Program Specialist

Department:
Employment Type:

Supervisor: Community Engagement Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Random Substance Testing: Yes

Employment Opportunity Summary

This position is responsible for coordinating and implementing City-sponsored events, programs, and communications under the direction of the Community Engagement Director. The role focuses on executing the logistical, promotional, and administrative components of citywide and downtown activities. This includes coordinating event operations, assisting with communications and marketing materials, and supporting volunteer and community engagement initiatives. This position ensures that all City events and communications are well-organized, inclusive, and aligned with established goals and messaging standards.

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Questions and resumes can be submitted via email at jobs@sedalia.com.

Employment Opportunity Additional Details

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Event Coordination and Community Programming

  1. Coordinate logistics for City and downtown Sedalia events, including festivals, parades, forums, markets, and community celebrations.
  2. Manage scheduling, permits, vendor coordination, contracts, setup, and tear-down for events.
  3. Collaborate with City departments (Public Works, Police, Fire, Parks, Community Development, etc.) to ensure safe and successful operations.
  4. Serve and support the City, downtown businesses, the Central Business & Cultural District (CBCD), Sedalia Main Streets, civic groups, and community partners.
  5. Assist with state and national grant reporting requirements related to community engagement and downtown programming.
  6. Track attendance, collect feedback, and prepare post-event summaries and budget documentation.

Communications and Public Information

  1. Assist with drafting, proofreading, and distributing public communications such as press releases, newsletters, and website updates.
  2. Support the City’s social media presence by scheduling, posting, and monitoring content in coordination with the Community Engagement Director.
  3. Create and format marketing and informational materials such as flyers, graphics, signage, and presentations using city branding standards.
  4. Capture and edit visual and video content to support City programs and promotions.
  5. Assist in ensuring consistent branding, clear messaging, and professional presentation across departments and communication platforms.
  6. Track and report engagement analytics and assist with media coordination as directed.

Volunteer and Community Engagement

  1. Assist with volunteer recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and recognition activities for City events and programs.
  2. Maintain accurate volunteer records, track participation hours, and assist with impact reports and recognition events.
  3. Build relationships with local organizations, schools, and civic groups to promote volunteer and engagement opportunities.

General Responsibilities

  1. Provide on-site staffing support during City events, meetings, and outreach programs.
  2. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Community Engagement Director.

Condition of Employment

  1. Must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen and agree to be subject to random drug screen throughout employment.
  2. Must pass a Background Criminal Investigation check.
  3. Must be willing and available to work early morning, morning, afternoon, evening, weekend, and holiday shifts as scheduled by immediate supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

  1. Bachelor’s degree in event management, marketing, public relations, or related field; or equivalent experience.
  2. Experience coordinating large public events, festivals, or community programs.
  3. Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills.
  4. Ability to work evenings and weekends for events.
  5. Demonstrated experience with social media management, marketing, or design.
  6. Proficiency with design software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite) and digital content tools.
  7. Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
  8. Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
  9. Experience working with volunteers, community programs, or civic engagement.
  10. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
  11. Ability to inspire, motivate, and recognize volunteers.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  1. Working knowledge of data entry into computer, and knowledge of telephone etiquette.
  2. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public; ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
  3. Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.

Tools and Equipment

Personal computer, 10-key calculator, telephone, copy machine

Guidelines

Guidelines include city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

Principal Working Relationships

Contacts are typically with co-workers, members of civic and community groups, vendors, managers, instructors, maintenance workers, and the general public.

Purpose of Contacts

Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the eseential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  1. The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, kneeling, crawling, crouching, talking and hearing. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and  reach with hands and arms.
  2. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.