Event Operations Manager

Maymont is a 100‑acre historic estate and park in Richmond, Virginia, featuring the Maymont Mansion, the Robins Nature Center, arboretum, formal gardens, and habitats for native wildlife and farm animals. Operated by the nonprofit Maymont Foundation, the organization seeks an Event Operations Manager to support planning, development, and production of high‑quality community and private events. This management role works closely with special events, facility rentals, park operations, and public safety teams, reporting to the Director of Special Events and Event Sales.

Responsibilities

• Manage the facility rental department, including oversight of staff.
• Analyze rental trends, venue utilization, booking patterns, and revenue performance to identify opportunities to increase weddings, corporate rentals, and other facility rental revenue.
• Work with local businesses and community partners to solicit new corporate rentals.
• Execute and cultivate strategies to increase wedding and rentals.
• Manage the annual facility rental budget, monitoring revenue and expenses, and identify opportunities to improve financial performance.
• Ensure client rental spaces are in good condition and report any maintenance or cleaning issues to appropriate departments.
• Assist facility rental staff as needed.
• Oversee setup for meetings, rentals, and special events as needed.
• Manage part‑time event staff, including scheduling, supervision, training, and resource deployment during events.
• Collaborate with special events teams (e.g., Bier‑Garden, Garden Glow, Merry Market, Maymont Easter, Herbs Galore, Summer Kick‑off) to manage community and private event operations from idea generation through day‑of execution, staffing, tear‑down, follow‑up, evaluation, analysis, and reporting.
• Assist in developing event flow, processes, and protocols for special event participants.
• Troubleshoot and resolve client concerns promptly and professionally, coordinating teams and escalating issues when appropriate.
• Analyze information and create reports to improve rental staffing, venue utilization, event processes, protocols, safety, and security.
• Research to improve department processes, amenities, and offerings.
• Ensure events follow security, legal, insurance, health, and safety regulations.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

Competencies

• Highly organized, self‑motivated with excellent written and verbal communication skills and a passion for events.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills with poise in dealing with the public.
• Proficient in EventTemple, Prismm, and Microsoft Office.
• Experience in maintaining and building business relationships.
• Strong multitasking, time management, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to handle pressure and make quick decisions.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and practices involved in booking venues for weddings and corporate retreats.
• Event sales management experience.
• Ability to interpret and explain Maymont policies, rules, and procedures to the public.
• Ability to prepare and present accurate reports.
• Ability to identify problems and initiate appropriate actions.
• Working knowledge of the Greater Richmond Region (desired).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, public relations, or a closely related field (preferred).
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in event sales or equivalent.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to/from Maymont.

Physical Demands

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and talking for extended periods.
• Frequent climbing, bending, stooping, and lifting up to 50 lb.
• Ability to work inside and outside in all weather conditions.
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off.
• Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.