Events and Production Manager

The California State Railroad Museum Foundation is a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of railroads in California. Located in Sacramento, CA, the Foundation operates the California State Railroad Museum which attracts thousands of visitors annually and offers a range of cultural and educational programs. The Foundation’s mission is to preserve railroad history through interactive exhibits, special events, and engaging educational outreach. One of its most beloved seasonal attractions is THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, a large-scale holiday event held annually that brings the magic of this classic story to life for families and visitors of all ages. This special event transforms the museum and train venues with festive decorations, live performances, and themed activities, creating a cherished community tradition and driving significant visitor engagement during the holiday season.

The Events & Production Manager role is a pivotal position within the Foundation’s Events Department, serving as the operational lead responsible for overseeing a wide range of annual events and productions. This is a full-time, in-person position based in Sacramento, CA, with occasional travel to Jamestown, California for certain events. The salary range for this role is between $75,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience. The ideal candidate will be an experienced project manager with a deep understanding of event logistics, team leadership, and operational planning, especially as it relates to complex events and large-scale seasonal productions.

This role requires the management and execution of approximately 20 annual events held across various museum and train venues. Among these events, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride stands out as the Foundation’s flagship attraction, running during the evening hours of November and December and attracting thousands of guests. Planning for this signature event is year-round, with the most intense preparation starting in October. The Events & Production Manager coordinates multiple departments, vendors, over 100 seasonal staff, and volunteers to ensure a seamless experience for visitors. This work requires exceptional organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and the capacity to troubleshoot operational challenges during event nights.

In addition to event oversight, the Manager supervises two Event Coordinators, providing mentorship and guidance while ensuring that planning timelines and workflows are adhered to. They serve as the event owner for flagship events and are responsible for maintaining event budgets and vendor relationships. Their duties span all phases of event management, from initial planning and meetings to post-event evaluation and reporting. The role also includes operational coordination throughout the run of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, ensuring quality control and smooth performance.

This position demands a hands-on leader who can balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational management. The ability to collaborate across departments and lead diverse teams is essential for success. The Foundation is committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity within its workforce and values candidates who bring varied professional and lived experiences. Benefits of working at the California State Railroad Museum Foundation include comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, paid holidays and vacation, a 401(k) plan, and opportunities for ongoing professional development. Overall, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead impactful cultural events while contributing to the Foundation’s important mission of preserving railroad heritage and fostering community engagement.