Private Events Manager

PRIVATE EVENTS MANAGER

Organization Mission

Engaging the community through art and nature.

Organization Overview
Laumeier Sculpture Park, one of the first and largest sculpture parks in the country, is an internationally recognized, nonprofit arts organization that is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and operates in partnership with St. Louis County Parks and Recreation. Laumeier presents more than 70 works of large-scale outdoor sculpture in a 105-acre park that is free and open daily. Laumeier serves approximately 360,000 visitors of all ages each year with presentations of art through a sculpture collection, temporary exhibitions, education programs, public events, and more. The park is located in Sunset Hills, Missouri in St. Louis County.

Position Overview
The Private Events Manager is a full-time exempt, salaried position with benefits, reporting to the Director of Special Events.

The Private Events Manager is a member of the Special Events Department and oversees all aspects of the organization’s facility rental program for private events, including weddings, corporate events, and more. This position works closely with the Special Events Coordinator and the Marketing Manager. The Private Events Manager will also contribute to the development and execution of a plan for growth of the facility rentals program that will maximize revenue and meet annual budget goals.

Duties Responsibilities

• Serve as the point person for inquiries for the private event rental program, including conducting site visits, event walkthroughs, and related meetings
• Book and schedule private event rentals, including drafting and securing contracts
• Assist private event clients, vendors, caterers and all related event personnel with securing proper permits, licenses, and proof of insurance
• Maintain the budget for the private events department and process related payments, invoices, and timesheets
• Serve as the primary on-site coordinator for private events
• Develop staffing plans and on-site personnel schedules for private events, including hiring event staff as needed
• Coordinate venue production schedules and deliveries for private events, and provide necessary event materials and instructions to event venue personnel
• Manage advance internal planning around private events, such as calendar management, administrative support, and additional duties as assigned
• Maintain private event databases and files
• Coordinate procurement, organization, storage, and cleaning of event supplies, equipment, and inventories
• Provide basic graphic design support for private events, such as event layout creation
• Assist with Laumeier’s internal events, such as the Annual Art Fair, Laumeier After Dark, Holiday Pop-Up Shops, and development events
• Collaborate and maintain a good working relationship with our operating partner, St. Louis County Parks and Recreation
• Build and manage relationships with vendors including supply purveyors and wedding/event planners
• Actively pursue new business through networking, social media activity, and direct solicitation
• Perform other related duties as required and additional duties as assigned

Qualifications Skills
The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys working with clients, takes pride in providing excellent customer service and who can calmly and confidently problem solve when challenges arise.

• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced work environment
• Excellent organizational skills, with a particular ability to prioritize projects and keep multiple initiatives moving forward simultaneously
• Ability to adapt and react quickly, effectively, and calmly to unexpected changes in a dynamic workplace and event environment
• Dependable, organized, and detail-oriented
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, while being comfortable working with a variety of people, including internal staff, external vendors, clients, volunteers, and the general public
• Strong negotiation skills
• Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Sensitive to both “big picture” and small details
• Possession of leadership skills, strong work ethic, and the ability to supervise staff
• Ability to help write and track budgets, and control department expenditures
• Growth mindset and ability to self-reflect
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of programs, experience with Adobe suite of design programs preferred

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs (load, unload, move supplies)
• Must be able to work outdoors year-round
• Requires walking, standing, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time

Additional Requirements

• Ability to pass a background check, including a check for criminal records
• Flexible scheduling availability with the capacity to work weekends, evenings, and extended shifts (10 hours)

Education Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience in event planning, relationship building, customer service, and budgeting required
• Other preferred work experience includes non-profit, wedding planning, sales, and hospitality

Compensation
$52,000-$58.000

Benefits package is competitive and includes 100% employer-paid health, dental, life and short-term disability, starting on the first day of employment. Health care plan coverage is also available to spouses, domestic partners and dependents, with the employee being responsible for premiums. A generous amount of PTO is granted and grows with the length of employment.

No relocation assistance is available.

Office Culture

Laumeier is a small organization, with modestly sized departments and team members all work closely together. Laumeier offers flexibility for hybrid models of remote and in-person work as well as flexible scheduling.

Staff Core Values: We believe in the importance and impact of art and nature. We encourage creativity and innovation. We value collaboration and teamwork. We rely on competency leading to quality and excellence. We stay true to our values by respecting our colleagues and maintaining accountability. We cultivate a welcoming, inclusive, and positive environment for staff, board, artists, students, and visitors.

DEAI Statement: Laumeier Sculpture Park strives to serve as a welcoming place for diverse social engagement, free from discrimination and prejudice. Our commitment to diversity includes the active embrace of the broadest possible representation of our community, regardless of race, ethnicity, cultural experiences, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, physical and mental ability, education, and religion.

Application Instructions
Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to HR@laumeier.org with the subject line PRIVATE EVENTS MANAGER. Please do not send additional supporting materials until they are requested. You will receive an acknowledgement of the receipt of your application.

Only applicants who move forward in the process will be contacted. We ask for understanding and patience. Please do not contact any staff members to check on the status of your application, and absolutely no phone calls.

Search Timing
The first round of interviews will be held on Zoom. Finalists will interview in person if possible.

Position open until filled. Anticipated start date: As soon as possible, with some flexibility to accommodate the hire’s availability.

Laumeier is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Candidates of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Posted 1/17/2025

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Commute:

• St. Louis, MO 63127 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• St. Louis, MO 63127: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $52,000 - $58,000