What are the responsibilities and job description for the Venue Manager at The Meadows position at Sweet Farm?
Lead an established lakeside wedding & events venue as it moves to independent operation, with proceeds funding a nonprofit regenerative farm. You'll step into a strong season already on the books and build the operations and revenue streams that take The Meadows to its next stage. We're looking for a hospitality operator who can own the guest experience, the booking calendar, and the bottom line.
Location: The Meadows, 211 Hall Rd, Himrod, NY (Finger Lakes)
Employment type: Full-time, year-round, on-site
Compensation: $70,000 - $80,000 plus bonus
Benefits: Health benefits included, PTO & holidays
Schedule: Includes weekends & seasonal peaks (May–Oct)
Start date: Immediately
ABOUT SWEET FARM & THE MEADOWS
Sweet Farm is a 501(c)(3) farm-animal sanctuary, regenerative agriculture nonprofit, and sustainability incubator on 50 acres in New York's Finger Lakes. The Meadows is our four-season event venue on the shores of Seneca Lake — a restored 1800s farmhouse, lakeside ceremony grounds, an indoor-outdoor event space for up to 225 guests, and a tasting bar serving local wine, beer, cocktails, and plant-based fare.
Every wedding, event, and overnight stay directly funds our rescue and regenerative work. This is a rare hospitality role where hitting your numbers is the mission.
THE ROLE
The Venue Manager runs the day to day operation — the single point of accountability for bookings, guest experience, and the venue's profit-and-loss. You'll run the sales pipeline, lead flawless day-of execution, oversee the tasting-bar program, and manage a seasonal team and the contracted farmhouse manager. You set the tone that every couple, guest, and vendor experiences.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Own the sales pipeline — respond to inquiries, host site tours, prepare quotes, and close wedding, corporate, and private-event bookings against annual targets.
- Lead day-of execution — coordinate vendors, timelines, setup, and teardown so every event runs seamlessly.
- Run the tasting bar — manage the bar program, inventory, licensing compliance, and food-truck partners.
- Manage the team — hire, schedule, and lead seasonal hospitality and bar staff, plus the contracted farmhouse manager for farmhouse stays.
- Own the P&L — manage the operating budget, pricing, vendor relationships, and monthly reporting to Sweet Farm leadership.
- Partner on mission events — work with the Sweet Farm team to develop and execute events that bring people to the farm and advance the sanctuary's mission.
- Protect the brand — ensure every booking reflects Sweet Farm's mission, values, and standard of care.
WHAT YOU BRING
- 3 years in events, hospitality, or venue management, ideally with a sales or client-facing component.
- Experience stepping into an existing operation and improving it, ideally including a transition or relaunch.
- A proven record booking and delivering events, and building warm client relationships.
- Comfort owning a budget and being measured against booking and revenue targets.
- Working knowledge of NY food & alcohol service requirements — or willingness to become certified (e.g. TIPS, food handler).
- Strong organization under pressure and calm, gracious day-of leadership.
- Availability to work weekends and the summer–fall peak season.
- Alignment with Sweet Farm's mission and a genuine care for people, animals, and the land.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
- Deliver this season's booked weddings flawlessly through the transition.
- Build new revenue streams, such as corporate events, mission events, and off-season use, so the operation covers its full cost base
- Consistently excellent reviews and referrals from couples and event hosts.
- A well-run tasting bar that fills the shoulder and off-seasons.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $70,000 - $80,000