Senior Event Specialist

Phoenix Art Museum is seeking an experienced, highly organized Senior Event Specialist to help bring Museum events to life.

Make sure to read the full description below, and please apply immediately if you are confident you meet all the requirements.

Working across the organization, the Senior Event Specialist plans and executes a wide variety of internal programs, Museum-wide events, and private facility rentals. This position manages events from initial planning through execution, coordinating everything from budgets, contracts, catering, and vendors to timelines, room layouts, audiovisual needs, and event design.

The ideal candidate combines exceptional hospitality and customer service with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and adaptable in a fast-paced environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced event professional who enjoys managing complex logistics, building relationships, solving problems, and creating memorable experiences.

What You'll Do

• Plan and execute Museum events and programs, collaborating with Curatorial, Education & Engagement, Development, External Affairs, Museum support groups, and other departments.
• Manage private facility rentals from start to finish, including client communication, site visits and walkthroughs, timelines, room layouts, contracts, billing, and coordination with Museum departments.
• Coordinate event logistics, including catering and beverage service, audiovisual requirements, vendors, equipment, custodial needs, security, and event setup.
• Serve as the primary onsite contact for event vendors, coordinating agreements, walkthroughs, insurance requirements, and compliance with Museum policies and procedures.
• Support the Senior Director of Events in developing private-event business by responding to leads, coordinating site visits, preparing rental contracts, and assisting with billing and receipts.
• Help manage the Museum's Master Events Calendar, coordinating the scheduling and use of Museum rooms and galleries as well as off-site Museum activities.
• Work with clients, Museum staff, vendors, custodial teams, bartenders, projectionists, Phoenix Theatre, and other partners to ensure events are executed successfully.
• Ensure events respect the unique requirements of an art museum environment, including restrictions related to works of art and Museum safety and security procedures.
• Prepare and distribute weekly and monthly summaries of upcoming events and meetings to appropriate Museum staff and partners.
• Build strong working relationships throughout the Museum and with outside vendors through timely communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
• Remain available during events to troubleshoot issues, respond quickly to changing circumstances, and help ensure an exceptional experience for guests and clients.

The position works extensively across Museum departments and with external clients and vendors to coordinate events and maintain the Museum's event calendar.

Education and Experience

A minimum of three years of experience in event coordination, hospitality, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge and Skills

Successful candidates will bring:

• Strong event coordination and execution experience.
• A hospitality- and customer-service-oriented approach.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to manage multiple events, projects, deadlines, and communications simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact professionally and diplomatically with clients, vendors, staff, volunteers, members, donors, and trustees.
• The ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and follow projects through to completion.
• Comfort working in a busy environment where plans can change quickly and effective troubleshooting is essential.
• Experience with event-management software and Microsoft Office.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Experience with Tripleseat, Cvent Floorplans, and Altru is beneficial.

Schedule and Work Environment

This position combines office-based administrative work with hands-on event execution in indoor and outdoor environments throughout the Museum campus. Because Museum events occur outside traditional business hours, the Senior Event Specialist must be available to work some evenings, weekends, and early mornings as required.

The position also involves the physical activity associated with event setup and execution, including periods of standing and walking and occasional lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, kneeling, and similar activities.

About Phoenix Art Museum

Phoenix Art Museum is the largest art museum in the southwestern United States, providing access to visual arts and educational programs in Arizona for more than 60 years. The Museum presents a dynamic collection of art from around the world alongside nationally and internationally recognized exhibitions, films, educational programs, and special events.

As a vibrant gathering place in the heart of Phoenix, the Museum welcomes a broad community of visitors, members, artists, donors, educators, and organizations and provides a distinctive setting for experiences ranging from public programs and lectures to celebrations and private events.

Working at Phoenix Art Museum

Joining Phoenix Art Museum means becoming part of a collaborative organization dedicated to connecting people with great art and ideas. Employees enjoy the opportunity to work in a unique cultural environment while supporting exhibitions, programs, events, and experiences that serve the greater Phoenix community.

Compensation & Benefits

SALARY RANGE - $50,000-$55,000/annually

Phoenix Art Museum offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contributions toward eligible health savings accounts; retirement benefits with employer contributions; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; life and disability insurance; and additional employee benefits and Museum privileges.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter with job code PAM-SES to

**Incomplete applications may not be considered. xhyhwjd **

Phoenix Art Museum | Phoenix, Arizona

Regular, Full-Time | Exempt

Phoenix Art Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.