Event Manager- Private Events

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Exact $60,000.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Weekend Shifts
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Benefits

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental Insurance
employee discount
Flexible spending account
Health Insurance
Life insurance
Paid Time Off
Vision Insurance

Job Description

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is a distinguished historic estate dedicated to interpreting and preserving history and nature while fostering a vibrant cultural community. This landmark serves as an inviting cultural canvas where history and nature unfold, inspiring discovery and creating lasting memories. Situated in an idyllic environment, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens offers an exceptional backdrop for community engagement, educational programs, and unforgettable private events. With a commitment to inclusivity, stewardship, and educational enrichment, this historic estate stands as a premier destination for those seeking to experience history in dynamic and meaningful ways.\n\nThe Private Events Manager at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens plays a pivotal role in the organization's revenue strategy by overseeing the comprehensive planning, sales, and execution of private rental events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, and special celebrations. This exempt, in-person position reports directly to the Events Director and is designed for a highly professional, client-focused individual who excels at managing detailed, high-end event operations. The role requires overseeing the entire client lifecycle—from the initial inquiry and site tours through contract execution and on-site event management—ensuring each event reflects the estate's core values of professionalism, hospitality, and preservation stewardship.\n\nIn addition to operational and financial oversight, the Private Events Manager is integral to advancing Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens’ commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). This includes creating welcoming, respectful, and inclusive event experiences for clients and guests of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities while fostering equitable vendor relationships. The position is crucial in maintaining compliance with all estate policies, safety guidelines, and regulatory requirements, ensuring that private events uphold the highest standards and protect the historic estate’s integrity.\n\nFurthermore, this role demands strong organizational skills, financial acumen, and the ability to collaborate across multiple departments, including Marketing, Development, and Visitor Experience, to promote event opportunities and support fundraising initiatives. The Private Events Manager also leads efforts in evaluating event performance and continuously identifying improvements in operational practices to enhance client satisfaction and efficiency. This role offers a competitive starting salary from $60,000 per year and includes comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with matching, paid time off, employee discounts, and more. Candidates must be comfortable with regular evening and weekend availability and capable of physical activities such as moving throughout the estate grounds and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
  • Minimum five (5) years in hospitality, event sales, or related field
  • Maintain integrity in financial processes, vendor relationships, and preservation stewardship
  • Protect confidentiality of client and donor information
  • Regular evening and weekend availability
  • Frequent movement throughout estate grounds
  • Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds

Job Qualifications

  • Strong sales and hospitality management experience
  • Financial and contract management skills
  • Ability to manage high-end client relationships
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
  • Minimum five (5) years in hospitality, event sales, or related field

Job Duties

  • Maintain a professional attitude when working with clients, vendors, volunteers, and fellow employees
  • Demonstrate and support a culture of diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging
  • Uphold the mission, vision, and guiding principles of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in all aspects of private event operations
  • Provide welcoming, respectful, and inclusive experiences for clients and guests of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and lived experiences
  • Ensure private events are planned and executed in ways that support accessibility, including consideration of mobility access, communication needs, and inclusive guest experiences
  • Promote equitable and inclusive practices in event planning, including working with a diverse range of vendors, partners, and service providers when possible
  • Foster an environment of belonging and respect among clients, vendors, staff, volunteers, and guests participating in private events
  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure event practices align with Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens’ commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
  • Manage the private event sales pipeline from inquiry to contract execution
  • Conduct site tours for prospective clients and vendors
  • Develop proposals, event packages, and service offerings
  • Maintain strong relationships with clients throughout the planning process
  • Provide exceptional customer service to ensure positive event experiences
  • Coordinate all aspects of private event logistics including vendors, staffing, and scheduling
  • Develop detailed event timelines and operational plans
  • Serve as the on-site operational lead during private events
  • Ensure events are executed efficiently and safely while maintaining exceptional guest experiences
  • Manage private event budgets and financial performance
  • Track event revenue and ensure accurate billing and financial reporting
  • Work with Finance to process contracts, deposits, and final payments
  • Manage vendor relationships and event service providers
  • Coordinate vendor contracts and operational logistics
  • Ensure vendors comply with estate policies and preservation guidelines
  • Ensure private events comply with estate operational policies and safety guidelines
  • Coordinate with Facilities and Plant Management to protect the historic estate
  • Ensure compliance with applicable permits, licensing requirements, and alcohol service regulations
  • Collaborate with Marketing to promote private event opportunities
  • Work with Development and leadership teams to support donor and fundraising events
  • Coordinate with Visitor Experience staff when events involve public-facing operations
  • Evaluate private event performance and client satisfaction
  • Identify opportunities to improve operational processes and client experiences
  • Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in event management
  • Participate in institutional events when required
  • Assist with major fundraising or signature events when needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Events Director

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


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