Event Operations Associate

Event Operations Associate

Part-Time

Union Position

About the Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium connects people to the universe and each other. Whether introducing a guest to the Ring Nebula, a neighborhood school to a community partner, a research team to a network of citizen scientists, or one staff member to another, Adler's focus on meaningful connections dates back nearly a century. Today, the museum typically hosts more than half a million visitors annually and reaches millions more through youth STEAM programs, neighborhood skywatching events, online citizen science, and other outreach efforts. With Adler's support, people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities gain the confidence to explore their universe together and return to their communities, ready to think critically and creatively about any challenge that comes their way.

The Position

The Adler Planetarium is seeking Event Operations Associates to join our dynamic team located on Chicago's Museum Campus. The Event Operations Associate is responsible for supporting the success, safety, and profitability of public and private events at the museum. This is a union position with the Adler Planetarium Workers United, AFSCME Council 31.


This individual will be responsible for:

• Assisting with event setup and breakdown, including elevator management, removal of Grainger Sky Theater seating, placement of stanchions and event signage, & indoor and outdoor uplighting
• Assisting in event facilitation and problem-solving from beginning to end
• Providing outstanding customer service to direct guests as well as providing multiple services such as coat check, wayfinding, greeting, access control, etc.
• Communicating any safety or security needs with the Public Safety staff, external security, and Event Operations Team
• Troubleshooting any last-minute event details or needs from the client

The Work Schedule

Typical work hours for this position vary, but expect to work evenings and weekends between 3 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. Availability on Friday and Saturday nights is required.

The Compensation & Benefits


Base Pay Range: $19.00-$20.59/hr

Work-Life Balance

• 7 to 25-hour workweek
• Eligible to accrue up to 6 vacation days per year
• 3 sick days as of date of hire (can accrue up to 6.5 days per year)
• Eligible to earn time and a half for working on any of the 7 Adler observed holidays
• Flexible work arrangements
• Paid Family Bereavement Leave & Jury Duty
• Paid Parental Leave

Commuter flexible spending account

Retirement Savings Plan

• 403B plan with Adler match
• Adler match is 100% vested immediately
• Eligible to enroll as of the date of hire

Network of Support through our EAP programs

• Resources to help address emotional, legal, and financial issues
• Face-to-face, telephonic, and web-based services
• Free subscription to the Calm Premium app

Employee Loan Program

Discounted Onsite Parking Program

Free Entrance to Chicago area museums and cultural institutions

The Person

The Adler is seeking a candidate with excellent customer service skills who can effectively communicate with team members, staff, and guests. This candidate must have great attention to detail.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Proficient in following written and verbal instructions
• Strong communication & customer service skills
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service in a professional fast paced environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-2 years experience in hospitality management
• 1-2 years experience working in large public event operations

The Adler Planetarium is dedicated to complying with its Equal Opportunity employer obligations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email the Human Resources Department at View email address on click.appcast.io with the nature of your request and your contact information. Accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.