Event Operations Manager

Grace Farms Foundation

  • New Canaan, CT
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 16 days ago
  • Apply easily
Role: Event Operations ManagerStatus: Full Time, ExemptReports to: Director of Events, Catering & Visitor ExperienceLocation: On-site in New Canaan, Connecticut.In the role of Event Operations Manager, you will serve on, and provide leadership to, a team that coordinates and executes events that celebrates the place, cultural, and humanitarian work of Grace Farms. You will be responsible for the supervision of the Events team, and all program logistics, details and inter-departmental communications that go into making these events a success.Our environment is not a typical corporate events space. Our clients are primarily our internal programming teams creating exceptional cultural and humanitarian events for the public, as well as some other not-for-profits and community partners. You will be part of a team with a strong collaborative work ethic that is passionate about putting their events management skills to work in a mission-driven environment. This is not always a Monday-Friday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM job. Events and Programs take place when the audiences are available which can mean before & after hours, as well as on weekends.Your Day-to-Day
  • Supervise the Events Team, overseeing a small team of professional Event Coordinators. Collaborate with internal & external program owners and team members to plan, document, and execute all major aspects of event management from planning stages through completion for events and programs of all sizes and varieties.
  • Proactively seek, synthesize and communicate collected information regarding each event/program from and to a variety of sources to ensure that all are appropriately briefed and provided with the information they need to execute successfully on each event and program.
  • Collaborate with and work alongside the Technical Director and team to determine the necessary technical supports for events and productions, including the specifications, costs and usage of equipment applied to a wide variety of performances, workshops, annual benefit and other projects.
  • Train and coordinate cross-functional visitor engagement team to staff and support events as needed including, but not limited to, talent relations, hospitality, registration and production.
  • Direct and coordinate event-related meetings and technical planning sessions with internal teams, invited guests, and partners.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with event-related vendors and contractors.
  • Ensure compliance with budgetary and contractual obligations
  • Other professional duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities:
  • Exceptional interpersonal, administrative, and communication skills, and the ability to execute with a high degree of professionalism and excellence, especially under pressure.
  • Incredible attention to details and logistics planning skills.
  • Ability to create a welcoming, inclusive, and professional environment for diverse audiences, including dignitaries, artists, and community partners.
  • Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously, balancing priorities and deadlines.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Excel. Mac skills desirable.
  • Requires a flexible schedule with some weekend and evening work.
  • This position is primarily based on-site, and the successful candidate must thrive in a place-based, customer facing, collaborative, fast paced environment.
  • A positive attitude and self-directed and entrepreneurial work style
Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's Degree is required.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of event planning, preferably for cultural, community, or not-for-profit spaces. Proven ability to plan and execute the logistics involved in a wide range and scope of events from small donor cultivation cocktail parties to large scale conferences/summits.
  • Minimum of two years supervisory experience providing leadership to events professionals.
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs., bend, climb stairs, and stand for an extended period of time.
  • Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions depending on event needs.
Grace Farms is a center for culture and collaboration in New Canaan, Connecticut. We bring together people across sectors to explore nature, arts, justice, community, and faith at the SANAA-designed River building, situated on 80 acres of natural landscapes. Our humanitarian work to end modern slavery and foster more grace and peace in our local and global communities includes leading the Design for Freedom movement to eliminate forced labor in the building materials supply chain.Grace Farms is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Grace Farms Foundation