Program & Event Coordinator

The California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) is a 501(c)6 non-profit trade association advancing the California park and recreation industry.

Our small team, based in Sacramento, CA, serves thousands of park and recreation professionals and industry partners offering community, advancement of the profession, resources, and both professional and leadership development opportunities.

The Professional Development (or Program & Event) Coordinator helps transform ideas into exceptional learning experiences. By coordinating educational programs, conferences, workshops, and leadership development opportunities, this role ensures parks and recreation professionals across California have seamless, engaging experiences that help them grow personally and professionally.

Working closely with staff, volunteer leaders, presenters, and partners, this position is often the behind-the-scenes force that allows CPRS educational programs to run smoothly while creating welcoming, organized, and memorable experiences for participants.

Every detail matters because every interaction shapes how members experience CPRS.

The Professional Development Coordinator is successful when...

• Educational programs and events are organized, welcoming, and professionally executed.
• Presenters, volunteers, and participants feel prepared, supported, and valued.
• Program logistics allow learning—not administrative challenges—to be the focus.
• Educational resources, registrations, and communications are accurate and timely.
• Staff and volunteers can confidently rely on strong organization and follow-through.
• Participants leave CPRS learning experiences feeling supported, inspired, and eager to return.

• Coordinate the logistics and administration of CPRS educational programs, workshops, certificate programs, conferences, and leadership development opportunities.
• Manage registration processes, participant communications, materials, and event logistics.
• Coordinate program timelines to ensure successful delivery of educational experiences.
• Maintain accurate records related to educational programming, participation, and continuing education.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for presenters, instructors, and volunteer leaders throughout program planning and delivery.
• Coordinate speaker materials, schedules, travel, and presentation needs.
• Ensure volunteers and presenters receive timely communication, resources, and support.
• Help create a welcoming and positive experience for everyone contributing to CPRS educational programs.

• Assist in planning and executing the educational components of the annual CPRS Conference & Expo and other organizational/special events.
• Collaborate with vendors, venues, volunteers, and staff to ensure successful program delivery.
• Support post-event evaluations and continuous improvement efforts.

• Maintain accurate program records, databases, budgets, and educational documentation.
• Assist with CEU tracking, certificates, program evaluations, and reporting.
• Support departmental purchasing, invoices, contracts, and financial tracking.
• Develop and maintain organized systems that improve departmental efficiency.

• Partner with colleagues across CPRS to support marketing, membership, advocacy, and organizational initiatives.
• Contribute ideas that improve participant experiences and operational processes.
• Support additional organizational projects and events as needed.

• Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Event Management, Communications, Parks & Recreation, or a related field, or…