Events and Community Outreach Manager

Position Description:

In accordance with the Visit Anchorage mission, this position works under the direct supervision of the VP, Destination Services. The role independently manages, plans, and executes all member and community events, exercising initiative, and strong organizational skills.

What You’ll Do

Lead the production of the annual Seymour Awards Banquet, including selecting and coordinating with decorators, managing invitations, drafting scripts, and organizing all related arrangements.

Oversee the annual Holiday Open House, collaborating with the membership team on sponsorships, décor, menu planning, and entertainment.

Coordinate Destination Services events and programs including monthly membership luncheons, membership orientations, business exchanges, and other assigned events.

Work closely with the Communications Department to produce and update all event content, including descriptions, logistics, schedules, and member‑facing information.

Coordinate Visit Anchorage’s community outreach and local engagement by assisting with special events that serve residents and visitors. Visit Anchorage participates in approximately 40 community events throughout the year.

Coordinate and staff Visit Anchorage’s presence at local job fairs promoting seasonal positions and careers in tourism.

Organize monthly In-Service Training for the visitor centers.

Schedule Visit Anchorage’s mascot talent for a wide variety of public appearances.

Assist with Critter program events, including logistics, staffing, & costume maintenance, repair, & cleaning.

Track all events, ensure proper staffing, and conduct thorough follow-up to support smooth execution.

Order required event supplies, including giveaways and marketing materials.

Partner with the Visitor Services Manager to develop programs that: Increase resident and visitor traffic into the visitor information centers.

Encourage patronage of Visit Anchorage members and local businesses.

Promote Anchorage’s natural attractions and visitor offerings.

Contribute to the Destination Services annual plan and maintain budget oversight for assigned projects.

Model and uphold Visit Anchorage’s Core Values in all work.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Minimum two years of experience in writing, event planning, or event production within a tourism‑focused or membership‑driven organization, or other relevant         experience.

Strong understanding of the needs & characteristics of Visit Anchorage members & local/regional businesses.

Demonstrated time‑management, organizational ability, self‑motivation, flexibility, and skill in managing multiple simultaneous projects.

Excellent oral communication skills, with the ability to speak effectively one‑on‑one, in groups, in person, and by phone; requires strong interpersonal skills and comfort working with diverse personalities, large groups, and high‑pressure situations.

Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to compose, edit, and proof event copy, business correspondence, and reports.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Commitment to and passion for Visit Anchorage programs and Anchorage’s visitor experience.

Valid Alaska driver’s license required.

Work Environment & Schedule Requirements

Requires flexibility to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and events (which are mandatory).

Must be comfortable engaging with the public and maintaining a courteous, approachable, and professional presence at all events.

Requires strong attention to detail for managing logistics, schedules, staffing, and follow‑through.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time, stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.  Position may require the ability to travel occasionally, carrying and lifting luggage and promotional materials (approx.50 lbs.). Employees will be required to stand for extended periods during events, assemble displays and materials, and pack and transport event materials.

Work environment: The work environment includes both indoor and outdoor settings throughout the year. The noise level is typically moderate. This position may require attendance at events and activities in a variety of locations and weather conditions.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Visit Anchorage is committed to inclusive and transparent recruitment and hiring process, and to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity and dynamic nature of the community we share with the world. Candidates of diverse backgrounds and lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.