EVENTS MANAGER

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Museum Events Manager at the Dayton Art Institute is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of museum events and facility rentals, including weddings, corporate events, private events, and museum-hosted programs. This role provides leadership to the Events team and works closely with clients, museum departments, and external vendors to ensure events are well organized, professionally executed, and aligned with the museum’s Mission, Vision, and Values. The Museum Events Manager is responsible for delivering an exceptional client and guest experience while supporting the operational and financial success of the museum’s event and facility rental program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, coordinates, and oversees museum events and facility rentals, including weddings, corporate events, private events, and museum-hosted programs.
• Supervises Events Coordinator, Event Set-up Associates, Bartenders, and other event staff as assigned.
• Provides day-to-day direction, scheduling, training, and support to the Events team.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for clients throughout the event planning process.
• Conducts site visits and consultations to understand client needs, event requirements, and space usage.
• Develops and manages event timelines, budgets, staffing plans, and logistics.
• Oversees facility rental processes and ensures clients understand museum policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Coordinates with internal depts and external vendors to secure necessary resources and services for events.
• Works collaboratively with Security, Facilities, Development, Marketing, Curatorial, Visitor Experience, and other museum departments as needed.
• Ensures events are executed in accordance with museum policies, safety requirements, and operational standards.
• Provides thoughtful and creative recommendations to enhance the client and guest experience.
• Addresses issues or challenges that arise before or during events and works to resolve them promptly and professionally.
• Supports efforts to strengthen the museum’s facility rental program and identify opportunities to improve service, processes, and rental activity.
• Maintains accurate event documentation, schedules, and client information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Museum Events Manager supervises the Museum Events Coordinator, Event Set-up Associates, Bartenders, and other event staff as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, business administration, or a related field, or three to five years of relevant event planning, hospitality, facility rental, or management experience, or a combination of education and experience.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
• Proven experience managing a variety of events, from small gatherings to large-scale functions.
• Experience with facility rentals, hospitality, or venue operations preferred.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong customer service orientation with a positive and professional demeanor.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in a fast-paced event environment.
• Proficiency with event management, scheduling, or related software and tools preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed. Many events occur during evenings and weekends, and work schedules may vary based on the event calendar.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role is primarily based in a museum environment, with regular movement throughout offices, galleries, storage areas, and other public facing spaces. The position may require sitting or standing for extended periods and communicating effectively in person and through electronic communication. Occasional lifting of materials up to approximately 20 lbs may be required. Work schedules may include evenings, weekends, or special events depending on museum programming and operational needs. 

The Dayton Art Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable federal and state law. The museum complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. The Dayton Art Institute maintains a safe, respectful, and drug-free workplace.