Event Coordinator

Part-time (24 – 29 hours/week); non-exempt $25/hour About the Role The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (MCBG) is seeking a highly motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable individual to oversee our major fundraisers and events. MCBG is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that operates a nationally recognized public garden known for its beauty, significant plant collections, coastal bluffs, and beloved events. The Gardens has grown into the leading attraction on the Mendocino Coast through the collaborative effort of our passionate and dedicated staff, volunteers, and board. Our small staff relies heavily on teamwork to ensure that the Gardens, our events, and our programs continue to excite, inspire, and educate the public for years to come. MCBG is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and guests. Responsibilities Special Events Plan, organize, and execute the logistical components of our two major annual events, Art in the Gardens and Festival of Lights Collaborate and communicate with all staff to ensure the success of these events Maintain and develop schedules, logistical plans, and safety plans for all events in coordination with the Director of Operations (DOO) Track and adhere to event budgets Solicit event sponsors and in‑kind support in coordination with the DOO Collaborate with administrative staff to fulfill sponsor benefits Maintain successful relationships with local vendors including but not limited to artists, musicians, event rental providers, caterers, and other event service providers Develop relationships with local wineries and breweries who support our events with in‑kind donations Communicate regularly with the Gardens staff, keeping them up to date on event details and their roles in the event Assist the Volunteer Coordinator in developing and communicating volunteer positions and schedules Work with event volunteers Attend Friends of the Gardens (FOG) meetings on occasion to present volunteer opportunities and provide event details Coordinate and execute smaller events throughout the year, including but not limited to member, donor, and volunteer appreciation Private Event Coordination Respond to all wedding, elopement, and private event inquiries, ensuring requests meet MCBG protocol and fit with our horticultural, maintenance, and event schedules Book private events and obtain all necessary payments, deposits, contracts, permits, and insurance from clients/guests Maintain a calendar of booked private events and basic details to communicate regularly with the Administrative Coordinator Oversee private events on the day of the event, serving as the Gardens' on‑site representative Ensure all event policies and guidelines are followed while delivering exceptional customer service and creating a welcoming, seamless experience for clients and their guests Coordinate with clients/guests and vendors to ensure set‑up, the event, and breakdown follow MCBG protocol and fit with our horticultural, maintenance, and event schedules ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Minimum of 2 years of successful experience coordinating special events Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation Prolonged periods of continuous standing, sitting, or walking along with occasional stooping, bending, reaching, and crouching in varying weather conditions Strong computer skills, specifically MS Office Suite; Google Workspace, and Adobe Acrobat a plus High level of comfort with technology and the ability to learn new programs and software Communicate regularly and effectively with supervisor about assignments and progress Prioritize, multi-task, communicate effectively, and stay organized during events and in a busy office setting Strong written (copywriting and editing) and verbal communication skills Basic understanding of legal contract language Able to establish positive, collaborative working relationships with a broad array of individuals Experience working with volunteers is a plus Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus Must be able to maintain the confidentiality of MCBG information #J-18808-Ljbffr