Special Events Manager

COMMITMENT TO RACIAL EQUITY

The Missouri Historical Society commits to a process of listening attentively to one another and leveraging best practices and resources across our organization to promote a culture of inclusion where individuals from all racial and ethnic identities; ages; nationalities; social and economic statuses; sexual orientations; gender identities/expressions; religious, political, and ideological perspectives; and abilities are able to be engaged, feel valued, and thrive. click here for the full Commitment to Racial Equity

Background:

One of the leading historical societies in the country, the Missouri Historical Society (MHS) is in the midst of a transformative decade with exciting projects under development and on the horizon. We believe public history has the power to build a stronger region by fostering civic pride and civic engagement. In the years ahead, we will expand our efforts to share more history with more people than we ever have before.

Founded in 1866, MHS operates three locations - the Missouri History Museum, Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, and the Library and Research Center. Together our locations serve as the confluence of historical perspectives and contemporary issues to inspire and engage audiences in the St. Louis region and beyond. We do that by telling local stories that focus on the history of this region and its people. This approach has led to some of the most consistently successful years in MHS's history.

Position Summary:

The Special Events Manager reports to the Managing Director of Philanthropy and works across many departments and with donors, vendors, and other constituents. The Special Events Manager actively participates in conception (partnering and generating ideas) and evaluation of development and ticketed special events and is responsible for their planning and execution. Events are designed to cultivate and steward donors, guests, and members at all levels and support ongoing fundraising activities to help reach philanthropy and engagement goals.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Organize, manage, and coordinate the production of events from conception through execution, generating innovative and inspiring ideas that drive revenue and support MHS's vision.
• Manage the logistics associated with development and ticketed special events including speaker series, exhibit premieres, MHS Legends, Chouteau Society, dinners, campaign cultivation events, biennial signature fundraiser, annual Thomas Jefferson Society celebration, executive level events, and other departmental events and fundraisers (virtual and in-person).
• Work in collaboration with Managing Director of Philanthropy, Charitable Gift Officers, MHS President, other members of MHS Leadership, and colleagues in programing and visitor experience in the planning process to identify an event's specific goals, outcomes, and unique touchpoint opportunities.
• Create and implement event plan outlining invitation parameters, event promotion, timeline, and follow up communication plan.
• Build and manage event budgets, forecast event expenses, regularly review spending, submit POs, check requests, and other payments for event vendors and provide final expense report.
• Keep multiple projects on track simultaneously with a laser focus attention to detail.
• Identify challenges, opportunities, and solutions under pressure while remaining flexible and upbeat.

• Manage logistics associated with event execution, including reservation procedures, floorplan, receiving/tracking event registrations, supporting marketing efforts, preparing event/meeting materials and supporting documents, and sending pre- and post-event communications.

• Draft and oversee the production and mailing of event communication pieces, including event invitations, event emails and web pages, and recognition/program materials.
• Request and review RFPs for event vendors; manage ongoing relationships with event vendors and partners.
• Serve as liaison for sponsors and donors hosting events at MHS.
• Compile event data for post event reporting; analyze data to identify patterns and apply those findings to future events.
• Promote and nurture productive working relationships with donors, members, staff, and vendors.

The above statements of this job description describe the general duties and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They do not claim to describe all the functions of this position.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Five years event planning experience

Skills:

• A minimum of two years of direct experience in event management and production
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Creative energy and collaborative spirit
• Fine-tuned organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work on multiple events simultaneously
• Works well under minimal supervision
• Experience with donor management system (Altru, DonorPerfect, Raiser's Edge, etc.)
• Operational knowledge of computer systems including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary
• Ability to build and maintain strong and positive relationships
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information
• Ability to work evening and occasional weekend events

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled.

Please upload cover letter and resume when applying.

*External job boards: Please click this link, to apply.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Services Provided On A Non-Discriminatory Basis

Current Openings for Special Events Manager Jobs at Missouri History Museum