Event Coordinator - Bismarck, ND
About Funatix Events
Funatix Events is a full-service event company based in Bismarck, North Dakota. We specialize in event management, marketing, sponsorship, ticket sales operations, and media for a wide array of local and statewide events.
Our portfolio includes some of the region's most iconic experiences: the historic Mandan Rodeo Days, North Dakota's longest-running event; the Bismarck Marathon; the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference; and a full summer season series at the Bismarck Depot featuring Fiesta Fest, Wiener Fest, Rumble at the Depot, Bismarck Rocks!, the Bismarck Food Truck Festival, and Otto Von Bismarck Fest. We also produce Red White & Boom, coordinate corporate celebrations for major North Dakota employers including the Sanford Family Summer Celebration, and manage the North Dakota Governors' Cup, a professional networking event hosted by the state Governor that raises $250,000 for workforce grants.
At the heart of our work is our EPIC core: we are Experience Obsessed, fuel everything with Positive Energy, strive to Innovate Constantly, and always remain Community Minded. Our mission is to create impactful, immersive experiences that build meaningful community connections and lasting memories. Learn more about us at www.funatixevents.com.
The Position
Funatix Events is seeking an Event Coordinator to serve as the right hand to our Event Director and take true ownership of events across our 27+ event portfolio. This is not a support-from-the-sidelines role. The Event Coordinator will run assigned events end to end - planning, budgeting, vendor management, on-site command, and post-event analysis - while leading event-day staff, volunteers, and seasonal team members in the field.
The ideal candidate is a proven operator who leads from the front: someone who has run events before, makes decisive calls under pressure, and raises the bar for everyone working alongside them. You will work directly with the Event Director on our largest productions and own a slate of events outright.
Roles and Responsibilities
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Event Ownership: Serve as the lead on assigned events from concept to completion. Build and execute detailed event plans, timelines, and production schedules for rodeos, marathons, festivals, conferences, and corporate functions.
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Event Director Support: Act as the second-in-command on flagship productions including Mandan Rodeo Days, the Bismarck Marathon, and the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference. Step in as the decision-maker when the Event Director is running another front.
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Team Leadership: Direct event-day staff, contractors, volunteers, and interns. Set the standard on site, delegate clearly, and develop the people around you.
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Client Collaboration: Work closely with clients to understand their event goals and translate their vision into an executable plan with creative, practical solutions.
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Vendor Management: Source, negotiate, and manage vendors including food and beverage, entertainment, AV, rentals, and other event service providers. Own those relationships year over year.
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Budget Management: Build and manage event budgets, track actuals against plan, and deliver events within financial parameters without compromising the guest experience.
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Logistics Coordination: Own event logistics end to end - venue coordination, permits, insurance requirements, transportation, site plans, and on-site setup and teardown.
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Marketing and Sponsorship Collaboration: Partner with the Director of Marketing and Marketing Manager on campaigns that drive attendance, and with the Sales Director to deliver sponsor activations flawlessly on site.
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Registration and Ticketing Management: Manage event registration and ticketing platforms and processes, ensuring a seamless attendee experience and clean data for clients and internal reporting.
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Event Day Command: Serve as the primary point of contact and on-site leader at assigned Funatix events - managing staff, troubleshooting in real time, and ensuring the event runs smoothly from load-in to load-out.
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Post-Event Evaluation: Lead post-event analysis including surveys, attendance and revenue recaps, and improvement plans that feed directly into next year's playbook.
General Team Responsibilities
Funatix Event Availability: Expected to be available for all Funatix events including but not limited to Mandan Rodeo Days, the Bismarck Depot season series, festivals, and corporate functions. Full event list will be provided. This includes nights, weekends, and holidays.
Bismarck Larks Game Availability: Assist with Bismarck Larks games or events as needed.
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Event Day Hours: Expected to be available from mid to late morning through the end of the event. Schedule will vary by event.
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Non-Event Hours: Expected to attend office hours of 9:00 AM-5:00 PM each weekday.
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Assist with event setup, teardown, and all other aspects of event management at Funatix events. All other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
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Three or more years of experience in event planning, event management, or a related field, with demonstrated experience leading events or teams
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Proven ability to run an event independently - not just support one
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Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously at different stages of the lifecycle
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with clients, vendors, sponsors, and staff
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Calm and decisive under pressure, with the ability to adapt to last-minute changes
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Assertive, persistent, and results oriented
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Experience building and managing event budgets
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Enthusiastic team player with strong leadership skills and a track record of developing others
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Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and learn quickly
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Proficient in Google Workspace including Gmail, Sheets, Docs, and Forms; experience with project management tools such as Asana and event ticketing or registration platforms preferred
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The ability to work extended hours upwards of 14 hours and lift 30-50 lbs
Uphold and Embody Our EPIC Core Values
These values guide how we plan, execute, and elevate every event. We are looking for a passionate leader who believes in the power of fun and meaningful experiences to bring people together.
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Experience Obsessed - Prioritize unforgettable moments for guests, partners, and coworkers.
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Positive Energy - Show up with enthusiasm, optimism, and a can-do spirit.
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Innovating Constantly - Challenge the status quo and push creative boundaries.
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Community Minded - Ensure our events foster inclusion, connection, and community pride.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
