Programming and Events Coordinator

Please Note: If you have already submitted an application for this position, there is no need to reapply. We are actively reviewing all previously received applications. This reposting is intended to expand our candidate pool and encourage additional interested applicants to apply.

Programs & Events Coordinator

Joe Louis Greenway Partnership (JLGP)

Location: Detroit, Michigan

Salary: $50,000 Annually + Benefits

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: Manager, Programs & Events

About the Joe Louis Greenway Partnership

The Joe Louis Greenway Partnership (JLGP) is the nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the Joe Louis Greenway becomes more than a trail—it becomes a catalyst for connection, health, opportunity, and community pride. Through programming, community engagement, stewardship, and partnerships, JLGP works alongside residents, businesses, community organizations, and public agencies to activate and enhance public spaces across Detroit, Dearborn, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. As the Greenway continues to expand, JLGP is building a team committed to creating welcoming, vibrant, and impactful experiences that connect people to place and one another.

Position Overview

The Programs & Events Coordinator is responsible for supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of community programs, special events, volunteer activities, and public activations throughout the Joe Louis Greenway corridor. This is a highly active, community-facing role that requires both operational coordination and hands-on event execution. The Coordinator plays a key role in ensuring programs and events are organized, welcoming, safe, and impactful for residents, partners, vendors, and visitors. The ideal candidate is highly organized, adaptable, and passionate about community engagement. They are equally comfortable managing logistics behind the scenes and leading operational execution in the field. This position requires regular evening and weekend work and frequent travel throughout the Greenway project area.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Event Coordination

• Support planning and implementation of community programs, wellness activities, volunteer initiatives, special events, and public activations.
• Assist with development and management of event timelines, work plans, logistics schedules, and operational checklists.
• Coordinate event materials, supplies, rentals, equipment, permits, and site logistics.
• Support participant registration and event communications.
• Assist with program evaluation and data collection activities.

Event Setup, Operations & Execution

• Lead and participate in event and program setup, execution, and breakdown.
• Coordinate event logistics including equipment, supplies, signage, registration areas, and activation spaces.
• Manage participant check-in and customer service activities.
• Coordinate volunteers, vendors, performers, and community partners during events.
• Ensure event sites are welcoming, organized, safe, and participant ready.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and respond to changing event needs in real time.
• Serve as a professional representative of JLGP during all programs and public events.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build positive relationships with residents, community organizations, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Support outreach efforts to increase participation across Greenway communities.
• Assist with volunteer recruitment, coordination, and stewardship activities.
• Support engagement of local artists, small businesses, and community-based organizations.
• Represent JLGP at community meetings, events, and partner gatherings as assigned.

Administrative & Reporting Support

• Maintain program, volunteer, vendor, and participant records.
• Track attendance, volunteer hours, and participation metrics.
• Assist with preparation of reports, impact summaries, and grant reporting information.
• Support invoice processing, purchasing requests, and event documentation.
• Maintain program calendars and operational tracking systems.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in event coordination, community engagement, nonprofit programming, recreation, public space activation, placemaking, or a related field.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays as required by programming schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coordinating community-based events and public programs.
• Deep knowledge of Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck, and Dearborn.
• Experience working with volunteers, vendors, and community partners.
• Experience using Canva, event registration platforms, project management tools, and CRM systems.
• Passion for public spaces, community engagement, and neighborhood development.

Physical Requirements & Travel

This is a highly active position requiring frequent work in community settings and outdoor environments.

• Travel throughout the Joe Louis Greenway project area may comprise up to 75% of work time.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during programs and events.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and perform repetitive physical movements.
• Ability to lift, carry, move, and transport event materials and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds independently and heavier items with assistance.
• Ability to load and unload tables, tents, signage, supplies, and event equipment.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to safely operate a vehicle and transport event materials as needed.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will:

• Help deliver high-quality programs and events that engage residents and strengthen community connections.
• Create positive experiences for participants, volunteers, vendors, and partners.
• Ensure programs and activations are organized, welcoming, and efficiently executed.
• Support growth in participation, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships.
• Contribute to JLGP's goals for activation, stewardship, and community impact.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of $50,000 annually
• Health benefits
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible and collaborative work environment
• Opportunity to help shape one of the region's most transformative public space projects

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through LinkedIn.

Applicants should submit:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining their interest in the position and relevant experience

Hiring Process

Qualified candidates may participate in a multi-step selection process that includes interviews, a practical case study assessment, reference checks, and pre-employment screenings.

Final employment offers are contingent upon:

• Successful completion of a criminal background check
• Successful completion of a motor vehicle record (MVR) check
• Verification of employment eligibility and professional references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Please Note: If you have already submitted an application for this position, there is no need to reapply. We are actively reviewing all previously received applications. This reposting is intended to expand our candidate pool and encourage additional interested applicants to apply.