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Norfolk Botanical Garden

Special Events Manager

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Hourly
Full-time
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Compensation

Type:
Hourly
Rate:
Exact $21.00
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
Flexible
Weekend Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Retirement Plan
Life insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Employee assistance program
employee discount
Health savings account
Vision Insurance
Parental leave

Job Description

Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG) is a premier botanical garden located in Norfolk, Virginia, dedicated to providing a lush, educational, and serene environment for visitors of all ages. The garden offers a variety of botanical displays, seasonal exhibits, educational programs, and community events aimed at fostering a love and understanding of the natural world. At NBG, the mission is to inspire appreciation and care for the environment through immersive garden experiences and dynamic programming that enriches the community and supports conservation efforts. As a nonprofit cultural institution, NBG hosts numerous public and private events year-round, attracting diverse audiences to enjoy the... Show More

Job Requirements

  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and navigate Garden property during events
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs and assist with event setup and takedown
  • Requires evening, weekend, and holiday availability based on event schedules

Job Qualifications

  • Valid driver’s license required
  • Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Nonprofit Administration, or a related field preferred
  • Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in large-scale event planning or production, preferably in a nonprofit or cultural institution
  • Proven ability to manage complex events with multiple stakeholders, vendors, and moving parts
  • Strong vendor management skills and experience coordinating contracts, logistics, and day-of execution
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • comfortable with public-facing roles and cross-functional coordination
  • Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and community representation in event planning and programming
  • Ability to thrive under pressure, multitask, and problem-solve in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • experience with event management platforms or scheduling tools a plus

Job Duties

  • Plan and execute major Garden-hosted events including festivals, concerts, cultural celebrations, and fundraising galas
  • lead coordination of seasonal exhibits and in-house displays working with other departments on timelines, layouts, and creative programming
  • serve as the primary liaison for external vendors, performers, exhibitors, and community partners participating in Garden events
  • manage plant society show and sales coordination providing logistical support and cultivating relationships with partner organizations
  • collaborate with internal departments such as Marketing, Guest Services, Education, Development to ensure successful event promotion, staffing, and execution
  • oversee timelines, budgets, and logistics for each event including permitting, rentals, signage, equipment, and contingency planning
  • develop and maintain event documentation such as run-of-show, setup diagrams, vendor agreements, and staff schedules
  • monitor event success through guest feedback, staff debriefs, and performance metrics to inform future planning
  • serve as on-site lead for large events ensuring seamless coordination across staff, volunteers, and partners
  • recruit, schedule, and supervise seasonal event staff and volunteers during peak event periods
  • assist with Garden-wide special events and any other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Job Location