Community Events Director

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Community Events Director will work to effectively plan, manage, and oversee all Harrisburg Area YMCA charitable and community events. This position will work closely with event sponsors and build relationships throughout the community to create new organizational sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, and marketing options for each event. High levels of interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills are required for success in the position. Other duties will include involvement and supporting youth & adult programs.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Respectfully manage relationships with event staff, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and participants through phone, electronic, and in person means for separate events throughout the year.
• Manage the operations of the Harrisburg Area YMCA Race Series by initiating the design of the race courses for the YMCA Harrisburg Marathon, YMCA Harrisburg Mile, and all other races as assigned, examining the physical routes of road races to determine accessibility, and create a usable environment for participants and volunteers. Obtain permits, police support, and necessary permissions for all road race events in a timely manner.
• Attract, coordinate, thank, and retain volunteers for event execution, delegating tasks as needed for event day success. Work closely with assigned branch teams to ensure staff participation and leadership engagement, building strong relationships and recognizing individual and team efforts.
• Serve as the event day point of contact organizing communications, responding to issues as they arise, and working with a diverse group of individuals to ensure a positive experience.
• Prepare and distribute event supplies leading up to each event – includes heavy lifting during loading and unloading - and post-event clean-up. Organize branch and community volunteers to maximize efficiency in materials deployment for all events.
• In partnership with the SVP of Philanthropy, develop and execute strategic sponsorship plans for the YMCA’s annual Race Series and other major community fundraising events across the association.
• Collaborate with the Philanthropy team to integrate community events into broader fundraising strategies and campaigns.
• Manage sponsor recognition, deliverables, and post-event reporting to ensure fulfillment and long-term engagement.
• In collaboration with the Marketing Department, create compelling advertising, sponsorship packages, and marketing materials to increase participation, sponsorship and awareness of YMCA mission-driven programs.
• Ensure that all event materials, premiums, and visuals carefully align with the YMCA Brand by working closely with the Marketing Department and learning the YMCA Brand Guidelines.
• Lead assigned staff on the Events Cabinet Team to facilitate cross-branch event delivery in a manner consistent with the voice and values of the YMCA.
• Actively seek new opportunities for community events and engagement with a focus on maximizing the collective reach of the Harrisburg Area YMCA.
• Follow all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Completes incident and accident reports as necessary.
• Participate in the YMCA Annual Campaign as a contributor and campaigner.
• Complete all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Race-management or event planning experience preferred
• Experience with road races, interest in running trends and developments preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, Social Media, Canva, and CRM systems management
• Ability to communicate verbal and written information effectively to team members
• Specific experience with non-profit and/or volunteer coordination preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail
• Must have open flexibility in scheduling and willingness to work in challenging weather conditions
• Driver’s license and personal vehicle required. Must be able to drive rental vehicles (box trucks)
• Ability to multi-task and work independently

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While flexibility for remote work is available on occasion, this position requires a regular in-office presence.
• Willingness to work long shifts during days and evenings through event weeks – to include long hours of standing, sitting, and walking.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. during setup/tear down of events.
• Must be willing to exercise independent, thoughtful judgement and work independently.
• Must be willing to work outdoors on a regular basis in all weather conditions.
• Weekend and evening work will be required, attendance at all events is mandatory.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others.
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY:

As a youth-serving organization, all staff share the responsibility to keep children safe, and this position requires that the incumbent read and sign the separate “Youth Protection Policy for Personnel and Volunteers” statement and abide by it.

Employees and volunteers who do not directly supervise consumers will:

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
• Attend required abuse risk management training.
• Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
• Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities.
• Maintenance employees and volunteers—ensure unused rooms and closed rooms remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker rooms and bathrooms), etc.
• Front Desk personnel—ensure consumers are properly signed in and signed out; ensure only authorized adults are allowed in the facility, etc.

BENEFITS:

• Health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, select program discounts, and free Harrisburg Area YMCA Family Membership.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $58,000.00 - $66,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person