. Familiarity with the De Soto community or similar-sized municipalities. Bilingual or multilingual abilities are a plus. Licenses and Requirements: Valid Kansas Driver's License is required by date of hire. Skills and Competencies Skills Strong organizational and logistical planning skills Creative thinking with an eye for detail and experience design Clear and effective communication (verbal and written) Time management and ability to work independently under pressure Collaborative and people-oriented mindset Problem-solving ability with flexibility for evolving needs Core Competencies Accountability and Integrity: Takes ownership of responsibilities and demonstrates ethical decision-making Public Service Orientation: Dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents through meaningful events Teamwork: Willing to collaborate across departments and lead when needed Job Specific Competencies Event Logistics & Adaptability: Skilled in managing timelines, equipment, staffing, and contingency plans Community Engagement: Enthusiastic about creating inclusive spaces that welcome diverse participants Creativity and Innovation: Brings fresh ideas and unique touches to community programming Public Representation: Comfortable interacting with the public and representing the City at high-visibility events Please apply on the City of De Soto website: https://desotoks-events-comms-and-events.app.transform.civicplus.com/forms/61382 Job Type: Full-time Pay: $27.50 - $29.00 per hour Benefits: Cell phone reimbursement Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Work Location: In person