Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The primary mission of the organization is to create and host an authentic, traditional German Christmas festival - the Carmel Christkindlmarkt.
The festival has taken place for six years (2017-2023, skipping 2020 due to Covid-19), drawing 450,000+ visitors annually from mid-November through Christmas Eve. In 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023 the Carmel Christkindlmarkt was voted the #1 Holiday Market in North America according to USAToday’s 10Best Readers’ Choice poll.
The mission of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt is supported by a small team of year-round staff and seasonal staff members. Our organization highly values the ability of our team members to work together, to adapt to changing circumstances, and to cultivate an atmosphere of shared success when engaging with each other, contract vendors, and guests of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt.
Job title: Cultural Events Manager
Job type: Full-time, W-2
Pay range: $65,000-85,000 per year
Job description:
The Cultural Events Manager serves as project manager and drives the process of planning andexecuting all special events for the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. This person coordinates effortsbetween all internal and external parties involved, and ensures that all event needs and expectations are communicated effectively to all involved. This person also supports the Vice President of Cultural Programs in ensuring the success in cultural program initiatives, Kinderecke activities and Spielhaus programs. The Cultural Events Manager works closely with and reports to the Vice President of Cultural Programs.
Job duties:
Cultural events:
- Develop and execute special events and cultural programs at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt.
- Cultural events (single-day programs): Opening Day Ceremony, Tree Lighting, Sankt Nikolaustag, Glühwein Gallop, Sankt Martinstag, Military Appreciation Day, Christkind Choral Festival, IGHS Sing-along and Ornament Exchange, Menorah Aflame, Student Appreciation Day, Christkindlmarkt’s GotTalent.
- Cultural programs (on-going throughout the season): Christkind Program, Kulturecke Docent Program, Educational Tours of the Market, High School Field Trips, Cultural Performances, Kinderecke activities, Spielhaus Program.
- Coordinates between all internal and external parties for each event and cultural program including entertainment, special character appearances, volunteers, staffing, marketing, beneficiaries, operations, sponsors, activity hosts, and more.
- Determine reasonable timelines of completion for each event and program.
- Communicate professionally with all parties involved to stay on track for successful execution of each event and program.
- Train and schedule staff for events, Kinderecke and Spielhaus; communicate schedules and responsibilities clearly to all parties.
- Oversee event staff and volunteers during events. This includes check-in and check-out procedures, event performance assessment and staff development.
- Provide support for staff, such as answering questions, technical troubleshooting, delivering supplies, and providing breaks during special events.
- Other cultural event-related duties as assigned by the VP of Cultural Programs.
Administrative and support duties:
- Schedule special events and programs in-line with overall market goals.
- Develop, test and organize craft activities for the Kinderecke.
- Recruit and schedule acts and activities for the Spielhaus.
- Tracking applications and scheduling appointments and interviews for VP of Cultural Programs and seasonal staff.
- Creating, sending and tracking contracts for outside program participants.
- Proofreading marketing materials.
- Coordinating market tours with tour guides and interested parties.
- Errands, supply pickups etc.
- Other administrative duties as assigned by the VP of Cultural Programs.
Qualifications:
- 2+ years of experience in event planning and event management of large-scale events/festivals
- Proven track record in leadership positions and/or educational settings preferred
- Experience with project management software
- Attention to detail is essential
- Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with good organizational skills
- Proven ability to take initiative and work independently
- Ability to coordinate through conflict and problem-solve issues to resolution
- Ability to adapt to change, establish relationships, and work in a team environment
- Ability to maintain composure in the face of adversity and lead team members with positivity
- Willingness to work in cold temperatures, predominantly standing and walking
- Should have a deep familiarity with German culture and Christmas traditions
- Must be proficient in Google Products and Microsoft Office Suite
- Have own transportation
How to apply:
To apply, please email your resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references to staffing@carmelchristkindlmarkt.com.
