Exhibition Hall Event Services Manager

Exhibition Hall Event Services Manager Charleston, SC Job Details Part-time | Full-time 1 day ago Benefits Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance 403(b) Qualifications Vendor relationship building Operational cost reduction Record keeping Google Workspace 6 years Operations management Logistics management Supplier management Expense management Staff scheduling Fire codes and regulations Mid-level Client relationship development Event vendor coordination Performance management Supervising experience Budget planning Team management Client services Managing event budgets Vendor relationship management Banquet experience Vectorworks Productivity software Equipment inventory management Staffing management Technical Proficiency Overseeing training Time management Hospitality management

Full Job Description Position:

Exhibition Hall Event Services Manager Company:

The Charleston Gaillard Management Corporation Location:

Downtown Charleston, SC Reports to:

Director of Event Services Supervises:

Houseperson (Exhibition Hall) and part-time event services staff as assigned

Type:

Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt. Evening and weekend hours will be required. Organizations Background A leader in the performing arts in the Southeast, the Charleston Gaillard Center commissions, supports, and presents ambitious, multidisciplinary cultural programming and provides access to the best local, national, and global artists and companies on its stage. Through programming on its public campus and extensive arts education initiatives, the Gaillard Center serves as a platform for community building and essential dialogue. The Gaillard Center was established as a non-profit in 2015. Its campus includes the world-class 1,818-seat Martha and John M. Rivers Performance Hall, a 26,000-square-foot Exhibition Hall with the Grand Ballroom, Salons, and Terrace Lawn. For more information about the Charleston Gaillard Center, please visit https://www.gaillardcenter.org. Position Summary The Exhibition Hall Event Services Manager (ESM) is responsible for the planning, detailing, and on-site execution of rental events held in the Charleston Gaillard Center Exhibition Hall, including conferences, trade shows, banquets, corporate events, and multi-day programs. This position serves as the primary event execution manager for assigned Exhibition Hall events and ensures all operational, staffing, safety, and client service standards are met. The ESM works closely with the Exhibition Hall Director of Event Services, Exhibition Hall Technical Manager, Sales team, Food & Beverage team, and external vendors to ensure events are accurately detailed in advance and successfully executed onsite. The ESM directly supervises the Houseperson and supports the Director of Event Services in department operations, staffing, budgeting, and full-facility events as assigned. Responsibilities Manage all assigned Exhibition Hall events from contract handoff through final invoicing and settlement. Lead client detailing meetings, site visits, and walkthroughs to ensure all event logistics are confirmed. Develop and maintain event timelines, run-of-show documents, staffing plans, and load-in/load-out schedules. Create and update floor plans and room diagrams for all assigned events. Ensure proper coordination of event setup, strike, and operational execution across all function spaces. Serve as the primary on-site supervisor during events to ensure exceptional client experience and operational excellence. Supervise the Houseperson (Exhibition Hall), including scheduling, training, performance management, and daily event assignments. Oversee scheduling and supervision of part-time event services staff and contracted labor as assigned. Ensure all event staff are properly trained, informed, and prepared for event execution. Provide clear leadership onsite during events, including directing setup/strike teams and resolving operational issues in real time. Coordinate event logistics with internal departments including Food & Beverage, Technical Services, Security, Facilities, and Parking. Maintain accurate equipment and furniture inventory (tables, chairs, staging, etc.) and oversee proper use, storage, and upkeep. Identify staffing needs and recommend efficiencies to reduce labor costs and improve execution. Monitor event spaces for safety and operational readiness, ensuring compliance with fire code and building policies. Serve as a primary point of contact for clients onsite and ensure client expectations are met professionally and consistently. Coordinate vendor logistics including load-in, access, staging, deliveries, and building rules compliance. Maintain strong working relationships with repeat clients and vendors to encourage long-term partnerships and repeat business. Ensure accurate documentation of event details, schedules, staffing, and operational requirements. Assist with event estimates, approvals, and event-related documentation required for billing. Support the Exhibition Hall Director of Event Services with budgeting, labor forecasting, and event expense tracking. Maintain event files and ensure all documentation is complete for post-event reconciliation. Perform other duties as assigned to support Exhibition Hall operations and event services team success. Required Qualifications Minimum of 6 years combined education and/or professional experience in event services, hospitality operations, venue management, or related field. Proven experience managing event execution in a multi-use venue environment. Experience supervising staff and coordinating labor teams. Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills. Strong client service orientation and ability to remain calm under pressure. Ability to communicate professionally with clients, vendors, and internal teams. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe PDF, and Google Workspace. Preferred Qualifications Experience working in a conference center, exhibition hall, performing arts center, or similar venue. Familiarity with event software such as Momentus Elite, Social Tables, Event Draw, and/or Vectorworks. Food & Beverage operations experience (catering sales or catering operations strongly preferred). Physical Requirements Ability to move, transport, and/or position up to 35 lbs of various equipment and materials. Using trade tools and accessing remote locations of the building. Activities may require sustained periods of standing, movement, traversing, and positioning to meet facility and event demands. Work may include prolonged periods of sitting, typing, or looking at a computer screen. Benefits The Gaillard Center provides a competitive benefit package that includes: Fully paid medical insurance at the employee level Optional vision, dental, life, and disability insurance 4 weeks of paid time off, accrued annually 403(b) with up to a 4% company match Free and/or discounted tickets to performances Employer paid parking The Gaillard is an equal opportunity employer. Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Gaillard is critical to our mission. To be a leading performing arts center in the Southeast, we need to have a highly diverse staff, a workplace where individuals are encouraged to retain their uniqueness and can feel a sense of belonging. For us, equity means that our staff members, our patrons, and our clients can experience the transformative power of the arts, no matter their starting place.