Programs and Event Specialist

The Programs & Events Specialist supports the planning, development, coordination, and execution of programs, events, and community space activation for the Central District Community Preservation and Development Authority (CDCPDA) and the McKinney Center for Community and Economic Development.

This role is responsible for coordinating internal and external events from concept through completion, supporting the development of new community programming, and assisting with the planning and activation of community spaces within the McKinney Center. The Programs & Events Specialist works collaboratively with staff, tenants, community partners, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and other stakeholders to create welcoming, well organized, and mission aligned programs and experiences.

The Programs & Events Specialist also provides direct support to the Community and Development Manager for the annual spring brunch and other strategic community programs, events, and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development and Community Engagement

● Assist with developing new programs, events, and community engagement opportunities that align with CDCPDA's mission and organizational priorities

● Research and recommend ideas for community programs, workshops, events, partnerships, and special initiatives

● Support the development and implementation of new programs from concept through execution

● Gather participant, tenant, partner, and community feedback to help inform future programming

● Identify opportunities to strengthen community participation and engagement with CDCPDA and the McKinney Center

● Support outreach and relationship building with community organizations, businesses, partners, and other stakeholders

Community Space Planning and Activation

● Support the Community and Development Manager with community space planning, programming, and activation within the McKinney Center

● Coordinate program and event use of community spaces, including scheduling, room setup, equipment, materials, and other logistical needs

● Help identify opportunities to increase community use and activation of available spaces

● Coordinate with internal staff, tenants, partners, vendors, and program participants to ensure spaces are prepared for scheduled activities

● Support the development of welcoming and accessible spaces for community programs, events, workshops, and gatherings

Event Planning and Management

● Plan, coordinate, and execute CDCPDA internal and external events from concept through completion

● Develop event timelines, budgets, run of show documents, checklists, and logistics plans

● Manage event vendor relationships, including catering, AV, rentals, decor, entertainment, and other services

● Coordinate event setup, breakdown, registration, and day of logistics

● Coordinate event related communications with staff, vendors, partners, tenants, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees as appropriate

● Ensure events align with CDCPDA's mission, brand, and community standards

● Provide onsite support during events, including evening and weekend events as required

Annual Spring Brunch Support

● Serve as direct support to the Community and Development Manager for CDCPDA's annual spring brunch

● Assist with sponsorship coordination, sponsor fulfillment, table captain management, and attendee communications

● Support event marketing, collateral development, invitations, and program production

● Coordinate vendors, volunteers, event logistics, and event day staffing

● Assist with tracking sponsorships, registrations, attendance, and other event related information

Internal and Organizational Events

● Coordinate team celebrations, board events, organizational milestones, and other internal gatherings

● Support community open houses, tenant appreciation events, partner gatherings, and special organizational activities

● Coordinate logistical needs with appropriate staff to ensure successful execution of internal events

External and Community Events

● Coordinate CDCPDA's participation in community facing events, including fairs, festivals, tabling opportunities, workshops, conferences, and public programming

● Coordinate with external partners, sponsors, and community organizations on collaborative programs and events

● Represent CDCPDA and the McKinney Center at external events as assigned

● Coordinate materials, displays, signage, collateral, giveaways, and other items needed for external events

● Maintain a professional presence and ensure consistency with CDCPDA's brand and community standards

Administrative and Reporting

● Maintain an organization wide calendar of upcoming programs and events

● Maintain organized program and event records, vendor information, contracts, invoices, attendance information, and related documentation

● Develop post event and program recaps, including attendance, feedback, outcomes, and budget reconciliation as appropriate

● Track program and event metrics and provide recommendations for continuous improvement

● Assist with program and event budgets and track expenses against approved budgets

● Maintain vendor, partner, sponsor, and community contact information as appropriate

● Perform other duties as required

Qualifications

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in event planning, program coordination, community engagement, program management, or a related field
• Experience coordinating programs or events from planning through execution
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with community members, partners, vendors, tenants, volunteers, and staff
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, solve problems, and manage timelines with minimal supervision
• Strong attention to detail and ability to anticipate program and event needs
• Ability to contribute creative ideas for new programs, events, partnerships, and community engagement opportunities
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule and adjust working hours to support evening and weekend programs and events as required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
• Experience with event management, project management, registration, or similar platforms preferred
• Experience working in a nonprofit, community development, public sector, or community based environment preferred
• Degree preferred, but not required

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $32.00 - $34.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• Seattle, WA 98144: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person