Senior Event Manager

We are seeking an experienced, collaborative, and solution-oriented full-time Senior Event Manager to serve as the operational lead for complex internal and external events.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Convening & Event Services, this position manages the complete event lifecycle from operational turnover and planning through execution, reconciliation, and post-event evaluation. The Senior Event Manager leads cross-functional planning efforts involving Museum departments, caterers, production partners, vendors, and clients to deliver seamless events that uphold the Museum’s standards for safety, hospitality, and operational excellence.

In addition to managing a portfolio of complex events, the Senior Event Manager provides leadership and mentorship to Event Managers, supports departmental initiatives, promotes continuous process improvement, and serves as a trusted operational resource within the department. This role exercises independent judgment, manages competing priorities, and contributes to the ongoing development of departmental standards, policies, and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Event Planning & Project Management
  • Lead the operational planning and execution of complex internal and external events from turnover through post-event reconciliation.
  • Maintain and update event information in the Museum’s event management system (Momentus), ensuring accurate event documentation, service orders, production schedules, and operational communication throughout the planning process.
  • Develop comprehensive production schedules, event timelines, and operational plans.
  • Coordinate all event logistics including catering, audiovisual, security, facilities, engineering, housekeeping, technology, transportation, rentals, and production vendors.
  • Conduct client meetings, site visits, planning meetings, and production walkthroughs.
  • Anticipate operational challenges and develop contingency plans.
  • Prepare and manage event estimates and operational budgets by monitoring event expenses and identify opportunities for cost efficiencies.
  • Ensure all event documentation is complete, accurate, and distributed within established timelines.
  • Oversee on-site event execution while ensuring exceptional service and operational efficiency.
  • Conduct post-event reconciliations and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Review invoices, reconcile event costs, and assist with final billing.
  • Assist with departmental liquor inventory management.
• Leadership & Team Development
  • Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and mentorship to assigned Event Manager(s).
  • Delegate work appropriately while promoting accountability and operational excellence.
  • Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented, and client-focused team culture.
  • Assist with onboarding, training, and professional development.
  • Support hiring, performance evaluations, and employee development initiatives.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Five years experience in event operations, hospitality, venue management, conference services, or a related field, including experience managing complex, high-profile events.
• Experience with CRM/Event Management software (e.g., Momentus).
• Experience with floor plan design software.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent writing and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, event management, or another related field.
• Experience leading or supervising staff.
• Experience working at a museum, cultural institution, nonprofit organization, or other complex event venue.
• Experience managing large-scale events, galas, fundraising events, institutional programs, or other high-profile events.
• Knowledge of food and beverage operations, catering logistics, liquor inventory management, and event billing.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to move about the Museum campus.
• Must be able to frequently position oneself/body to accomplish job duties.
• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds of force frequently, including:
  • Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward or outward.
  • Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
  • Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position.

Schedule

Maintain a work schedule that includes early mornings, weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Pay

The expected salary range for the Senior Event Manager is $80,000–$90,000 annually. Pay will be determined based on several factors, including skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience.

Benefits

The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.