Event Coordinator

Summary:

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized Tribe with its ancestral homeland located in Niobrara, NE. The Tribe does not have a reservation in the classic definition; rather, the Ponca Restoration Act defined its jurisdiction as a 'Service Delivery Area' comprised of 15 counties throughout parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Within its Service Delivery Area, the Tribe offers a broad range of health, social, educational, and cultural services.

The primary responsibility of the Event Coordinator is to work with Directors, Tribal Council, and other staff to plan district-level and Tribal events, including the Annual Powwow. This position will work closely with the Tribal Communications Director and Office Coordinators to provide promotion and communications to members for these events.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

• Coordinate with Directors, other Tribal divisions or entities, Tribal Council, Tribal Council Administrative Assistant and other internal staff to establish requirements for events, and serve as a liaison between the Tribal organization and external vendors and other associates throughout the planning process.
• Locate resources and venues, and participate actively in pre-event meetings to help staff make decisions about event design and execution.
• Plan and facilitate logistics for events, including contract negotiations, venue preparation, catering, equipment, promotional materials, and direct mailings.
• Order supplies for events, ensuring items arrive in a timely fashion.
• Oversee and review member experiences through post-event review, communicating feedback to leadership and/or relevant departments.
• Preparing event budgets, procuring quotes, and processing invoices.
• Help manage on-site preparations and event breakdown.
• Comply with legal, insurance, health, and safety regulations at all times.
• Assist the Tribal Communications Director in organizing event promotion and coverage.
• Other duties as assigned.

Relationships and Authority:

This position has no supervisory duties. Will assume duties as assigned by leadership.

Working Environment and Physical Demands:

Physical requirements include carrying/lifting up to 5 pounds, frequently; up to 15 pounds, regularly; and up to 25 pounds, occasionally. Visual acuity, speech and hearing necessary to operate a computer keyboard and basic office equipment; subject to carrying, lifting, twisting, and reaching to perform essential job functions. Working conditions are primarily in an office environment, and may entail some travel to other locations.

Qualifications:

Minimum:

• Associate degree in event management, hospitality, marketing, public relations, or related field discipline.

• 2 years experience planning and executing events of varying sizes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills, including multitasking, time management, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft operating systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Valid driver's license and be insurable.
• Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, motor vehicle, education, character and criminal background checks.
• Able and willing to work a variety of schedules including evening and weekends.
• Able and willing to travel.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in event management, hospitality, marketing, public relations, or a related discipline.
• Four years experience in event planning, with a track record of successful events.
• Experience in marketing, public relations, or communications.
• One year of experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.
• Prior experience planning large traditional or cultural gatherings, such as powwows.
• Knowledge and understanding of Public Law 93-638: Indian Self-Determination Act, Tribal organizations and funding opportunities.

Preference will be given to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members or members of a federally recognized tribe. However, all qualified individuals are eligible.

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is an at-will employer.

Tribal Council Approval: 12/05/2023