Events Manager, Public

Job description:

Date: March 2026 Status: Exempt

Reporting Supervisor: Events Director

Internal Designation: Public Events

Organizational Mission

To interpret and preserve history and nature, igniting a vibrant cultural community.

Organizational Vision

An inviting cultural canvas, where history and nature unfold, inspiring discovery and creating memories.

Guiding Principles

• Cultivate Curiosity
• Boldness
• Everyone
• Mission Critical
• Grace of Space

Position Overview

The Event Manager – Public Events is responsible for the strategic planning, development, and successful execution of public events at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. Public events serve as an essential platform for community engagement, cultural programming, and institutional visibility while also contributing to the organization’s earned revenue goals.

Public events activate the estate as a vibrant cultural destination and play a critical role in expanding access to Stan Hywet’s history, gardens, and programming. These events must balance visitor engagement, financial sustainability, operational excellence, and preservation stewardship of the historic estate.

The Public Events Manager oversees the full lifecycle of public event programming, including concept development, budgeting, operational planning, vendor coordination, staffing, and post-event evaluation. This role collaborates closely with internal departments including Marketing, Visitor Experience, Development, Security, Plant Management, and Finance to ensure events are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with the mission and strategic goals of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.

The Public Events Manager also supports the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) by ensuring public events are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive to the diverse communities the estate serves.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesProfessionalism and Organizational Culture

1. Maintain a professional attitude when working with visitors, volunteers, vendors, and fellow employees.

2. Demonstrate and support a culture of diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging.

3. Uphold the mission, vision, and guiding principles of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in all aspects of event planning and implementation.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

4. Ensure public events are welcoming and inclusive to visitors of diverse backgrounds, identities, abilities, and lived experiences.

5. Incorporate accessibility considerations into event planning, including mobility access, communication accessibility, and inclusive visitor experiences.

6. Promote equitable participation in public programming by considering community partnerships, diverse vendors, and inclusive event practices.

7. Foster environments where visitors, volunteers, staff, and vendors feel respected and valued.

8. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure public events align with Stan Hywet’s DEIA commitments and strategic priorities.

Public Event Strategy and Programming

9. Conceptualize and develop engaging public events that align with the mission and strategic goals of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.

10. Design programming that expands audience engagement and enhances the estate’s reputation as a regional cultural destination.

11. Develop event concepts that balance visitor experience, revenue generation, and preservation stewardship.

12. Coordinate annual public event calendars in collaboration with institutional leadership.

Event Planning and Implementation

13. Plan and execute all aspects of public events, including logistics, staffing, scheduling, and operational planning.

14. Develop detailed event timelines and operational plans to ensure successful execution.

15. Serve as the on-site operational lead during public events.

16. Oversee vendor load-ins, event setup, operational flow, and event breakdown.

17. Ensure events are implemented safely while protecting the historic estate and landscape.

Financial Management

18. Develop and manage public event budgets.

19. Monitor event expenses and track revenue performance.

20. Identify opportunities to improve event profitability while maintaining exceptional visitor experiences.

21. Ensure accurate financial documentation and reporting for events.

Vendor and Stakeholder Coordination

22. Manage relationships with event vendors, service providers, and partners.

23. Coordinate vendor contracts, logistics, and operational expectations.

24. Ensure vendors comply with estate policies, safety protocols, and preservation standards.

Marketing and Audience Engagement

25. Collaborate with the Marketing and External Relations teams to promote public events.

26. Assist with development of marketing materials, event messaging, and promotional strategies.

27. Support initiatives that increase event attendance and community engagement.

Staff and Volunteer Coordination

28. Coordinate event staffing including Event Specialists, Coordinators, Associates, volunteers, and seasonal staff.

29. Provide operational direction and training for event support staff.

30. Collaborate with leadership to recruit volunteers and staff for event execution.

Estate Stewardship and Compliance

31. Ensure events comply with institutional policies, safety procedures, and licensing requirements.

32. Coordinate with Facilities, Plant Management, and Security teams to protect estate resources.

33. Ensure responsible alcohol service and compliance with applicable regulations when required.

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

34. Monitor event performance through attendance data, financial results, and visitor feedback.

35. Conduct post-event evaluations to identify opportunities for improvement.

36. Stay informed about trends and best practices in public programming and event management.

Additional Responsibilities

37. Participate in required institutional events and seasonal programming.

38. Assist with major fundraising or signature estate events when needed.

39. Perform other duties as assigned by the Events Director.

Qualifications

• Strong event planning and programming experience
• Financial and operational management skills
• Ability to manage large-scale public events and visitor experiences
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum five (5) years in event planning, cultural programming, or related field
• Experience working in museums, cultural institutions, hospitality, or large-scale events preferred

Ethical Expectations

Maintain integrity in financial management, vendor relationships, and operational decision-making. Protect confidential information related to institutional operations, vendors, and partnerships.

Usual and Customary Expectations

• Regular evening and weekend availability
• Frequent movement throughout estate grounds
• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person