Manager, Event & Programming

Manager, Event & Programming Grand Rapids, MI Job Details Full-time 1 day ago Benefits Flexible schedule Qualifications Project team coordination Community engagement Operations management Vendor management Outdoor work 5 years Event vendor coordination Team development Schedule management Bachelor's degree Hospitality Management Guest services Senior level Cross-functional collaboration Cross-functional team management Leadership Communication skills Staffing management Cross-functional communication Staff development

Full Job Description Manager, Event & Programming Operations Location:

Grand Rapids, MI Schedule:

Full-Time, Salary Exempt | Flexible schedule including Evenings, Weekends & Events Be Part of a World-Class Guest Experience At Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park , events and programs bring our mission to life. From large-scale exhibitions and seasonal experiences to signature events, we create memorable moments for hundreds of thousands of guests per year. We are seeking an Events & Programming Manager to lead the planning and execution of major events and public programs, ensuring every experience is seamless, safe, and guest-centered. Why This Role Matters Events and programs are a cornerstone of the guest experience at Meijer Gardens. This role ensures that complex, high visibility experiences are executed with precision-translating creative vision into operational excellence. What You'll Do Lead Event Operations Plan and execute signature and large-scale events from start to finish Serve as day-of operational lead, ensuring smooth execution Manage vendors, staffing, timelines, and contingency plans Translate Vision into Execution Turn event concepts into detailed operation plans and run-of-show documents Ensure feasibility, safety, and resource alignment during planning Develop playbooks and processes to improve event execution Lead and Develop the Team Manage and coach coordinators, supervisors, and event staff Set expectations, schedules, and staffing plans Foster a high-performing, service-focused team culture Support Organization-Wide Events Partner with departments to plan and execute internal and public events Provide operational guidance to ensure consistency and quality Balance multiple events, programs, and priorities Oversee Front-of-House Operations Lead operations for exhibition-related and seasonal programming Manage guest flow, staffing, and on-site issue resolution Partner with Guest Services and other teams during high-volume periods Drive Cross-Functional Coordination Serve as the central point of contact for event communication Lead event readiness meetings and share operational updates Identify risks and escalate issues proactively

What You Bring Education:

Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Arts Administration, or related field required. Equivalent experience may be considered. 5+ years of experience in event operations or large-scale programming Experience leading complex events with multiple stakeholders Strong leadership, organizational and problem-solving abilities Ability to manage multiple projects in fast-paced environments Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration Calm, decisive leadership during live events What Makes This Opportunity Unique Lead high-visibility evenat one of the most visited cultural destinations in the Midwest Help deliver exhibitions, concerts, and events experienced by hundreds of thousands of guests each year Play a key role in delivering large-scale exhibitions and signature experiences Collaborate across arts, horticulture, culinary, and guest experience teams Contribute to programs that support creativity, community engagement, and cultural enrichment Our Values We look for team members who embody:

Welcoming:

Fostering joy and an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.

Excellence:

Approaching all we do with world-class intentionalism.

Innovation:

Embracing the future to create unique and engaging experiences in art, culture and nature with a commitment to creativity.

Integrity:

Operating with honesty, transparency and accountability throughout the organization.

Stewardship:

Preserving and enhancing our community, physical, cultural, and financial resources for current and future generations. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy bringing complex events to life, we would love to hear from you!

Working Conditions:

Basic mobility is expected in offices, grounds, and exhibition areas. Ability to observe details at close range and communicate information accurately with others. Engage in occasional object manipulation with or without assistance and efficiently navigate the workspace to access essential resources. Manage occasional lifting tasks, and ability to handle objects weighing up to 20 pounds with ease and regularity. This job operates in a professional indoor office environment, across grounds, and exhibition areas. Occasionally may be required to work outdoors under inclement weather conditions. Occasional assignment to off-shift duties. As part of our onboarding process, all new hires are required to complete our background check. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.