Events Specialist

Title: Events Specialist Location: Brookings, SD Status: Full-Time - Exempt - Benefits Eligible Work Schedule: Primarily 8am–5pm, with occasional evening and weekend involvement Reports to: Director of Sales and Marketing Bring Brookings to Life Through Memorable Events Brookings Regional Growth Alliance (BRGA) is seeking an organized, creative, and relationship-focused professional to help coordinate signature events, community initiatives, and organizational programming that showcase our community and strengthen stakeholder engagement. The Events Specialist plays an important role in creating engaging experiences that support organizational goals, foster community connections, and highlight the Brookings region. Working closely with internal teams, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and community partners, this position helps manage event logistics, schedules, budgets, communications, and participant experiences. The successful candidate is organized, collaborative, and enjoys bringing people together through well-executed events and programs. What You’ll Do Coordinate Signature Events Plan, coordinate, and execute BRGA signature events and special initiatives. Assist with event planning, timelines, budgets, logistics, vendor coordination, and production schedules. Exercise sound judgment to address event-related challenges, changing priorities, and logistical needs. Help identify and implement creative ideas that enhance attendee experiences and increase engagement. Evaluate event outcomes and participant feedback to help inform future event planning and improvements. Coordinate volunteer recruitment, scheduling, training, and engagement as needed. Maintain positive relationships with event vendors, venues, volunteers, and service providers Examples of events may include: Annual Meeting Brookings Farmers Market Fall Classic Festival & Watch Party Festival of Lights Downtown @ Sundown Economic Summit Community placemaking and special projects as assigned Support Organizational Programming Serve as an event and logistics resource for organizational programs, initiatives, and special projects across departments. Coordinate event-related planning, scheduling, registration, venue management, and onsite execution. Partner with internal teams to help ensure programs and events are delivered professionally and consistently. Assist with planning and logistical support for organizational meetings, trainings, community initiatives, and other programming as assigned. Contribute ideas and recommendations to enhance participant experiences and community engagement. Recommend process improvements and event enhancements based on participant feedback and program outcomes. Build Relationships & Support Revenue Generation Develop and maintain positive working relationships with sponsors, vendors, volunteers, community partners, stakeholders, and local businesses. Support sponsorship fulfillment efforts by coordinating sponsor benefits, communications, and recognition opportunities. Help ensure sponsors, partners, and event participants receive an exceptional experience before, during, and after events. Represent BRGA professionally at events and community activities. Collaborate with Marketing & Communications Partner with the marketing team to support event promotion, attendance growth, and participant engagement. Help gather event content, photos, testimonials, and success stories for marketing and promotional efforts. Ensure event materials and participant experiences align with BRGA branding and messaging. Assist with tracking event participation, feedback, and outcomes for reporting purposes. What You’ll Bring Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in hospitality, tourism, marketing, communications, nonprofit management, business, or a related field (or equivalent experience). 1–3 years of experience in event planning, hospitality, tourism, marketing, community engagement, nonprofit programming, or a related field. Internship and significant student leadership experience may be considered. Demonstrated ability to coordinate projects, events, or programs involving multiple priorities and deadlines. Strong communication, presentation, relationship-building, and customer service skills. Ability to manage multiple projects, exercise sound judgment, and work independently in a fast-paced environment. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business technology applications. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with volunteers, sponsors, community organizations, or event partners. Familiarity with hospitality, tourism, community development, or event management. Experience collecting feedback, tracking outcomes, or supporting program evaluation efforts. What We Offer We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support our team members both professionally and personally, including: Employer-paid health insurance (BRGA pays 85% of employee premiums) Dental and vision insurance Generous paid time off, including vacation and paid holidays Professional development and training opportunities Flexible work environment, with occasional evening or weekend responsibilities Why Join BRGA? At BRGA, you'll have the opportunity to help create experiences and initiatives that strengthen our community, support local businesses, and enhance quality of life throughout the region. Whether you're coordinating signature events, supporting community engagement efforts, or helping bring new ideas to life, your work will have a visible and meaningful impact on Brookings and the people who live, work, and visit here. You’ll join a collaborative team where new ideas are welcomed and employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution from day one. Additional Information Occasional evening and weekend work is required to support events and community programming. Ability to assist with event setup and teardown, including lifting up to 50 pounds. As part of our hiring process, final candidates will complete a standard post-offer background check. Ready to Apply? Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans. #J-18808-Ljbffr