Event Manager - Starry Nights

Location 6903 Great View Drive North,Cordova, TN, 38018,United States Base Pay $10,000.00 - $10,000.00 / Year Job Category Seasonal Employee Type FT Exempt - Seasonal Required Degree 2 Year Degree Manage Others Yes About Shelby Farms Park Conservancy Shelby Farms Park Conservancy (SFPC) is the nonprofit that manages and cares for Shelby Farms Park and Shelby Farms Greenline in Memphis, TN. SFPC is responsible for daily management, fundraising to meet operational budget needs, setting the vision for the Parks future, and stewarding its natural resources. SFPC team members are committed to our vision of creating a celebrated 21st-century park that defines and shapes a great city and that provides inclusive, equitable, and free access for every resident of the Memphis area. About Shelby Farms Park At 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. It features miles of trails, lakes and ponds, a buffalo herd, the Woodland Discovery Playground, the FedEx Event Center, a treetop adventure course, a sprayground, and an outdoor stage. It is a treasured asset for Memphis, offering inclusive and free access to all. About Starry Nights Starry Nights is Shelby Farms Park’s annual holiday drive-through light show and the Park’s largest fundraiser, raising critical funding to keep our spaces clean, green, and open every day of the year. The event welcomes more than 100,000 visitors to experience the Park at night in festive lights. Position Summary The Event Manager oversees Starry Nights and Afterglow, managing all daily operations, including opening and closing procedures for both the Show and Afterglow, ensuring adherence to Park protocols, and leading a team of Park Ambassadors. This role is key to delivering exceptional guest experiences, maintaining operational standards, and resolving on-site issues so the event runs smoothly. We’re looking for someone who excels in fast-paced environments and can bring holiday magic to life for our guests. This is a full time seasonal position. Training begins the first week of November, and the Starry Nights season runs November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Managers can expect to work about 40 hours a week, with 6 hour shifts 5 to 6 nights a week. Key Responsibilities Leadership and Team Management Oversee and lead a team of Park staff, including Park Ambassadors, Assistant Event Managers, and Show Technicians, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Foster a positive and motivating work environment that supports staff retention and high morale. Monitor staffing levels based on vehicle volume and adjust as needed to keep the Park staffed in line with our Staffing Standards. Operations and Logistics Manage all aspects of daily operations, ensuring efficient logistics and a high standard of guest experience throughout the event. Lead day-to-day on-site ticketing operations, including the box office, Front of House (FOH), admission scanners, and POS systems. Ensure efficient vehicle throughput to minimize wait times and prevent congestion in surrounding areas. Gain a deep understanding of the event’s operational plan to guarantee flawless execution, and be prepared to step into any Park role when needed. Lead the execution of contingency plans and emergency action protocols, ensuring staff are trained and prepared for a range of scenarios. Respond to, document, and address issues that arise within the Park. Ensure operational equipment such as radios, scanners, and iPads is properly maintained, updated, and ready for use. Keep all equipment and the FOH organized, clean, and ready for daily use. Ensure merchandise inventory procedures are followed, with accurate nightly counts. Maintain communication with Afterglow, the Ticket Tent, and all site vendors. Administrative Duties Track and report daily vehicle and merchandise counts for Park records. Complete and submit the pre-show (phase sheet) form before Park opening and the nightly production report at the close of each show. Use Deputy to create and manage staff schedules, ensuring all timesheets are accurate and approved before payroll deadlines. Attend and actively participate in team meetings as needed. Skills and Qualifications Qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Experience in live entertainment. Minimum of one year of management experience. Proven experience training staff at various levels. Demonstrated ability to coordinate teams and execute complex plans, including contingency measures. Customer service experience, particularly in collaboration with a ticketing or guest relations team. Proven conflict resolution skills and the ability to maintain professionalism with both guests and team members. Strong verbal and written communication skills, with excellent organizational abilities. Proficiency with both Microsoft and Apple operating systems, with advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite. Comfortable using personal electronic devices (computer, cell phone) for administrative tasks. Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, with training beginning the first week of November, and able to commit to at least two five-hour shifts per week from November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Work Environment and Physical Requirements Active, guest-facing role performed outdoors, directing both pedestrian and vehicle traffic in a fast-paced environment. Must be able to lift 30 lbs, move 20 feet, and stand, walk, or move independently throughout each shift. Must be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions, including rain, sun, and snow. Employment Requirements Successful completion of a background check. Valid authorization to work in the United States. Valid driver’s license. Personal Qualities Passionate and Proactive: Takes pride and initiative in their work. Guest-Centric: Goes above and beyond to enhance the guest experience. Effective Communicator: Conveys clear, concise messages to all levels of management and staff. Empathetic Listener: Listens carefully to understand and resolve guest issues. Team Leader: Efficiently manages a team of Park Ambassadors. Team Player: Works well within a team. Quick Learner: Picks up new processes and procedures quickly. Knowledgeable: Becomes proficient with all programs and equipment. Adaptable: Stays flexible and positive in changing situations. Self-Motivated and Reliable: Can be counted on to show up, follow through, and lead by example. Enthusiastic: Brings a passion for leadership, immersive experiences, and family live entertainment. Why Shelby Farms Park You’ll lead the team that brings Starry Nights to life, keeping the show running at a high standard from the queue to the finish. If you take pride in strong organization and hands-on leadership, we want you on our team. We move fast, we hold high standards, and we care about the people who make our shows possible. If that sounds like your kind of crew, we’d love to meet you. This job description outlines typical duties and responsibilities and does not limit management’s ability to assign or reassign responsibilities as needed. Shelby Farms Park Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age (40+), disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr