Event Specialist

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a premier cultural institution located just two miles from downtown Columbus, Ohio. This 13-acre facility combines the beauty of horticulture, art, and nature to offer immersive and educational experiences to visitors of all ages. The conservatory features magnificent glasshouses, including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House, along with botanical gardens such as the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and the Community Garden Campus. Known globally as a botanical garden destination, it is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden setting and displays renowned art installations like Light Raiment II by internationally celebrated artist James Turrell. Committed to inclusivity and community engagement, Franklin Park Conservatory provides diverse programs and exhibitions that connect people with the natural world and foster an appreciation for environmental stewardship.

The Event Specialist at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a vital role responsible for managing all pre-event preparations, as well as ensuring smooth operations on the day of events. This includes coordinating event setup, communicating effectively with internal staff and external vendors, welcoming guests, troubleshooting any issues that arise, and leading the event to successful completion. This full-time, non-exempt position reports directly in the event operations area and offers a competitive rate of $19 per hour, paid biweekly.

This role demands exceptional customer service skills as the Event Specialist acts as a primary point of contact for clients booking events. Duties consist of marketing and promoting the conservatory’s event spaces, scheduling walkthroughs with clients and caterers, assisting with beverage selections, and maintaining detailed records in the conservatory’s event software. On the event day, the specialist oversees operations, including guiding vendor setup and decor placement, facilitating ceremony rehearsals and ceremonies, managing event logistics, and performing quality control checks to ensure that all standards and expectations are met. Additionally, this position includes opportunities to contribute to the conservatory’s sales goals by upselling decor and audiovisual equipment.

Franklin Park Conservatory values individuals who are detail-oriented, able to multitask, and possess strong communication and problem-solving abilities. Flexibility in working evenings, weekends, and holidays when events are scheduled is required. The specialist will also need to physically manage event materials and support a mission focused on connecting the community with nature.

Employees benefit from a comprehensive package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, company-paid life and disability insurance, Ohio Public Employees Retirement Program (OPERS) participation, an optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan, and generous paid time off (PTO). Complementary membership to the conservatory is also provided to all full-time employees, emphasizing a supportive and rewarding workplace environment.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, actively fostering an environment that welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and ensures equal employment opportunities without discrimination on any protected status.