Events Specialist

Event Specialist

The Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) was established in 1974 to better respond to the County's need for affordable housing. HOC is authorized to acquire, own, lease, and operate housing; to provide for the construction or renovation of housing; obtain financial assistance from any public or private source to assist its housing activities; and arrange for social services, resident services, and daycare.

The Event Specialist is a unique role that works as member of a two‑person team to assist in planning, coordinating, and implementing upwards of 20 agency events per year. Reporting to the Events Manager, the Event Specialist is involved with every aspect of the planning process from conducting inventory, assisting with event set up and breakdown, coordinating with Information Technology and Facilities to support AV and equipment needs, procuring event decor, conducting outreach to vendors, etc.

The Event Specialist will be responsible for assisting in revamping, organizing and ensuring a smooth warehouse inventory process to include moving heavy equipment (as required). The incumbent will also be instrumental in ensuring that all event and the associated planning tools (i.e., budget, run of show, events materials, etc.) are final and saved in a shared Google Drive.

• Creating an inventory tracking system and ensuring warehouse equipment is properly inventoried, stored, cleaned (when needed), etc.
• Picking up and/or delivering equipment, food, supplies and other event‑related items and ensuring they are properly set up for the intended meeting or event.
• Assisting with event setup and breakdown including developing name badges and cross‑referencing guest and staff lists
• Assisting with planning, coordinating and implementing a variety of events to include, but not limited to corporate events (e.g., groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, fundraising galas, etc.), staff events (e.g., general staff meetings, staff appreciation events, cultural events, virtual learning series, etc.); community events (e.g., town hall meetings, computer distribution events, family‑fun picnics, etc); and other events as assigned.
• Recruiting, screening and placing staff volunteers to assist with events (as needed).
• Liaising with various non‑profit and public agencies for recruitment of venues, speakers, donations and other benefits to customers and staff within HOC.
• Providing data input and maintenance reports as it relates to tracking event attendance, venue selections, guest speakers, etc.
• Designing, distributing, and collecting evaluation forms to measure effectiveness and quality of events from an audience perspective.

Experience:

• At least two (2) years of event support or planning experience.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Human Services, Public Affairs, or related field (preferred).
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted. Low‑income residents in Montgomery County with the above qualifications are encouraged to apply.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in Google Suites and Microsoft Office Suites (Word and Excel).
• Excellent project management and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively to meet event requirements and deadlines.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Must have the ability to relate with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Must have the ability to work independently and exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to create/design innovative and engaging events.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must have a good driving record and clearance to drive agency vehicles.

* Grade 20 - Min: $60,399 / Mid: $79,543 / Max: $98,687 | Salary determined by departmental budget - Offer commensurate with experience.

HOC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, citizenship, immigration status, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law.

HOC promotes a drug‑free workplace.

HOC conducts criminal background checks, employment reference checks, and where applicable, reviews driving records in determining suitability for employment. Selected applicants will be required to submit to pre‑employment drug and alcohol screening. Employment is contingent upon drug and alcohol test results.