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Location:Bentonville, AR Hiring Range: This position's hiring range is anticipated to be $19 per hour to $22 per hour, depending on experience, plus great benefits! Schedule: This is a full-time role that will include weekends, as well as some evenings and holidays due to the nature of the work. PositionSummary:TheLocalEventsCoordinatorplays a key role in advancing Best Friends' mission by planning, leading andexecutingdynamic local events thatincrease community engagement and expand the reach of lifesaving and advocacy programs.This role bridges national strategy with localprogram needs- serving as a boots-on-the-ground representative who ensures that community-facing events are impactful, inclusive and aligned with organizational prioritiesat the national and local level.Coordinators may receive intensive assignments in a particular program, based on organizational needs.This position is an in-office role with an expectation of travel and offsite support for events or activities. Culture Statement and Responsibility:We believe in treating everyone with kindness and compassion, building trust through authenticity and following through on commitments. We prioritize well-being alongside our mission, fostering strong relationships through open communication and transparent feedback. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our culture, enriching team dynamics by valuing diverse perspectives. Each team member is responsible for creating an inclusive environment where all voices are respected and contributing to a workplace that embodies our shared values and commitment to progress. By consistently aligning our actions with our Guiding Principles, we strengthen our culture and ensure that our values are lived every day. Essential Duties andResponsibilities:
Collaboratewith Lifesaving Center leadership, local and national marketing teams and other key stakeholders to understand program goals and priorities;develop and manage a calendar of local and regional events aligned with national campaigns, organizational goals and local opportunities; work with internal teams to ensure events further Lifesaving Center goals(e.g., increasing adoptions, expanding volunteer and foster support and increasing consistent engagement). Plan and participate in community tabling's, outreach initiatives and locally impactful events to expand the organization'svisibilityand reach new audiences;facilitate engaging and mission-driven experiences at third-party events, such as interactive activities and contests;track the performance of outreach efforts and recommendimprovementsto maximize audience engagement. Oversee all aspects of event production; secure venues conducting site visits when necessary and determine venue suitability for audience, budget and logistics; obtain needed permits, rentals, catering, signage, audio/visual and decor, ensuring brand consistency and superior visitor experience at each event; create run-of-show documents, set up maps, contingency plans and onsite staffing plants to ensure smooth execution. Work with local and national marketing and PR teams to develop localized event promotions plans, using email, social media, printed materials and media relations;serve as a local ambassador for the organization, engaging with the community members, partners and media following organizational guidelines. Recruit, train and coordinatevolunteers and volunteer teams in support oflocaleventswith the goal of utilizing volunteers to the greatest extent possible to expand Best Friends lifesaving capacity;lead on-site teams during events, providing clear direction and ensuring a collaborative and professional atmosphere; ensure volunteers and support staff are providing superior customer service and follow all organizational policies and procedures. Assist or oversee the creation of engaging content for social media platforms, to include creation and/or editing of written, video, and photo content. Work collaboratively with other departments and marketing teams to identify engagement opportunities with social media and PR to support lifesaving outcomes and programmatic needs at the center. Represent Best Friends in media relations when requested and ensure to maintain Best Friends' voice across all communications. Assist other teams in providing basic care such as feeding, cleaning, walking, and medicating animals housed or transported within Best Friends' vehicles, buildings, or facilities; follow all policies and local standard operating procedures when completing daily functions to ensure health and safety standards are upheld. Work collaboratively with and assist Best Friends' team members in all areas ofcommunity engagement andoperations to develop, evolve, and implement efficient processes to achieve lifesaving goals; follow policies, procedures, and task lists,including accurate and timely communications, work completion, data entry, and recordkeeping. Maintain a safe workplace, value, and model safe work practices, adhering to organizational safety practices and rules, and addressing or communicating to leadership about unsafe practices and conditions.Ensure all events meet organizational and local health, safety and compliance requirements. Travel up to 10%.
Skills and Experience:
1-2 years' experience leading volunteers and overseeing planning and execution of events for non-profit organizationis preferred butnot required. Prior work experience in public facing roles is required, strong preference for hospitality or event roles. Excellent communication (verbal and written) and listening skills. Comfortable with public speaking in both small and large group settings. Bilingual or multi-lingual skills are preferred but not required. Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues; familiarity and comfort with a conversational adoption process. Ability to work with, leash, kennel, walk, and handle cats and dogs, including those with health and/or behavior conditions/concerns; basic ability to identify and speak to medical and behavioral characteristics of dogs and cats. Strong interpersonal skills, a team player, personable, professional, and able to get along with people from different backgrounds, as well as the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations. Abilityto work in a fast-paced environment withwell-developedorganization skillsto juggle multiple competing tasks and demands. Resourceful, get-it-done attitude; initiative to assist in any area or process; problem solving, seeking answers independently and enthusiastically; flexibility to persist until goals are achieved. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software/animal management software,or desire to learn.
Physical Requirements:
Routinely lift 40 pounds and perform daily strenuous activity including, but not limited to lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending. Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time including typing, sitting, walking, arm, and hand motion. Ability to work with, leash, kennel, walk, and handle cats and dogs, including those with health and/or behavior conditions/concerns; basic ability to identify and speak to medical and behavioral characteristics of dogs and cats. Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold. Ability to travel via various forms of transportation including transport vehicles of varying sizes. Must have a valid driver's license for at least 3 years, ability to qualify to be added to Best Friends insurance. Ability to travel and/or drive on behalf of Best Friends, including overnight stays, when needed. Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule; position includes weekends, nights, and holiday work.
Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career at Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends Animal Society is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or domestic partner status. Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.
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Best Friends Animal Society
May 16, 2026