Event Planner

Our associates celebrate lives. We celebrate our associates.

Responsible for planning and implementing detailed events within a few days. Plans, schedules resources and vendors, and implements event plans supporting funeral services, visitation, and receptions in accordance with the family’s wishes and contract. Communicates instructions, expectations, budgets, and deadlines to vendors and support staff.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

Event Planning

• Plans Events by reviewing contract and discussing with Funeral Director for clarification
• Schedules internal resources including but not limited to facility space adequate for event size, equipment, tables, chairs, podiums, decorations, vehicles, drivers, and Attendants
• Contacts and schedules vendors communicating expectations, budget, and timeline
• Manages Services Arrangements implementation (visitation, funeral, reception, or graveside) per contractual arrangements
• Obtains and inspects vendor products and addresses issues
• Communicates instructions to support staff for set-up, work assignments during events, and clean-up
• Working along with support staff, also sets-up arrangements and may assist with event support
• Available during events to resolve issues
• Responsible for events to meet or exceed the family’s wishes
• Performs a variety of event planning duties such as ordering of memorabilia, stationary, scanning photos, coordinating the development of electronic presentations, music, or drafting obituaries

Administration

• Working with Corporate Products, sources local vendors for catering, flowers, and other local service products
• Obtains pricing and ensures inspections are compliant and business practices are in good standing
• Develops catering menus
• Collaborating with Corporate Products follows guidance for vendor contract & pricing approval
• Maintains vendor Key Performance Indicators and metrics regarding contract compliance
• Develops and maintains Event Playbook including event plans, KPIs, and lessons learned
• Documents areas for improvement and reviews with manager to implement enhancements
• Additional responsibilities as requested or assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Associates degree in hospitality, event planning, or related discipline required.  Two (2) years of event planning experience may be considered in lieu of degree. 

Experience

• At least one (1) year event planning or catering experience is strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Computer literate and proficient with MS Office
• Ability to use proprietary software in the administration of responsibilities

Work conditions

Work Environment

• Work is primarily indoors, also includes working outdoors during all seasons and weather
• Professional attire required when in contact with families

Work Postures

• Frequent continuous period of time sitting or standing up to 6 hours per day
• frequently climbing stairs to access buildings

Work Physical Demands

• Physical effort requiring manual dexterity is required, includes paperwork, calculators, computers and phone usage

Work Hours

• Flexibility of availability is a requirement
• Standards hours include nights and weekends, when the majority of Services occur
• Typically, less than 20 hours a week is worked M-F 8am-5pm
• Limited amount of local and/or multiple location travel required

Postal Code: 39157

Category (Portal Searching): Administration and Clerical

Job Location: US-MS - Ridgeland