Director of Special Events

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is currently seeking a full time Special Events Director with a track record of success and interest in planning public events. The successful candidate for this position will be responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing a variety of social events for our clients. We’re looking for an individual with event planning experience, strong interpersonal skills, a commitment to superior customer service, and an eye for detail. We recognize that our people are our strength and the diverse talents they bring to The Bishop are directly linked to our success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion in our organization. We offer a competitive total rewards package including base salary, benefits, and retirement plan. If interested, please apply by submitting your cover letter and resume at link below by Monday, April 24, 2023:

Employment Opportunities

Director of Special Events
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
Location: Bradenton, FL
Employee Type: Full Time
Industry: Non-profit
Job Type: Management of Rental Events and Social Programs
Reports to: Chief Philanthropy Officer
Education: 4 year degree in related field
Experience: Minimum 3-5 years in related field
Exempt Status: Exempt

Position Summary:
The Director of Special Events is responsible for all rentals and non-educational social events held at the Museum. Duties include developing a strategic plan for the department, generating new business, effectively communicating with current and prospective clients, planning and managing events, and supervision of the Special Events Coordinator, vendors, collaborating effectively with other departments and staff to always present the Museum in the best possible light.

The Director of Special Events focuses on building external relationships and selling the Museum as well as providing an exceptional level of customer service to both colleagues and clients alike.

Principle Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms.

• Manages and directs all rental sales of the Museum for both Corporate and Social clients from initial meeting through signed contract, including conducting site inspections for prospective clients and vendors, providing proposals with room diagrams, and suggesting event details to clients.
• Oversees, develops, organizes, executes, and evaluates all Museum non-educational social events; generates ideas to enhance/expand current offerings.
• Acts as a liaison with vendors and clients/presenters/entertainers while performing day-of management of events and working directly with customers to ensure satisfaction.
• Works with colleagues on public and member programs by oversight of event management and catering elements.
• Prepares, develops, and oversees implementation of the departmental budget, makes purchases (supplies, decorations, etc.), tracks and manages expenses for all special events in order to keep them cost effective and in-line with organizational budget goals.
• Collaborates with the Marketing Department to develop and implement long-range marketing plan for events.
• Maintains yearly schedule of all events which occur at the museum.
• Responds to facility rental inquiries quickly and courteously.
• Ensures timely follow-up to each event, including briefings, minutes, thank you letters, and invoicing.
• Coordinates and personally supervises Museum rentals and events.
• Coordinates with the Director of Facilities for event and rental assistance, including event set-up and take-down, staffing, etc.
• Networks with outside vendors and promotional organizations to build relationships with vendors in the community.
• Works closely with department staff to achieve annual revenue goals for the department.
• Works with additional departments on ensuring and safeguarding the rehabilitation of manatees on site.
• Secure event security and work closely with visitor services staff to facilitate rehearsals.
• Provide accounting, invoicing, payment receipts, and security deposit returns.
• Manage and develop programs outside of rental clients; 1 social event per month: weekly wellness yoga class.
• Develop, organize, and facilitate social holiday events for the Museum.
• Project revenue, expense, and provides reports to the CFO monthly.
• Assists with any other duties as requested by the Chief Philanthropy Officer.

Additional skills include:
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
• Excellent time and project management skills
• Enthusiastic, personable, and outgoing
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• Self-starter and a team player
• Ability to adapt to change
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite software
• Experience with Social Tables or similar room diagram software
• Experience creating and managing budgets
• Excellent contract negotiation skills
• Knowledge of catering, banquet, and event planning best practices
• Ability to oversee and coordinate services relating to events for the Museum
• Ability to independently manage multiple tasks and projects and meet deadlines
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, internally, and externally
• Ability to manage work flow and projects for direct report
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and stand for long periods of time
• Valid Driver’s License

Performance Measures:
• Successfully increasing rental revenues year over year
• Successfully developing Museum social events
• Successfully collaborating with the community
• Budgeting accuracy and ability to work within the budget

Educational Requirements:
• 4 year college degree in related field or specialized training in hospitality and event management fields. Relevant experience may be substituted.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 programs.
• Proficiency with Blackbaud Altru POS management system and have experience in Canva and HoneyBook.

Special work requirements:
• Previous experience in a non-profit environment is preferred.
• This position will require the employee to work some holidays, evenings, and/or weekends to fulfil the position’s objectives. Schedule adjustments are offered to allow the employee to maintain a 40hr work week as closely as possible.
• Demonstrates an ability to understand and articulate a commitment to The Bishop’s values of Integrity, Curiosity, and Stewardship.
• Demonstrates personal integrity and ethical principles.
• Ability to build /collaborate with others and maintain sound relationships.