Event Specialist

Overview About us Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 150 locations across 17 states and is constantly expanding . Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion , and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store. One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee . It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support. At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally , contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve. How we reward you 401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2% Healthcare plans to support your needs Virtual doctor visits Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program 15% Associate Discount Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program Associate Assistance Program RK Cares Associate Hardship Program 24/7 Chaplaincy Services Company paid YMCA Family Membership Responsibilities What You’ll do As an Event Specialist, you will support Rural King’s brand presence by creating, planning, and coordinating engaging in-person and online events. This role collaborates cross-functionally with creative and social teams to ensure consistent messaging and brand voice across all activities. Event Coordination: Direct the physical planning and logistics for multiple events, including venue selection, production, catering, audiovisual requirements, and equipment. Outreach & Engagement: Serve as a primary point of contact for external partners, working to grow program audiences and develop collaborative partnerships. Project Management: Establish and maintain event timelines while working with Social Media & Events Manager to monitor contracts, invoices, and expense activity. Digital Integration: Work closely with the design and content teams to create online event presence and measure metrics to ensure successful delivery. Communication: Assist with copywriting for event-related outreach and maintain master event calendars. Work closely with Public Relations team to get press releases sent out on time. Professional Support: Provide proactive and professional internal and external support, assisting with inquiries and issues promptly. Values & Culture: Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement. Miscellaneous: Perform other duties as assigned. Use discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism. Supervisory Responsibilities No Qualifications Essential Qualities for Success A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience). Experience: 1–2 years of experience in event coordination, digital marketing, or community outreach preferred. Communication Skills: Strong writing and verbal interpersonal skills are required. Software Proficiency: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Comfort navigating computer systems to manage activities. Technical Familiarity: Familiarity with event management tools or event platforms (e.g., Ticketmaster, Eventbrite, Meta) is a plus. Detail Oriented: Ability to coordinate multiple concurrent complex tasks, ensuring projects are completed successfully on deadline. Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills. Excellent customer service skills. Physical Requirements Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations. Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically. Ability to navigate and access all facilities. Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices. Close vision for computer-related activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. The pay range for this position is $45,000 - $50,000annualized and is bonus eligible. Exact compensation is determined by factors such as relevant geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. To learn more about our benefits, review here #J-18808-Ljbffr