PROGRAM ASSISTANT I- FESTIVALS & EVENTS- TEMP

PROGRAM ASSISTANT I- FESTIVALS & EVENTS- TEMP

Salary

$33,280.00 - $43,222.40 Annually

Location

Cary, NC

Job Type

Temporary, Part-Time

Job Number

27-02717

Department

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources

Division

Cultural Resources

Opening Date

11/10/2026

Closing Date

11/24/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

N/A

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

If you are a creative, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented individual who is passionate about creating memorable experiences for the Cary community, we encourage you to apply for the Program Assistant I - Festivals & Events position. This role plays a crucial role in assisting the Festival & Events Supervisor and the Festivals and Events Program Specialist in the comprehensive planning, coordination, preparation, and execution of outdoor festivals and events in Cary. This role encompasses both behind-the-scenes and on-site responsibilities, aligning with the teams overarching goal of delivering captivating, cost-free public events that enhance the Cary Community.

Volunteer coordination is a core responsibility of this position. This role serves as a primary point of contact for festival volunteers and helps create a welcoming, organized, and rewarding volunteer experience. This includes recruiting volunteers, managing registrations and schedules, preparing volunteers for their assignments, and coordinating on-site volunteer operations. Working closely with the Festivals & Events team, this position helps ensure Festivals have the volunteer support needed, and the volunteers have the information, resources, and support they need to contribute to successful events.

Additional responsibilities include coordinating vendor communications, assisting with contracts, preparing event materials and signage, and supporting festival operations and logistics.

Festivals include the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival (fourth weekend in August), Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival (last Saturday in April), and other events throughout the year.

Work schedule will vary by assignment and will include evenings and weekends as needed to support events.

This is a part-time, non-benefited, year-round position, up to 20 hours a week, with a maximum of 999 hours per year.

Typical Tasks

• Coordinate volunteer recruitment and registration, including outreach to individuals, community organizations, and volunteer groups.
• Work with the Festivals & Events team to identify volunteer needs.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records and manage registration, scheduling, and communications through the volunteer management system, Rosterfy.
• Serve as a primary contact for volunteers, answering questions and communicating expectations, assignments, arrival instructions, and event updates.
• Coordinate volunteer orientation and training, and prepare instructions and materials for assigned roles.
• Coordinate on-site volunteer check-in, deployment, and support; monitor coverage and help resolve scheduling or assignment needs.
• Collaborate with the Festivals & Events team to brainstorm, plan, and develop new festival concepts and ideas.
• Assist in coordinating logistical aspects of festivals, including vendor coordination, venue setup, and equipment preparation.
• Prepare event materials, including signage, marketing collateral, and vendor packets.
• Provide on-site support during festivals and events, ensuring smooth operations and addressing any issues that may arise.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• A passion for event planning and a deep appreciation for community engagement.
• Strong organizational skills with an acute attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to work effectively with team members, vendors, and the public.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with event management software is a plus (ZAPPlication, Rosterfy, Canva, Salesforce, Monday.com).
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support event schedules.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of policies, procedures and services of the division and department.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

Education and Experience

Requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to an Associate's degree with coursework in Communication, Marketing, Graphic Design, Event Management, Parks & Recreation, or a related field.

Preference will be given to candidates who possess one or more of the following:

• Some experience in management or coordination of volunteers
• Some experience in event planning or festival support

Physical Requirements

Work in this class requires an employee to be able to hear and talk in order to communicate with the public and with groups under instruction. An employee must be able to climb, walk unassisted and move about freely in order to interact with patrons. Requires the ability to lift moderately heavy items (up to 25 lbs.) Visual acuity is needed to read typewritten and handwritten materials and to view a computer terminal. Work in this class is primarily clerical and may require sitting and use of a computer for extended time periods.

Conditions of Employment

Requires possession of a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record.

Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal history check, SBI finger-printing, motor vehicle records check, education verification and credit history review) and satisfactory reference checks prior to employment.

Cary ensures equal employment opportunities (EEO) are provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.

Temporary, Seasonal, and Intern Employees

Cary employs temporary and seasonal employees and interns who generally are scheduled to work on a short-term basis. Employees hired as a temporary or seasonal employee, or as an intern, are not eligible for the Town of Carys full-time employee benefits package.

01

Do you possess a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• No

02

As most of our events occur in the evenings and on weekends, this position will require evening/weekend availability to support our events as needed. Are you available to work this type of schedule?

• Yes
• No

03

Please list any days/times you are regularly UNAVAILABLE.

04

Do you have a combination of experience and education equivalent to an Associates degree in Parks & Recreation, Communication, Marketing, Event Management, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

05

Please describe your volunteer management or coordination experience. If you do not have this experience, enter, "N/A".

06

Please describe your event planning experience. If you do not have this experience, enter, "N/A".

07

Why do you want to work with Cary Festivals and Events?

Required Question

Employer Town of Cary

Address 316 N. Academy Street, Human Resources

Cary, North Carolina, 27513

Phone 919-469-4070

Website http://www.carync.gov