The City of Joliet, located approximately 45 miles southwest of Chicago, is the 3rd largest city in Illinois, with a population of over 150,000. Joliet is a river city with a historic downtown, two casinos, and various attractions, such as the Rialto Square Theatre, Old Joliet Prison, Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Slammers Baseball Stadium, to name a few, and has just kicked off a number of exciting long-range planning activities, including undertaking our first update to our comprehensive plan.
About the Role
The City of Joliet is excited to share the opportunity to be our Director of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. You will be responsible for planning, coordinating and executing impactful community events that align with the City of Joliet’s mission and foster positive relationships with diverse community stakeholders as well as increasing awareness of City programs and services. Joliet is an engaged and dynamic community looking for the right person to help us grow.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversees Cultural Affairs initiatives and Special Events.
- Develops comprehensive event plans, including budget management, timelines, logistics, marketing strategies and contingency plans for large-scale community events.
- Manages and oversees the execution of City-sponsored and co-sponsored events, including participation in community event committees.
- Develops and proposes an annual budget to implement the downtown events and marketing.
- Negotiates contracts.
- Plans, organizes, schedules and administers a diversified series of community events with emphasis on quality of life and downtown vibrancy.
- Serves as City staff liaison to outside agency community event coordinators.
- Manages community special events permits and coordinates City support for these events.
- Ensures that events meet legal, safety, and health requirements and regulations; obtains necessary permits.
- Manages all administrative duties and details associated with events including financial operations, distribution of promotional materials, and responding to inquiries.
- Serves as liaison to the City Center Partnership, Joliet Chamber of Commerce, Heritage Corridor Destinations, and other community organizations for all matters regarding public events.
- Administers and coordinates the planning of Arts Commission events by attending meetings and implementing programming with the Arts Commission. Serves as staff liaison to the Arts Commission.
- Collaborates with the City’s Communications team to maintain up-to-date content across platforms for City sponsored and community events.
- Seeks grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and fundraises supplemental resources for programs and events.
- Manages Bicentennial Park and City Square facilities and programming.
- Works a variety of hours/ shifts in order to accommodate meetings and events.
- Performs other related duties as required.
OPPORTUNITIES & PRIORITIES
Engage with the community to understand and anticipate needs and wants for events and cultural attractions.
Coordination and collaboration with event organizers to maximize economic impact and experience.
Bring a unified approach to various events and serve as a liaison with entities such as the City Center Partnership, Heritage Corridor, Sports Leagues, Arts Commission and various Community stakeholders.
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in event planning, urban planning, business, economics, finance, public administration, communications, or a closely related field. Master’s degree preferred.
At least 5 years of experience in planning special events and/or in the field of cultural affairs.
Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.
Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Rebrand the City of Joliet as a premier destination. Create a comprehensive city-wide event calendar. Strategic marketing for city events. Seek sponsorships for city run events.
Why Joliet
The City of Joliet is rich in history and culture. The Downtown City Square is undergoing a major renovation to accommodate a beautiful green space for everyone with plans to host regular events. The City of Joliet offers the following paid benefits: Vacation & Sick Leave (accrued monthly), Holidays, and Bereavement Leave as well as coverage options that share funding by the City and the employees for Health, Dental, Prescriptions & Life Insurance. We also offer Tuition Assistance Reimbursement, paid Jury Duty and Protective Clothing and Equipment (if applicable).
HOW TO APPLY
Visit the City of Joliet website: www.joliet.gov
THE CITY OF JOLIET IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The salary range begins at $111,000 with a targeted hire salary between $140,000 and $160,000
