Position Title: Events Coordinator 

Work Location: Columbus, OH; Hybrid Flexibility 

Employment/FLSA Status: Full-Time/Exempt

Reports To: Senior Manager, Community Partnerships

Target Salary: $45,000 to $50,000/yr. + discretionary bonus opportunity 


About Besa

Besa is on a mission to transform the volunteer experience by bringing the community together in meaningful, impactful ways. Besa is an Albanian term that means "to keep the promise," and more than a decade into its work, Besa is keeping its promise to Central Ohio. Since launching in 2012, our team has rallied 81,000 volunteers, giving 210,000 hours through 13,600 service projects, and has facilitated $97M in community impact. By connecting individuals with opportunities to give back, we strengthen the very fabric of our community -- building lasting relationships and contributing to the overall well-being and resilience of Central Ohio.

About the Role

Besa facilitates nearly 2,000 volunteer experiences each year across Central Ohio. Our team manages volunteer projects daily, typically serving groups of 30 or fewer volunteers. But our signature community-wide programs -- A&F Challenge, WISH, MLK Day of Service, National Volunteer Month, COSI Science Festival, and other key events -- require dedicated planning, coordination, and execution to bring larger groups of volunteers together for meaningful impact.

The Special Programming Coordinator makes this happen. Working under the strategic direction of the Senior Manager, you'll manage the day-to-day execution of these marquee programs from start to finish. You'll secure locations, develop detailed run-of-show plans, coordinate cross-functional teams, cultivate nonprofit partners, and serve as on-site lead to ensure every detail comes together seamlessly.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives on logistics, provides exceptional customer service to volunteers and partners, and takes pride in executing programs that create meaningful volunteer experiences at scale.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Program Planning & Execution

    • Plan and execute medium to large-scale volunteer events and programs

    • Secure locations and develop comprehensive run-of-show plans including timing, supply needs, food, kick-off, flow, and wrap-up

    • Provide recommendations for service projects, including supply-making activities and on-site activations

    • Build volunteer experience in Besa's platform and manage volunteer sign-ups

    • Serve as on-site lead for events, ensuring everything runs smoothly and problem-solving in real-time

    • Recruit and coordinate volunteer captains, staff, and support as needed

    • Conduct post-program debriefs and lead reporting and benchmarking initiatives to strengthen overall program quality

  • Partnership & Cross-Functional Coordination

    • Support the Senior Manager in building and maintaining relationships with nonprofit and community partners

    • Collaborate with Marketing, Business Partners, and Advancement teams to promote programs and engage their stakeholders 

    • Organize and facilitate event planning meetings, lead cross-departmental committees

    • Answer volunteer and partner questions as they arise, triaging with care and efficiency

    • Represent Besa at community events, partner meetings, and public-facing opportunities 

    • Undertake additional duties as assigned, contributing flexibly to the dynamic needs of the organization


Our Ideal Candidate

  • Experience & Track Record

    • 3 years of experience in event planning, program coordination, community engagement, or related field

    • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and execute events from planning through completion

    • Experience working cross-functionally with different teams or departments

    • Familiarity with the Columbus nonprofit community and local service landscape preferred

  • Skills & Capabilities

    • Exceptional project management and organizational skills with strong attention to detail

    • Outstanding customer service orientation - you know how to make volunteers and partners feel supported and valued

    • Strong relationship-building skills across different sectors and stakeholder groups

    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

    • Comfortable problem-solving on the fly and adapting to changing circumstances on event day

    • Proficient in project management tools (Monday.com experience preferred), databases, and learning new platforms quickly

  • Mindset & Approach

    • Thrives on logistics and takes pride in executing flawless events

    • Solutions-focused with a "make it happen" attitude

    • Collaborative team player who values cross-functional partnership

    • Passionate about serving the local community

    • Elevate events beyond logistics by adding thoughtful details and special touches that create a memorable, meaningful experience for attendees

    • Interested in learning more about Columbus Nonprofits and how we can serve our community 

    • All in on Besa's mission to strengthen our community through volunteerism

Position Details

To succeed in this role, the individual must effectively perform each essential duty. The physical demands and work environment outlined below are representative of those encountered while fulfilling the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations can be arranged for individuals with disabilities.

  • Regularly use a computer and engage with co-workers in both office and virtual environments.

  • Frequently stand or sit to complete work, with occasional lifting and movement of up to 40 pounds.

  • Reliable transportation is required due to occasional local travel, including a valid Ohio Driver’s license.

  • Responsible for providing a phone and ensuring an adequate workspace for completing all work.

Why Besa

At Besa, we're building community infrastructure that connects people to meaningful service and transforms how our region shows up for one another. We are guided by four core values: lead with heart, be fearless, bring people together, and serve with kindness. Joining Besa means contributing to a mission-driven organization where your work directly mobilizes thousands of volunteers, strengthens hundreds of nonprofit partners, and makes a positive impact on the world, one connection at a time.

What We Offer

Joining Besa comes with a range of benefits aimed at supporting your well-being, professional growth, and alignment with our mission:

  • Energetic and collaborative team environment passionately dedicated to transforming the volunteer experience and bringing people together in service

  • Headquarters located in Columbus, Ohio's Brewery District, within a collaborative and inspiring workspace

  • Generous PTO policy, Summer Fridays, and an additional 10 paid holidays.

  • Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, retirement plan with employer match of up to 3% of salary, paid parental leave, short-term and long-term disability benefits, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Investment in your growth through coaching, professional development opportunities, and access to sector learning (conferences, workshops, training)

  • Regular volunteer opportunities, team retreats, and a culture rooted in our values

 

Besa is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing equal opportunities to all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, ensuring a fair and inclusive workplace. While this job description is designed to represent the job requirements, additional duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned or changed at any time with or without notice. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship and will undergo a criminal background check prior to hire.