Program & Event Specialist

• Design and develop innovative special events, seasonal celebrations, and unique programming that aligns with Mt. Cuba Center's mission and attracts diverse audiences
• Research and implement best practices from cultural attractions, museums, and public gardens to enhance program offerings
• Collaborate with marketing team to create compelling event concepts that drive visitor engagement and attendance
• Develop comprehensive event proposals including budgets, timelines, staffing requirements, and success metrics

• Lead end-to-end execution of programs and events from initial planning through post-event evaluation
• Coordinate with multiple departments including horticulture, facilities, security, and food service to ensure seamless event delivery
• Manage event logistics including vendor relationships, permitting, equipment needs, and volunteer coordination
• Oversee on-site event management ensuring exceptional guest experience while maintaining garden preservation standards
• Develop and implement contingency plans for weather-dependent outdoor programming
• Conduct post-event analysis and reporting to measure success and identify improvement opportunities

• Collaborate with Guest Experience on the ideation, development and execution of compelling exhibits that connect Mt. Cuba's mission to a broad audience
• Collaborate with Guest Experience to identify and execute interpretative opportunities throughout all guest-facing spaces in our gardens and natural lands
• Assist in creating interpretive materials, signage, and resources that enhance self-guided garden experiences
• Work closely with Guest Experience to integrate programming and events with overall visitor experience strategy
• Participate in visitor feedback collection and analysis to inform future programming decisions

• Program and Event Calendar Development: Develop a comprehensive program and event calendar for 2026 with a focus on creating compelling seasonal activations that effectively recruit new audiences, drive revenue and inspire a deeper understanding of our mission.
• Operational Excellence Framework: Create SOPs, communication plans and a project management structure to facilitate executional excellence for all programs and events, ensuring clear communication with stakeholders, collaborators and cross-functional partners.
• Strategic Event Pipeline: Build a pipeline of large-scale events and exhibits that will increase awareness of Mt. Cuba Center and expand our reach to new local and regional audiences.

• Bachelor's degree in event management, museum studies, recreation, or related field required
• 3-5 years of experience in event management and/or program development in cultural attractions, museums, botanical gardens, or similar outdoor/educational venues
• Event management certification or relevant professional development preferred

• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent events and programs
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working with diverse audiences and stakeholders
• Experience with event logistics including vendor management, budgeting, and risk management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs
• Creative problem-solving abilities and innovative thinking for program development
• Physical ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and walk extensively on uneven terrain
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required for events and programs
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive company vehicle to navigate our 1000+ acre campus
• Outstanding technical and creative writing skills preferred
• ABC certification preferred

• Salary commensurate with experience with a starting range of $50,000 - 57,000 per year
• Exempt, full-time position, primarily on-site with occasional remote
• Generally, regular hours are: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with occasional evenings, weekends and early mornings depending on events
• Candidates must have unrestricted work authorization in the U.S.
• Benefits include medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with up to 8% employer contribution, PTO, free garden admission, and professional development opportunities

• Resume
• Responses to our application questions
• Cover letter (required)

• Application Review
• Video screen with HR and the Hiring Manager
• Final In-Person Interview with Hiring Manager and peers of the role (along with a property walkthrough)

• Application review begins September 15th. We recommend that interested applicants submit their applications prior to this date.
• Mt. Cuba is targeting a start date for the final candidate in mid to late October.
• All candidates will receive a status update via email after their application has been reviewed.

Mt. Cuba Center