Event Associate

Overview 

The Event Associate is a full-time, year-round position responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of public and private events at Findlay Market. This person plays a key role in creating welcoming, organized, and memorable experiences for guests, private event clients, merchants, vendors, and community partners. Given the nature of event work, this position requires a flexible schedule, with hours varying based on event needs and onsite responsibilities. The typical schedule will be Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional Sunday and evening hours as needed.The position will maintain a 40-hour workweek, with schedules adjusted to accommodate event requirements. The Event Associate reports to the Event and Program Manager.

Living the Mission

As ambassadors for Findlay Market, every team member plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s mission, values, and philanthropic efforts. This means actively contributing to the market’s initiatives, embodying our commitment to community and diversity, and championing the cultural and economic vibrancy that defines Findlay Market. Together, we strive to uphold our mission and make a lasting impact.

Details 

CFFM is looking for an organized, personable, enthusiastic, proactive and creative person to join the Communication Team. This position has to be able to be an expert in logistics and people management. We expect this person to be able to problem solve on the spot and enjoy interacting with all members of the community. Findlay Market sees more than 1.4 million visitors each year, with tens of thousands of those visitors engaging with the Market through special events and programming. The work of the Event Associate is seen and enjoyed by many, so we require a high level professional that can create opportunities to support Historic Findlay Market and welcome new shoppers. This person is regularly representing Findlay Market and CFFM in the public eye and must uphold and display our mission, vision and values at all times.  

The Event Associate is responsible for coordinating and executing CFFM's public and private events, including special events, private rentals, and large-scale activations. They will work closely with Market merchants, Findlay Kitchen members, Outdoor Market vendors, farmers, community partners, and internal teams to create engaging experiences that support Findlay Market's small businesses and strengthen its role as a community gathering place.

The Event Associate will also collaborate with the Communication Team to ensure event information, promotional materials, and public-facing communications are accurate, timely, and consistent. Following events, this person will document outcomes, gather feedback, and prepare recaps that help inform future planning and demonstrate event impact.

Special Events 

• Coordinate the planning and execution of tasting events, including but not limited to Chili Fest, Sweet & Savory Stroll, and Fall Food Fest.
• Coordinate the planning and execution of community-focused events, including but not limited to Art & Poetry, Juneteenth Panel Discussion, National Farmers Market Week, and Trick-or-Treat.
• Maintain detailed event plans, timelines, checklists, vendor and partner communications, and other logistical documents to ensure events are well-organized and executed successfully.
• Serve as a key partner to the Development Team in planning and executing fundraising events, including Flavor of Findlay, Small Bites Big Impact, and other fundraising-related events.
• Coordinate the planning and execution of special Outdoor Market events and activations, including but not limited to Night Markets, BLINK, and Holiday Market.
• Supports the planning and execution of Findlay Market’s seasonal holiday events and programming.
• Supports the coordination and daily operations of the Findlay Market Christmas Tree Sale.
• Coordinate grand opening celebrations for new Findlay Market businesses.
• Manage logistics and setup for press conferences and other media events at Findlay Market.
• Coordinate with appropriate members of the Communication Team to ensure promotional materials for special events are accurate, timely, and consistent, including websliders, postcards, posters, digital graphics, and mailers.
• Coordinate with the Market Management Team on event equipment, including inventory, organization, maintenance, storage, and setup needs.
• Monitor event expenses and ensure events remain within budgets established by the Event and Program Manager.
• Play a key role in planning and executing events celebrating Findlay Market’s 175th anniversary as an active member of the Event Sub-Committee.
• Prepare post-event recaps documenting attendance, participation, expenses, successes, challenges, vendor and partner feedback, and recommendations for future events.

Private Events

• Serve as a primary point of contact and support for private event inquiries, rentals, and coordination across Coughlin Commons, the Farm Shed, Jane’s, Race Street Station, and other Findlay Market event spaces.
• Serve as a welcoming, professional representative of Findlay Market’s private events, providing excellent hospitality and ensuring prospective clients and guests have a positive experience from initial inquiry through event completion.
• Work closely with the Bar Program and Market Management Team on space rentals and event needs.
• Collaborate closely with the Findlay Kitchen Team on their private event schedule, supporting promotion of the space and offering guidance and expertise as needed.
• Coordinate with the Market Management Team on the organization, inventory, upkeep, and availability of private event equipment.
• Develop and implement activation strategies, identify opportunities to improve the private event experience, strengthen client relationships, and promote Findlay Market as a welcoming and desirable destination for private events.

Large-Scale Events

• Serve as a key liaison and logistics coordinator for large-scale events in which Findlay Market is involved, working closely with internal teams, external organizers, participating organizations, and community partners.
• Serve as a primary point of contact and logistics lead for Findlay Market’s involvement in BLINK, including planning and execution of internal events and activations, coordination with Outdoor Market vendors and bar operations, wayfinding, and guest experience.
• Be onsite throughout BLINK activities at Findlay Market, including required evenings and other event hours.
• Play a key role in planning and executing Findlay Market’s participation in the Opening Day Parade, serving as one of the primary points of contact and a knowledgeable resource for parade logistics. Assist with float planning and preparation, setup, coordinating participating organizations, managing parade day placement and staging, communicating instructions, and overseeing day-of logistics to ensure the event runs smoothly.
• Support the Food Innovation Team at external tasting events, including Taste of Cincinnati.

Programs

• Provide secondary support for CFFM programs and the Program Associate as needed, assisting with planning, coordination, and onsite execution to ensure programs run smoothly. Programs include, but are not limited to, Music at the Market, Findlay Eats, the Volunteer Program, tours, and community outreach programming.
• Serve as a primary tour guide for Findlay Market, leading engaging and informative tours for visitors, community groups, and other audiences.
• Support the Friends of Findlay Market Membership Program, including assisting with member recruitment and outreach during designated membership campaigns.
• Plan and execute volunteer appreciation events, including appreciation nights and other activities that recognize and engage volunteers.
• Support the Market Management Team with programming outside the Communications Team, including the Greening the Market and Outdoor Market programs.
• Plan and execute activities and events that support Jane’s and Race Street Station.

Communication & Community Engagement 

• Represent Findlay Market at external events and activities to promote the Market and highlight specific relevant opportunities. 
• Lead tabling and represent Findlay Market at community events, sharing its mission, programs, and opportunities for engagement.
• Coordinate with community partners to ensure Findlay Market is represented at relevant activations and events.
• Assist with relationship building and the coordination and execution of activities with community partners.
• Serve as the onsite point of contact for community partners participating in activities at the Market.
• Share information about upcoming Findlay Market events with relevant external event calendars, community platforms, media outlets, and partner organizations to expand awareness and reach appropriate audiences.
• Capture and execute in-the-moment content for social media as needed on the weekends. 
• Serve as a media spokesperson for special events when necessary.

Values, Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• 1–3 years of experience in event coordination, hospitality, customer service, or a related field.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a personable, welcoming approach.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability and willingness to maintain a flexible schedule based on event needs, including evenings, weekends, private events, and large-scale event weeks.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and professionally handle public concerns.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, clients, vendors, and community partners.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and creating welcoming experiences for all.
• Interest in working in Cincinnati’s urban core and supporting the surrounding community.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Proficiency with office computer equipment and software.
• Continual on-the-job learning is required.

Application Information: 

• Application: Apply with a cover letter and resume via Paycom.
• Deadline to Apply: November 4, 2026
• Hourly Rate: $20/hour
• Benefits: This is a year-round, full-time position with an attractive benefits package that includes: 
  • 4 weeks of PTO (5 weeks after 2 years, 6 weeks after 10 years)
  • 9 paid Holidays 
  • Paid parental leave
  • Health Benefits (health, vision, dental) including High Deductible Health Plan with employer paying 85% of the health premiums
  • Employer funded HSA ($1300 for individual or $2300 for Family) - For those enrolled in health benefits
  • Sabbatical Program: 5 weeks paid sabbatical after 5 years with $1,000 stipend at the start of sabbatical
  • Option for monthly cell phone reimbursement or company phone
  • Work computer