Event Specialist

ABOUT US

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facility—situated two miles from downtown Columbus—features glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.

MISSION

As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences.

VISION

Envision a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.

JOB SUMMARY

The Event Specialist is responsible for managing the pre-event details and overseeing the day of operations by directing event set up, communicating with staff, organizing vendors, welcoming guests, and problem solving as concerns arise.

Additional Information: This is a full-time, non-exempt position. This position is eligible for the Conservatory's benefit package offered to full-time employees, which includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid Life/AD&D/Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance, participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement Program (OPERS), optional 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), and complimentary membership to the Conservatory.

Compensation: $19/hour paid biweekly

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides excellent customer service to all clients and patrons of the Conservatory.

• Markets and promotes the Conservatory to potential clients; answers and/or returns telephone calls within 4 hours.

• Plans, coordinates, and ensures quality of an event from the time the event is assigned through the post event evaluation; coordinates final payments with the Events Operations Manager.

• Schedules final walkthroughs with booked clients and their caterer to view the space, answer questions, discuss logistics, and finalize details.

• Assists with beverage selections and recognizes upselling opportunities.

• Gathers and records accurate information regarding the details of each event in the Conservatory’s event software.

• Provides accurate information to clients regarding the Conservatory’s rules and regulations.

• Facilitates ceremony rehearsal and executes wedding ceremony.

• Provides operational direction to caterers, bartenders, and vendors during event set-up; directs any performance or staffing-related issues to management when appropriate.

• Performs final checks the day of the event (e.g. floorplans, technology) to ensure everything meets Conservatory standards and the client is happy before turning the event over to the caterer and facilities teams for event completion and clean up.

• Responsible for up-selling decor and AV to meet and exceed quarterly sales goals.

• Sets décor that has been rented through the Conservatory.

• Organizes and manages the logistics of multiple events and projects simultaneously.

• Ensures the Conservatory receives payment and all supporting documents prior to the event.

• Demonstrates focus on serving the clients and patrons of the Conservatory.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s Degree or High School Diploma/G.E.D with 1-3 years of relevant experience in hospitality and/or events.

• Knowledge of wedding operations, foodservice, and bar operations is preferred.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Effective written and oral communication skills with the ability to clearly present ideas and plans to clients and vendors.

• Possess a strong commitment to team environment dynamics with the ability to contribute expertise and follow leadership directives at appropriate times.

• Expert skills in customer service and interacting with the public.

• Knowledge of sales techniques.

• Expert problem solving and crisis management skills.

• Must be detail oriented.

• Knowledge of basic software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

• Ability to multitask and stand/walk for several hours at a time.

• Ability to lift, carry or otherwise move objects weighing up to 25lbs when receiving & storing equipment and event-related items.

• Ability to support the mission and values of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

COMPETENCIES

• Action oriented

• Approachability

• Composure

• Customer focus

• Decision quality

• Informing

• Interpersonal and networking savvy

• Organizational skills

• Problem solving

• Salesmanship

• Team player

• Time management

EEO Statement:

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Conservatory does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Conservatory values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.