Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
Weekend Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional Development
flexible schedule
Employee Discounts

Job Description

The Oklahoma Center for the Humanities (OCH) is a pivotal institution within the University of Tulsa dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the humanities through dynamic programming and community engagement. The center plays an essential role in promoting cultural events and educational activities that connect academic insights with public discourse. OCH collaborates with faculty, students, donors, community partners, and various Tulsa organizations to host events that are nationally recognized, vibrant, and enriching in scope. Known for its commitment to both the arts and humanities, the center hosts a variety of events including festivals, lectures, conferences, exhibitions, and performances, aimed at enhancing the cultural fabric of the Tulsa community and beyond.

The Major Events Manager is a critical team member reporting directly to the Director of the Oklahoma Center for the Humanities. This role entails the comprehensive management of large-scale events and festivals that have significant visibility and impact. Key events include Switchyard, Mayfest, World of Dylan, presidential lectures, multi-day conferences, and First Fridays. The manager will work in close collaboration with the Special Programs Coordinator and other OCH staff, as well as community partners and offices across the University of Tulsa, to ensure the seamless execution of these ambitious programs.

The position requires a self-motivated individual who is highly organized and detail-oriented. The manager must be able to navigate the complexities of coordinating diverse groups that include professional staff, community members, donors, faculty, and students. This role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to maintain efficient workflows both independently and as part of a team. The Major Events Manager is responsible for budgeting, planning, contracting, onsite management, volunteer recruitment, and strategic event design. They act as the lead liaison for external vendors, advertisers, and contractors and maintain connections to advisory boards as well as the wider arts and humanities communities.

The work environment is primarily based at the 101 Archer Building/Zarrow Center, with typical office hours from Monday through Friday. However, the role demands flexibility for evening and weekend commitments to support events and programming. There are moderate physical demands involved, such as transporting light equipment. The position contributes significantly not only to the logistics and operational success of events but also to enriching Tulsa's public cultural offerings by making galleries and event spaces welcoming and accessible.

The Oklahoma Center for the Humanities seeks a Major Events Manager who can bring expertise in large-scale event management, preferably with experience in the nonprofit arts and education sectors. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is required, alongside a willingness to learn internal university software systems. This is a full-time, in-person role that offers the opportunity to be at the heart of a vibrant cultural institution, contributing to the legacy and future growth of humanities programming in Tulsa and beyond.

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • demonstrated experience in large-scale event planning, preferably within the nonprofit arts/education sector
  • proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel
  • willingness to learn university’s internal software systems
  • ability to communicate effectively and efficiently within and beyond the organization
  • demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced setting
  • ability to work some evenings and weekends
  • in-person work at 101 Archer
  • moderate physical ability including transporting light equipment

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • demonstrated experience in large-scale event planning, preferably within the nonprofit arts/education sector
  • proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel
  • excellent communication skills
  • ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced setting
  • preferred advanced degree in a humanities field
  • one year of experience in program and exhibition design
  • familiarity with university administrative and accounting systems
  • outstanding writing skills

Job Duties

  • Develop and manage budget for Mayfest art festival, plan, contract, and manage all onsite operations for Switchyard, World of Dylan, and Mayfest, act as the lead liaison with vendors, advertisers, and outside contractors, assist with the design and strategic planning for major festivals, exhibitions, and events, oversee the recruitment and deployment of volunteers at events, coordinate other major events including presidential lectures, multi-day conferences, and First Friday events, serve as a key liaison to external advisory boards and the arts and humanities community, assist with the day-to-day operation of 101 Archer building during events, assist with other OCH programs including lectures, performances, screenings, and gallery events

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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