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Public Events Coordinator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Events Coordinator works closely with teams across Marketing, External Engagement, Programs ... From signature public events to donor gatherings, community outreach activities, sponsorship ...

Events Coordinator

Brooklyn, NY ยท On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

The Events Coordinator works closely with teams across Marketing, External Engagement, Programs ... From signature public events to donor gatherings, community outreach activities, sponsorship ...

Events Coordinator

Reno, NV ยท On-site

$23 - $30/hr

... public event venues. Responsibilities: * Lead on-site event operations as the acting point person ... Support event staffing coordination by assigning or communicating tasks needed for successful ...

Citizens Memorial Hospital (CMH) is seeking an Events Coordinator to join our Marketing and ... public relations or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience; a ...

Events Manager

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Provide on-site management of vendors at all events in coordination with the Public Events Coordinator. * Secure all relevant event permits through the City of Boston, Town of Brookline and State of ...

Events Coordinator

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$57K - $78K/yr

Coordinates events to ensure public safety and compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, City ... Code and policies; and reviews permits, applications, contracts and other documents for ...

Citizens Memorial Hospital (CMH) is seeking an Events Coordinator to join our Marketing and ... public relations or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience; a ...

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Public Events Coordinator information

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How much do public events coordinator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for public events coordinator in the United States is $24.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a public events coordinator do?

A Public Events Coordinator is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing public events such as festivals, conferences, community gatherings, or corporate functions. Their duties include managing logistics, coordinating with vendors and stakeholders, handling permits, overseeing event marketing, and ensuring the event runs smoothly and safely. They often serve as the main point of contact for everyone involved and work to create memorable experiences for attendees. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to multitask are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public events coordinator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Events Coordinator, you need expertise in event planning, project management, and budgeting, often supported by a degree in hospitality, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software, scheduling tools, and sometimes certifications like Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) are typically important. Strong organizational skills, creativity, and the ability to communicate and problem-solve under pressure set outstanding coordinators apart. These skills ensure smooth, successful events that meet stakeholder goals and provide positive attendee experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by public events coordinators when managing large-scale events?

Public Events Coordinators often face challenges such as coordinating logistics across multiple vendors, ensuring compliance with permits and regulations, and adapting to unexpected changes like weather or last-minute cancellations. Managing effective communication among stakeholders and team members is crucial to keep everyone aligned and to resolve issues quickly. Additionally, balancing budget constraints while delivering a memorable attendee experience requires strong organizational and negotiation skills.

What cities are hiring for Public Events Coordinator jobs?

Cities with the most Public Events Coordinator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Events jobs?

The most popular types of Public Events jobs are:

What states have the most Public Events Coordinator jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Public Events Coordinator jobs?

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Infographic showing various Public Events Coordinator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,890 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Program and Events Coordinator

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Illinois Humanities
Non-Profitsย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

$56K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support program planning by reserving event space, ordering catering and equipment, communicating with vendors, and maintaining inventories of materials and supplies.

  • Assist in creating and sharing staffing plans, serve as on-site staff captain, and support event logistics and on-site production activities.

  • Serve as a member of the Administrative Team by preparing invoices, maintaining databases, responding to inquiries, and managing event supplies and equipment.


Job description

Program and Events Coordinator
Illinois Humanities
Status: Full-time / Exempt
Reports to: Senior Director of Public Engagement
Location: Chicagoland area
Illinois Humanities, the Illinois partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is a statewide nonprofit organization that activates the humanities through free public programs, grants, and educational opportunities that foster reflection, spark conversation, build community, and strengthen civic engagement. We provide free, high-quality humanities experiences throughout Illinois, particularly for communities of color, individuals living on low incomes, counties and towns in rural areas, small arts and cultural organizations, and communities highly impacted by mass incarceration.

For more information, visit www.ILhumanities.org
Position Summary:
The Program and Events Coordinator plays a crucial role in supporting the successful planning and execution of Illinois Humanities' programs and events. Acting as a vital bridge between public programming and the administrative team, this position ensures seamless coordination, timely execution, and professional support throughout all phases of events and programs (with the exception of development-led events). This role is responsible for coordinating Illinois Humanities' signature programs and events, including, but not limited to, People's Salons, the Envisioning Justice Statewide Convening, One State, the Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards, the Odyssey Graduation Ceremony, and other public humanities programs and special initiatives as assigned.
The Program and Events Coordinator is responsible for ensuring staff, presenters, partners, vendors, and supplies are present, prepared, and in the right place at the right time. This "back of house" logistical coordination enables program managers and directors to focus on engagement with partners, audiences, and participants.
This position will require occasional travel within Illinois.

Essential Responsibilities:
Program Planning and Coordination (35%)
  • Support program planning by implementing activities such as reserving event space, ordering catering and equipment, communicating with vendors, and maintaining inventories of materials and supplies.
  • Collect and share event-related content (e.g., announcements, flyers, programs) with the Communications Team in a timely manner.
  • Maintain internal and public-facing program calendars.
  • Draft amp; send event reminders and follow-ups; process event registrations, maintain and share registration lists; maintain attendance records and complete event follow-up.
  • Share post-event attendance data with program leads.

Event Production (30%)
  • Assist in creating and sharing staffing plans for public-facing events.
  • Serve as on-site โ€œstaff captainโ€ overseeing back-of-house staffing activities.
  • Provide stage management and on-site vendor support during public events; ensure events run on time and coordinate presenters, performers, partners, and vendors.
  • Support and execute Run of Show for public events; share Run of Show documents, site maps, and other necessary event information with staff; be present during events to answer questions and troubleshoot.
  • Schedule and attend production meetings as needed before public eventsโ€”with A/V providers, event managers, designers, partners, and other relevant partiesโ€”as requested by program managers or directors; track logistics before and during events.
  • Support day-of logistics and on-site production needs.

Internal Administrative Support (Approximately 30%)
  • Serve as a member of the Administrative Team and as a liaison for Statewide Programs, Public Engagement, and Teaching and Learning; ensure program and event workflows comply with internal and operational processes and policies.
  • Prepare and process program and event invoices and expense vouchers.
  • Supports database maintenance and assists in data entry projects.
  • Respond to info@ilhumanities.org and route inquiries as needed.
  • Maintain event planning tools (e.g., departmental Asana calendars).
  • Manage supply lists and equipment needs; stock event supplies and maintain the event kit inventory.

Other (5%)
  • Participate in cross-departmental working groups upon request.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:
This position is active and requires frequent physical activity in support of Illinois Humanities events and programs. The Program and Events Coordinator is expected to regularly lift, carry, push, and move event supplies, tables, chairs, signage, and other event-related items weighing up to 30 pounds. The role also requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and setting up or breaking down event spaces.
This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. Employees are regularly required to talk, hear, see, and communicate effectively via computer.
Our Chicago Loop office is accessible. Work at off-site locations is required and those may not be fully accessible. Evening and weekend work is required based on the organization's event calendar.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Illinois Humanities' Chicago office is currently operating in a hybrid work environment with required in-office days and optional remote workdays each week.
Requirements:
Experience amp; Skillset:
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Adobe suite; familiarity with Asana and Blackbaud is a plus
  • Experience with project management; ability to track deadlines, deliverables, and needs for multiple simultaneous projects
  • Experience supporting live events; ability to think on your feet and make aligned decisions that support project goals
  • Ability to anticipate audience and participant experience and to prioritize a welcoming, supportive environment; experience in hospitality is a plus
  • Technical/production support for live events is a plus

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

The skills and experience needed to be successful in this job exist on a spectrum. Highly qualified and desirable candidates may not meet 100% of the skills and experience included in this description. We encourage all who are interested in this position to apply.
WHAT WE ARE OFFERING:
  • The annual salary range for this position is $56,000 โ€“ $59,000
  • Full-time employees are eligible for employer-provided health coverage (multiple plans offered at 80% employer paid premium for the employee), 401(k) (including an employer contribution), and other benefits
  • PTO, including vacation time, available to all full-time employees
  • Each full-time employee receives 11 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays annually

WHAT TO EXPECT:
Step one: All submissions will be reviewed, and the initial candidate pool will be formed after phone screenings. Not all submissions will make it into the candidate pool.
Step two: Candidates in the pool will take part in an interview with members of the Illinois Humanities Team via Zoom or in-person.
Step three: There may be additional rounds of interviews with the final candidates. Final candidates may be asked to provide additional information. Selection and placement of the final candidate will occur after these final rounds of interviews. Placement for this position is anticipated to occur in September of 2026. Once the final candidate has accepted their offer of employment, all other applicants will be notified of their status.
Illinois Humanities is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. It does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individualโ€™s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws. Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Illinois Humanities is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.
COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY:

To support public health efforts to reduce the risk of COVID-19, Illinois Humanities has adopted a policy that requires all staff and interns receive a complete COVID-19 vaccine based on the CDCโ€™s current definition, which is subject to change. Employees must submit a full Record of COVID-19 Vaccination or have a fully signed Reasonable Exception approval by date of hire.
To Apply: Please upload a resume and cover letter to the application website.

Please submit this application to the "Work With Us" page or through the relevant job website. Application review will begin in August 2026 and applications will be accepted throughout the recruiting process.