The mission of Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI) is to accelerate Downtown GR's transition to a best-in-class American city. While a small, yet mighty organization, our growing team works hard with a wide array of community partners to build an increasingly vibrant downtown with great recreational experiences, a high quality of life for people from all walks of life and a strong, inclusive economy. You may be familiar with some of our work:

• GR Forward - DGRI and partners led the development of this award-winning community plan and investment strategy to transform the Grand River into a distinct asset and guide the next generation of growth in Downtown Grand Rapids. Now we are busy making the vision a reality with the transformation of Lyon Square, planning for Switchback Park on the face of Belknap Hill and the revitalization of the Grand River Corridor.
• The Van Andel Arena, Downtown Market and DeVos Place Convention Center - We helped build the facilities and accelerate the revitalization of Downtown.
• World of Winter, more food trucks, Downtown skatepark, Downtown Refreshment Areas. Yep. That's us. We strive to activate Downtown year-round with events highlighting art, music, culture and inclusivity. We've also expanded Downtown public amenities with a dog park and "social zones" to compliment and activate our Downtown public spaces.

As we gear up for our next year of events, DGRI is in search of an Events Assistant to support the Events Manager in planning, programming & executing events for our upcoming festivals - Return to the River, August 26 and 27, 2023, and World of Winter, from January - March of 2024.

Our goal as part of the Activation team within Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. is to cultivate a robust schedule of events and programming throughout the year that focus on the GR Forward Master Plan by reinvesting in public space, culture, and inclusive programming.

This is an ideal position for a candidate interested in pursuing a career in event coordinating, production and placemaking. The ideal candidate is passionate about making a difference in our city and eager to activate our public spaces.

Our ideal candidate will:

• First and foremost, live out our core values and have a passion for city building and downtown revitalization.
• Be onsite for setup, execution and take down of most festival events and art installations
• Support the Events Manager with administrative tasks related to event production
• Coordinate logistical aspects of various events
• Lead many events in programming, décor and onsite duties
• Use your strong communication skills by working with community partners for programming at our events and installations, managing vendor coordination, scheduling, and correspondence
• Be detail oriented with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects in a fast paced environment
• Be a creative, out of the box thinker when researching programs and decor ideas
• Contribute to team effort by participating in other projects as needed

The Events Assistant will work a flexible schedule of 15-25 hours a week. This will include some evening and weekend hours, plus more during event times. This is a part-time, temporary position.

Here's what we're offering the right candidate:

• An opportunity to affect things that matter in our city! You'll have exposure to exciting events, projects and developments and help to re-define our skyline.
• A fun and flexible culture. Our diverse team works hard and has a good time doing it.
• $18.00/hour.
• Opportunities to grow and develop your career.

Do you love events and are looking to make an impact in the community in which you live? Apply today and read more about our work here: http://downtowngr.org/our-work/projects/gr-forward

Equal Opportunity Employer.