Recreation Programmer

Salary: $45,722.56 - $50,349.82 Annually
Location : Roanoke, VA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Parks, Rec & Tour - Tourism
Opening Date: 04/04/2025
Closing Date: 4/27/:59 PM Eastern

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Plays a key role in planning, organizing, and executing events that enhance community engagement and promote local attractions. This position involves coordinating logistics, working with vendors and sponsors, ensuring a positive guest experience, and fostering partnerships to create memorable and successful events. Strong organizational skills, creativity, and a passion for public service are essential to bringing dynamic events to life. Does related work as required.

Shift Hours and/or Days worked: Tuesday - Saturday
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Plan, organize, and execute special events, ensuring smooth logistics, scheduling, and on-site coordination
Assist in the development, promotion, and implementation of special events, programs, and activities
Oversee event registration, manage participant data, and utilize registration software systems for collecting fees, maintaining financial records and reporting
Provide on-site event support, including vendor coordination, setup, and troubleshooting
Assist with marketing and promotional efforts to increase event visibility and engagement
Contributes to event evaluation and improvement strategies
Manage event-related purchases, inventory, and supplies to ensure successful execution
Work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required by event operations
REQUIREMENTS/PREFERENCES

Education:
Required: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in recreation, special events or related field, or equivalent experience and education.

Experience:
Required: One (1) year experience in event planning, recreation programming, or related supervision.
Preferred: Three (3) or more years of experience in event coordination, recreation programming, or public event management.

Certifications/Licenses:
Required: Valid Virginia driver's license with good driving record. Current CPR, First Aid and AED certification or ability to obtain.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
General knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of event planning and execution. General knowledge of community event needs. General knowledge of marketing strategies and promotional methods for increasing event participation and visibility. Some knowledge of budgeting and financial tracking. Ability to plan, schedule and coordinate special events. Ability to supervise event staff, volunteers, and vendors. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees, customers and the general public. Effective verbal and written communication skills to a wide variety of staff and customers. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Skill in developing and implementing events for diverse audiences, including youth, families, and older adults. Skill in the use of standard computer software. Ability to learn and effectively use new software programs. Awareness of risk management and safety considerations in event planning and execution. Ability to assess event success and evaluate performance against established objectives.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Leads and supervises support staff

Additional Requirements:
Subject to a complete criminal history and Child Protective Services background search with acceptable results. Must be able to perform the job as described in the Physical and Environmental Demands section of this job description. Must be able to drive a large truck with an event trailer attached. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and some holidays.
OTHER INFORMATION
Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefit package that includes:

• Progressive Flexible Leave Plan with cash-in option

• Twelve paid holidays

• Short Term Disability Insurance

• Long Term Disability Insurance

• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Flexible Spending Accounts - Medical and Dependent Care

• Virginia Retirement System - Membership in VRS is automatic upon hire into a covered position. County contributes and employees pay their membership contribution.

• Deferred Compensation Plan with County Match

• Employee Assistance Program

• Credit Union Membership