Director of Event Management

The Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras, Inc (MHMMG) is seeking an Event Director to plan, organize, coordinate and execute all aspects of a successful Morgan Hill Mushroom Festival held each Memorial Weekend (Saturday & Sunday) as well as enhance the financial health of the organization.

POSITION OVERVIEW: This is an independent contractor position with respect to the MHMMG, and not an employee of the MHMMG. MHMMG will not provide fringe benefits, including health insurance benefits, paid vacation, or any other employee benefits for the benefit of the independent contractor. As an independent contractor, the contracted party is required to have liability insurance, however, the MHMMG will also include the hired independent contractor as an additional insured during the festival.

The Event Director will work under the direction and report to the current Executive Director and Board, as an intern/trainee the first year beginning September 2024 to August 2025. Based on experience, success and mutual agreement, the agreement between the MHMMG and independent contractor can potentially be extended to a multi-year agreement as the new Executive Director.

The manner in which the services are to be performed and the specific hours to be worked shall be determined by the current Executive Director and hired Event Director. The MHMMG will rely on the Executive Director and Event Director to work as many hours as may be necessary to fulfill the obligations of the festival.
Successful candidates will have:
• Bachelor’s degree or related experience in event management, hospitality or marketing a plus.

• Proven experience in event planning, preferably with festival or large-scale public events.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate, coordinate and lead teams of people/volunteers
• Excellent communication, written and interpersonal skills, with the ability work closely with the board of directors, volunteers, sponsors, vendors and community partners to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for festival attendees.
• Demonstrated experience in marketing, including digital marketing and traditional marketing channel management.
• Experience in fundraising and sponsorship acquisition highly desirable
• Financial management skills. QuickBooks experience a plus.
• Experience connecting with local community and its resources, including local businesses and organizations.
• Ability to work under pressure, time management skills to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and extended hours during festival period.
• Microsoft computer experience a must especially in Word, Excel, PDF pro/architect

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Festival planning and coordination
a. Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for the Mushroom Festival, setting goals and objectives with the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
b. Coordinate all aspects of the festival including scheduling, logistics and vendor management.
c. Ensure compliance with all necessary permits, regulations and safety guidelines.
d. Collaborate with Committee Chairs, volunteers and partner organizations to ensure smooth operations during the festival.
2. Marketing & Promotion
a. Develop and execute a marketing and promotional strategy to attract visitors, increase awareness of the festival and increase ticket sales.
b. Oversee the creation of marketing materials, such as posters, flyers, advertisements and online content.
c. Utilize various marketing channels, including social media, search engine marketing, email marketing, website and traditional media to reach target audiences
d. Foster relationships with local media outlets and arrange press coverage to generate positive publicity for the festival
e. Stay abreast of current and emerging marketing tactics to maximize reach and generate new messaging opportunities
f. Develop content and sell advertising space in official festival program
3. Fundraising and Sponsorship
a. Identify and pursue sponsorship opportunities to secure financial support for the festival.
b. Develop and maintain relationships with corporate sponsors, individual donors and community organizations
c. Prepare and present sponsorship proposals, negotiate contracts and ensure fulfillment of sponsor benefits
4. Advocacy and Relationship Development
a. Cultivate relationships with mushroom growers, local businesses, government officials and community organizations to enhance community involvement of the festival.
b. Attend community events and meetings to represent the festival and promote collaboration
c. Collaborate with local schools and non-profit organizations on securing volunteers and working with the group leads on securing volunteers to work the festival for their fundraising efforts.
5. Financial Management
a. Assist Executive Director and Treasurer with development and management of the festival budget, ensuring financial sustainability and responsible use of resources
b. Research, suggest and oversee new and existing revenue-generating activities during the festival
c. Assist Executive Director and Treasurer in monitoring and analyzing financial data, prepare reports to be presented to the festival board.
6. Administrative Oversight
a. Oversee daily operations
b. Answer and return phone calls
c. Answer and return emails
d. Recruit, train, supervise and evaluate committee chairs

HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates shall provide a proposal based on job knowledge and experience including a cover letter and resume, a minimum of 3 referrals, job experience/education, proposed range of contracted fees and payment terms, and any other benefits you require as an independent contractor. Please email proposal to info@mhmmg.com no later than July 15. 2024