Headquarters Coordinator

Job Title:

Headquarters Coordinator

National Fried Chicken Festival presented by Raising Cane’s

Location:

New Orleans, LA

(On-site during festival production period)

Job Type:

Contract | Temporary (Festival Season)

About the Festival:

Founded in 2016 in New Orleans, the National Fried Chicken Festival (FCF) presented by Raising Cane’s is a two-day outdoor celebration of food, music, and culture. Drawing thousands of visitors from across the country, FCF was recently named the #6 Best Specialty Food Festival in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards (2024). It's become one of America's must-attend culinary experiences.

Position Overview:

We’re seeking a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Headquarters Coordinator to lead the setup and daily operations of the Festival Headquarters (HQ)—the production command center of the event. This role is essential to ensuring internal operations run smoothly throughout the festival production cycle.

Key Responsibilities:

Headquarters Setup & Organization

• Set up and maintain a clean, functional HQ space for staff and vendor coordination
  
• Organize clearly labeled stations for credentials, volunteer check-in, vendor support, and operations
• Ensure power sources, lighting, and backup supplies are installed and operational

Administrative & Communication Tasks

• Post and maintain key documents: production schedules, permits, site maps, emergency plans, and contact lists
  
• Manage whiteboards or digital systems for real-time updates, notes, and task checklists
• Support team meeting logistics and internal communication flow

Clerical & Supply Management

• Stock and monitor all necessary HQ supplies including:
  
• Office items (clipboards, pens, tape, etc.)
• Cleaning materials (disinfectant, paper towels, hand sanitizer, etc.)
• Keep HQ storage areas organized and accessible

Craft Services & Hospitality Coordination

• Work with Food & Beverage to ensure meals, snacks, and drinks are available to production staff and volunteers
  
• Maintain a clean and restocked hospitality area inside HQ

Lost & Found & General Support

• Set up and manage the Lost & Found station
  
• Serve as the central information and support hub for on-site staff and vendors

Daily Operations & Troubleshooting

• Ensure HQ is clean, safe, and functional throughout load-in, event days, and load-out
  
• Track and refill supply needs
• Maintain and monitor Wi-Fi, hotspots, and radio systems
• Support internal communications with updated signage and announcements

Post-Event Closeout

• Lead HQ breakdown and final clean-up
  
• Assist with post-event feedback collection and reporting

Qualifications:

Required:

• Experience in event coordination, office management, or festival production
  
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Clear and professional communication skills
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
• Ability to lift and transport supplies (~25 lbs)
• Familiarity with Google Drive, shared calendars, and walkie-talkie/radio systems

Preferred:

• Background in festival/event HQ or artist/staff hospitality
  
• Knowledge of New Orleans permitting and public event procedures
• CPR/First Aid certification

Schedule Requirements:

• Availability for pre-event planning meetings and site visits
  
• Full-time on-site presence for load-in, event days, and load-out
• Flexibility to adjust based on production needs

Compensation:

Flat-rate contract based on experience.

Includes:

Daily meals

Official merchandise

Festival credentials

Complimentary event tickets

To Apply:

Send your resume and a short statement of interest to:

[email protected]