Events Manager

Mission Contribution: The Events Manager serves as the primary lead for event scheduling, management, and venue coordination at Melrose Plaza, ensuring all events are executed with professionalism and aligned with organizational goals.

Summary: This position oversees a wide range of events, including community gatherings, grand opening celebrations, workforce and educational programs, small graduations, and other public-facing activities. The role requires a highly organized, self-directed professional who can manage multiple projects simultaneously and represent the organization with enthusiasm while building strong, effective relationships.

Essential Functions:

1. Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of events at Melrose Plaza and for Goodwill Industries of the Valleys.
2. Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external event stakeholders.
3. Develop detailed event plans, timelines, budgets, logistics, and contingency plans.
4. Coordinate venue setup, audiovisual needs, catering, decor, and other event requirements.
5. Ensure the timely completion of all assigned projects, proactively managing priorities and deadlines.
6. Build and maintain relationships with vendors, community organizations, sponsors, elected officials, business partners, and community members.
7. Collaborate with Melrose Plaza tenants and partners, including the Market on Melrose, Henrietta's, the Wellness on Melrose, The Excel Center, the Harrison Museum, Roanoke Public Library, and other stakeholders as identified.
8. Partner with Market on Melrose to develop and execute healthy food demonstrations, tastings, educational experiences, and community engagement activities.
9. Coordinate indoor and outdoor event logistics by partnering with Facilities, IT, and/or other intercompany support departments as needed.
10. Oversee on-site event operations to ensure high-quality attendee experience.
11. Identify opportunities to increase attendance and community engagement.
12. Work closely with Marketing and Communications team members for promotional needs, staying in line with brand and organizational standards of expectation.
13. Understand and manage budget for each event as identified.
14. Maintain calendar of events and associated data bases, contracts, and documentation as required for each event.
15. Provide regular reporting to direct supervisor including any recommendations for improvement.
16. Conduct post-event evaluations and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
17. Ensure compliance with Goodwill policies and procedures and applicable regulations.
18. Attend training sessions, meetings, and company-related events as required.
19. Perform other duties as assigned by Management.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Positive attitude with a helpful approach and problem-solving mindset.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, team members, and diverse internal and external partners to achieve success.
• Proficiency in digital literacy, including above-average computer skills; experience with Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Outlook, and company-specific software tools.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to effectively read, write, and create reports and professional business correspondence.
• Effective verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and respond to questions from supervisors, team members, and customers.
• Basic mathematical proficiency, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to use technical information to solve problems.
• Ability to frequently switch tasks and adapt to interruptions.

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations, Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of professional event planning and management experience.
• Bachelor's degree in related field preferred. Combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing multiple events from concept through execution. Large scale event experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing vendors, contracts, budgets and event logistics.

Special Requirements:

• Must provide cell phone for specified work responsibilities including the use of a phone-based application for authentication
• A valid driver's license and the ability to provide proof of insurance are required to drive personal vehicle on company business. Additionally, an acceptable motor vehicle record based on Goodwill guidelines is required to drive a company vehicle.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or extended shifts as required to meet organizational demands.
• Must successfully pass a drug screen prior to employment.
• A background check is required during employment based on company policy or specific job responsibilities.

Physical Requirements:

The physical and work environment demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to read, talk and hear in active environments.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to use hands, fingers, and arms to reach, handle or feel objects, tools, controls or equipment.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 40 lbs. occasionally; heavier items require team-lifting.
• Ability to sit, stand and/or walk for 6-10 hours per shift.
• Ability to balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach overhead or at floor level.

Work Environment:

• Office environment with some remote work.
• Ability to travel minimally to other Goodwill locations, training, or meetings.
• May be required to work after hours, weekends, and holidays to meet operational demands.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to varying temperatures, such as heat or cold, and adverse weather conditions when traveling or working in non-office environments.
• The noise level in the work environment is generally moderate but may occasionally increase depending on the location.

EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS. STRENGTHENING FAMILIES. INSPIRING COMMUNITIES.