Event Specialist

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a renowned institution dedicated to showcasing world-class horticulture, art, and nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. Spanning 13 acres of indoor and outdoor facilities just two miles from downtown Columbus, the Conservatory offers visitors an immersive experience featuring stunning glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House. The botanical gardens include specialties such as the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Community Garden Campus. With a commitment to accessibility and community engagement, the Conservatory strives to welcome all visitors to explore and enjoy its unique collection, home to the largest assortment of Chihuly glass artwork within a botanical garden and the famous Light Raiment II installation by internationally acclaimed artist James Turrell.

The Conservatory’s mission is to connect people to nature and create life-enhancing experiences, while its vision is to foster a world that recognizes nature as essential to the human experience. Within this vibrant institution, the role of Event Specialist is pivotal in ensuring that events hosted at the Conservatory run smoothly from planning to execution. This full-time, non-exempt position plays a critical role in managing all aspects of event coordination, including client communication, event logistics, vendor management, and on-site event operations.

As an Event Specialist, the incumbent will be responsible for overseeing pre-event details, coordinating final walkthroughs with clients and caterers, assisting with beverage selections, and managing the Conservatory’s event software to record event details accurately. A strong emphasis is placed on delivering exceptional customer service, promoting the Conservatory to potential clients, and ensuring all events comply with venue rules and standards. The role also involves facilitating ceremony rehearsals and weddings, providing operational direction to caterers and vendors during setup, performing final checks on event day, and supporting sales goals through upselling décor and audiovisual equipment.

This position is essential for organizing and managing multiple events and projects simultaneously, ensuring that all logistics are handled efficiently and that the Conservatory receives necessary payments and documentation prior to events. It requires a highly detail-oriented individual with expert skills in customer service, problem-solving, crisis management, and effective communication. The physical demands of the job include the ability to multitask, stand or walk for extended periods, and handle objects weighing up to 25 pounds. The Event Specialist must also support the Conservatory’s mission and values, working collaboratively in a team environment while demonstrating professionalism, composure, and a customer-focused approach.

Employees in this role benefit from a comprehensive package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, company-paid life and disability insurance, participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement Program (OPERS), optional deferred compensation plans, paid time off, and complimentary membership to the Conservatory. The hourly wage for this position is $19, paid biweekly, reflecting the institution’s commitment to providing fair compensation for dedicated professionals who contribute to creating memorable and impactful events in a beautiful, nature-inspired setting.