The External Events Manager will be a key member of the newly created External Events department at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The External Events Manager will work closely with the Director of External Events to market, sell and execute external rental events in the new REACH expansion spaces. The Events Manager will work closely with other departments and outside vendors to support events in the REACH spaces.

The successful candidate will be a sales oriented individual with strength in event logistics and operations. The candidate must display attention to detail and be able to work independently and as part of a team. The External Events manager must prioritize assignments and work under significant pressure, as most projects are time sensitive, involving frequent concurrent deadlines.

Sensitivity to potential problem situations, eagerness to communicate, solve problems and willingness to develop and implement new methods for improving effectiveness and efficiency in the event planning and logistics process are extremely important.

Duties and Responsibilities:

45% Promptly answer/respond to inbound inquiries from prospective clients. Tour prospective clients through the facility. Ensure proper follow up to all prospects.

Maintain a database of all inquiries including source and outcome. Handle all paperwork associated with rentals including space rental contracts; ensure clients understand all facility rules and protocol. Maintain calendar for REACH prioritized event spaces.

35% Manage event execution staff in the execution of a variety of size/scale events. Interact with outside vendors to ensure a seamless load in/load out. Be present at events as required.

10% Maintain relationships with the local event community including event planners, CVB's, event producers and other influencers. Support the event rental marketing program in conjunction with the KC marketing department, Director of External Events and third party caterer.

10% Responsible for inventory and upkeep of event supplies, including tables, chairs, soft furnishings, A/V equipment, etc.

N/A Other duties as assigned.

N/A Responds to the needs and requests of Kennedy Center management and staff in a professional and expedient manner.

N/A Adheres to all employer policies and procedures.

Education/Experience

Bachelor's degree required. Minimum of six years Special Events experience; preferably with some nonprofit institutional knowledge/background.

Minimum Skills and/or Knowledge Required

Adept at building relationships, as well as being highly proactive and adaptive to changing dynamics in the environment, internally and externally.

Friendly and professional demeanor that engenders relationships with clients and colleagues

Ability to work on a variety of projects simultaneously.

Sound computer and technical skills (Microsoft Office and non-profit CRM).

Highly organized and motivated.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and on the telephone. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel in order to operate computer keyboard, office equipment, and other essential tasks. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. This position infrequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

N/a