Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce · 9 hours ago
Program & Event Coordinator
Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce is seeking a Program & Event Coordinator to oversee all Chamber events and program activities. The role involves ensuring high-quality events, managing budgets, and coordinating various activities to enhance community engagement.
Responsibilities
Plan and operate all existing Chamber fundraising, networking, and educational events
Coordinate and support all Chamber events, including 4th of July, Chamber Golf Classic, Chamber Speaker Series, On Topic Events, Networking Breakfasts, Handshake and Happy Hours, Ribbon Cuttings, Open Houses, and any additional events by the Bellingham Regional Chamber
Compile Event Records for future planning, promotion, and posterity
Prepare an annual event analysis with a focus on participation, relevance, profitability, community benefit and membership benefit when requested
Solicit vendors for chamber events when applicable
Ensure necessary income generation from yearly events through preliminary event budgets and managing of event spending
Serve as the lead staff person on all Chamber events and activities
Ensure that each event comes off in a manner that maintains a positive public image
Volunteer and Intern procurement and management for each Chamber event. Provide an end of the year volunteer hours report for financial records and potential grant applications
Manage each committee that you are assigned to be organized, prepared, following a timeline, and ready to meet the challenges which any event might provide
Coordinate all Chamber events in such a way that they are not rushed or require excess expense due to inadequate planning
Event site selection, scheduling, transportation and parking coordination, arranging for entertainment and/or featured speakers, event security, catering, emergency plans, event venue décor aligned with chamber event brand
Acquiring necessary permits and licenses; including but not limited to Special Events Permits, WA State Liquor Licenses, Whatcom County Health Department Food Event Licenses, etc
Request Certificate of Coverage from Insurance Company when applicable
Solicit donations for raffle items, volunteer food and drinks, competitor refreshments, etc
Manage event registration. Increase event participation with a focus on making user-friendly processes for attendees, guests, participating teams, etc
Perform other job duties as assigned by the President/CEO of the organization
Actively work with all staff members to generate media coverage of all appropriate chamber activities
Write and edit content for the organization’s print publications, email newsletters, and web site as needed
Assist in maintaining chamber web presence and social media accounts
In conjunction with the President/CEO, assist in the development and implementation of the annual program of work for all events
Assist in the development of an annual budget for support of all events to meet stated goals, including attendance, sponsorship fulfillment, financial benefit, etc
Ensure that each event is profitable, considering both hard costs and staff time, by preparing a budget for each event and monitoring the financial aspects of the event throughout
Assist in the development of an annual budget for support of all events to meet stated goals, including attendance, sponsorship fulfillment, financial benefits, etc. Ensure that each Chamber event is executed within budget. Prepare a budget vs. actual report for each event after completion Annual Event budgets are to be presented to President/CEO by late October
Research alternative sources of funding Chamber community events and programs, including potential grants
Ability to negotiate contracts, trade and rental agreements with Chamber partners and vendors
Qualification
Required
Ability to organize, plan and prioritize workload involving multiple projects at one time
Must have proven, effective skills and experience in social media to help promote the Chamber and events
Possess a Chamber personality. Ability to provide excellent customer service and be a team player
Must be a hard worker and self-motivated ability to work independently
Strong interpersonal skills to effectively cultivate relationships with prospects, members, volunteers, and community stakeholders. Ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences
Must be a team player that works well in fast-paced, changing environment
Experience in project management or event coordination including budget and development
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Proficient at MS Office (Word, Excel, Publisher), website interface, and Canva
This position requires travel in Whatcom County
Must have a valid Driver's License, reliable car, and be insured
While performing this job you will be required to sit at a desk, for long periods of time
Also standing, walking, lifting up to 50 lbs. and being in all types of weather conditions
Occasional work on evenings, weekends and holidays
Minimum average time commitment will exceed 40 hours per week in order to fulfill the duties required of this non-exempt position
Preferred
College degree helpful but not required, preferably in business or public relations or 3 – 5 years' experience in the field
Experience coordinating large events preferred
Institute for Organizational Management or Chamber Academy desired
Previous Chamber experience and familiarity with marketing a business organization preferred
Benefits
This position is full time with benefits.
There is also a small amount of commission available through event sponsorship that is included above the salary.