Events and Rentals Manager

Events & Rentals Manager

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO) Classification: Full Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $40,000–$45,000/year (equivalent hourly rate based on experience)

Schedule: Many evenings and weekends required; schedule varies based on the events calendar (typical average of ~40 hours per week) Benefits:

• Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and more!
• Generous Paid Time Off - because we value work/life balance, starting rate offers up-to five (5) weeks PTO annually, PLUS Personal Leave Time for health-related time off.
• Seven (7) paid holidays off (two (2) of which are chosen by each individual to allow flexibility to celebrate what's important to them).
• Paid snow days during severe weather to keep our staff safe.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling and other support services.
• Simple IRA with a 3% match for retirement savings.
• Ask about our additional KNC-specific benefits that were too many and too unique to list here!
  
  

Love creating experiences that bring people together?

The Kalamazoo Nature Center is looking for a friendly, creative, and detail-oriented Events & Rentals Manager to coordinate and deliver memorable gatherings in one of Michigan’s most beautiful natural settings. Why You’ll Love This Job If you enjoy a balance of behind-the-scenes planning and hands-on event action, this role offers the best of both worlds. You’ll be the person who makes sure every wedding, community celebration, and special event at KNC runs smoothly — keeping things organized, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone involved. You’ll get to work with a supportive team, connect with the community, and play a key role in creating positive experiences that help people connect with each other and with nature. While we’re a Nature Center, you don’t need to be an ecologist or environmental expert to thrive here. What matters most is your enthusiasm for hospitality, your ability to think on your feet, and your dedication to creating experiences that leave guests smiling. About the Kalamazoo Nature Center KNC is a nonprofit organization located on 1,500 acres of scenic woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. Recognized nationally as a top nature center, KNC offers over 15 miles of trails and a mission to welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature. We value diversity and inclusion and actively seek team members who bring different perspectives, skills, and experiences. About the Role The Events & Rentals Manager coordinates both internal and external events at KNC — from weddings and private rentals to mission-driven community events. This role ensures that each event is safe, well-organized, and aligned with KNC’s high standards of hospitality and visitor experience. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys balancing planning and logistics with friendly, customer-facing work — and who can stay calm and upbeat when things don’t go exactly as planned. What You’ll Do

• Coordinate and manage all KNC events and rentals from inquiry through completion.
• Serve as the main point of contact for clients, vendors, and staff during events.
• Oversee event logistics including scheduling, setup, and facility readiness.
• Collaborate with the Events Committee for support with creative planning and problem solving.
• Support marketing efforts by sharing event updates and materials.
• Maintain budgets and track event performance.
• Uphold KNC’s safety and sustainability standards during all events.
  
  

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in event coordination, hospitality, or customer service.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends based on event needs.
• Friendly, professional demeanor and ability to problem-solve calmly in the moment.
• Commitment to KNC’s mission and positive guest experiences.
• Valid driver’s license and eligibility under KNC’s vehicle insurance policy.
• No science background required — just a passion for connecting people through great experiences!
  
  

Working at KNC KNC provides a dynamic, collaborative, and nature-focused workplace. You’ll have the opportunity to bring people together, support meaningful community events, and help create memories that last — all while developing your skills in hospitality, logistics, and leadership. Physical & Environmental Conditions

• May need to lift and move up to 50 lbs for event set-up and tear-down.
• This role sometimes means walking several miles per day on hilly or rustic terrain and includes working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Work environment may be active and fast-paced during events
  
  

The Kalamazoo Nature Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.