Special Events Coordinator - Seasonal

We’re looking for a detail‑oriented, mission‑driven professional to help bring to life the community, fundraising, and member events that support our work in conservation and environmental stewardship. Under the direction of the Senior Manager for Special Events, you’ll play a key part in planning and executing signature events—including Rock The Ridge, Shawangunk Grit, and the Annual Benefit Auction—along with a variety of donor, membership, and planned‑giving programs.

You’ll jump into fast‑paced, hands‑on work: coordinating logistics, partnering with vendors, supporting volunteers, engaging attendees, and helping tell the story of our conservation mission through seamless, inspiring events. Working closely with staff across the organization, you’ll bring energy, organization, and creativity to every event.

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations:

• Build lasting community partnerships by renewing and securing new item donations from local businesses for the Annual Benefit Auction.
• Drive excitement and generosity by proactively soliciting standout auction items from area partners.
• Keep our auction running smoothly by tracking items, organizing data, and uploading completed descriptions to the online auction platform.
• Collaborate creatively with the Communications team to develop eye‑catching event materials and clear, effective directional signage.
• Boost event visibility through marketing support that includes drafting and proofreading email campaigns, social posts, press outreach, and post‑event surveys.
• Bring events to life on the ground by supporting registration, setup, and breakdown with a can‑do attitude.

What You’ll Bring:

At Mohonk Preserve, our priority is finding the best candidate for the job. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the qualifications or have a less traditional background.

• Associate’s degree and minimum 1 year of relevant experience in event planning/production OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent written, visual and interpersonal communication skills (including email etiquette).
• Proficiency using a variety of technological systems including Microsoft Office 365 applications, remote work platforms (Teams, Zoom), project management tools, databases (Blackbaud Altru a plus), registration and ticketing platforms such as GiveSmart and BikeReg.
• Dependable, detail-oriented and excellent organizational skills.
• Capacity to work easily and effectively with a wide range of people.
• Commitment to ensuring that all people are respected and welcomed at the Mohonk Preserve.
• Willingness to work irregular hours and workweek, including weekends, evenings, and/or holidays.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Bonus skills:
  • Experience in development, fundraising, public relations or hospitality management.
  • Experience working with non-profit and/or environmental organizations.
  • Experience in basic graphic design.
  • Bi-lingual.
  • Experience working with volunteers.
  • Experience using Adobe Creative Suite.

Physical Demands:

• Frequently uses a computer keyboard, reads, writes
• May require standing, walking, hiking, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, carrying equipment
• The role involves regular physical activity associated with outdoor events, including standing for extended periods, lifting items of at least 20 pounds, and performing tasks such as setting up tents and tables, moving event materials and signage, and assisting with site preparations and breakdown.

Total Rewards Package:

This is a seasonal, part-time position (20 hours per week) anticipated to run from early to mid-April through late September with the potential of returning in 2027.

• Salary: $21.50 per hour
• Mohonk Preserve membership for the duration of the position
• Access to lands and some activities of Mohonk Mountain House resort

Eligibility for certain benefits is dependent upon a variety of factors including length of employment.

Location:

Mohonk Preserve’s main offices are located at our Visitor Center in Gardiner, NY. Remote work options are available, coordinated with the supervisor and depending on the job, staff may be able to split time working remotely, as well as in the office. While daily schedules are flexible, general working hours are weekdays 9am-5pm with most events on weekends. Mohonk Preserve is a smoke-free campus.

How to Apply:

Email resume and a one-page cover letter tying your experience to specifics in the job responsibilities by March 20 to: employment@mohonkpreserve.org with the subject line “Special Events Coordinator application.”

The anticipated start date of this position is early-mid April 2026. No phone calls please

• Mohonk Preserve membership for the duration of the position
• Access to lands and some activities of Mohonk Mountain House resort