Director of Events (Full-Time)

Description

Why Cheekwood?

Working at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offers you the opportunity to work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville. Formerly the home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. At Cheekwood, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of roles tailored to your skills and interests. Whether you are passionate about horticulture, art curation, historical preservation, or one of our many other career opportunities, you would have the chance to thrive and make a meaningful impact here. Working in such a place that cherishes its rich history, vibrant art scene, and serene gardens offers a unique blend of fulfillment and inspiration. You will find yourself in a supportive environment where every day brings new opportunities for personal and professional growth, amidst the backdrop of picturesque setting.

What does the Cheekwood Events Team do and why join?

As a member of Cheekwood’s events team, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of a diverse range of events, from weddings and corporate gatherings to public programs. You will have the opportunity to work directly with clients, vendors, and guests, providing top-notch service and creating memorable experiences. This role is perfect for individuals who enjoy dynamic work environments and have a passion for event management. Additionally, working in an events team allows you to connect with people from all walks of life, be part of a community-oriented organization, and contribute to making each event a success.

What will you be doing?

Your responsibilities will include maintaining and increasing sales of weddings/events at Cheekwood to meet target year end revenue goals. Lead internal and public programming, development logistics, and oversee campus wide calendars and happenings. Negotiate and maintain relationships with exclusive and preferred vendors. Oversee all client processes are managed properly by Event Operations Manager, Event Sales Manager, and Event Coordinators.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Responsible for generating, overseeing, and maintaining yearly budget goals.
• Responsible for all department accounting; invoicing; monthly and quarterly reporting to the Chief Financial Officer on revenue and expenses.
• Responsible for maintaining and increasing sales of weddings/events at Cheekwood property to meet target revenue goals.
• Conduct site visits with potential clients; corporate, sponsor, and wedding.
• Work directly with clients and planners to effectively book a venue(s) by presenting proposals, ideas, and appropriate venue options relating to client budget and needs.
• Respond to all rental questions and reply to all email inquiries in a timely manner.
• Assist clients with floor plans, creative processes, and day of event execution.
• Ensure that all relevant & applicable documentation is filled out correctly and copies distributed as required from/to clients and vendors.
• Ensure that each clients’ finances throughout the entire rentals department are documented, processed, and closed out properly.
• Work closely with internal departments on development events, sponsor events, and public programs; act as liaison between Cheekwood and outside vendors for all internal rental needs.
• Meet with development team to discuss event design and needs. Book vendors, organize timeline, and execute development events.
• Meet with education team to discuss programming needs. Book vendors, assist with load in/outs, and execute education events as needed.
• Manage and oversee department wide exclusive and preferred vendor revenue. Keep track of development in-kind and kickbacks.
• Act as liaison between maintenance, security, VS for all setup, breakdown, and staffing needs via weekly event email.
• Preparation and discussion of vendor partnerships and contracts.
• Negotiate exclusive and preferred partnerships along with in-kind donation agreements with vendors. Assign vendors to internal events.
• Maintain and strengthen vendor relationships while accurately recording all in-kind and vendor contributions throughout the calendar year.
• Collect and review year end revenue of exclusive vendors for yearly meeting.
• Responsible for calendar management of entire campus for all internal meetings, public programming, external and development events, and all back of house happenings.
• Lead weekly Logistics meetings with all Cheekwood Departments to discuss all campus happenings for the upcoming two weeks. Prepares detailed summary of all upcoming weddings/events for review at this meeting.
• Prepare weekly update of all upcoming weddings/events and potential revenue for Chief Operating Officer.
• Approve payrolls for all full-time and part-time Rentals employees.
• Responsible for hiring, training and supervising Event Managers and Event Coordinators as determined by the Chief Operating Officer.
• Manage Event Managers and oversee efforts.
• Work with Director of Marketing on all marketing efforts from sales sheets, ads, collateral, social media, and website features as well as large scale commercial bookings.
• Attend networking and event conferences to build relationships and sales development.
• Always maintain a professional demeanor and appearance.
• Represent and deliver customer service excellence in keeping with Cheekwood’s brand.
• Adhere to all Cheekwood policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Secondary Activities And Responsibilities

• Represent Cheekwood at a variety of bridal and event marketing opportunities.
• Be privy to all rules and regulations regarding event planning and execution.
• Responsible for staffing the phones, returning calls, scheduling, and executing site visits, etc.
  
  

Requirements

Education

• B.A. in hospitality management, business, sales or marketing or three years of equivalent experience.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Essential)
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of planning and executing a wedding and/or special event.
• Must be extremely organized, yet very flexible; able to work varied hours.
• Must have strong sales skills/abilities and be able to manage guest’s requests.
• Must be able to manage varied duties, be professional and work well with staff and vendors.
• Must have strong analytical thinking skills, problem solving and communications skills (both written and oral) with attention to detail.
• Must be pro-active and can prioritize and remain calm under pressure.
• Must have impeccable appearance and demeanor.
• Must be outgoing, personable, friendly with the ability to speak in front of large groups of people with clarity and confidence.
• Must be passionate about food, beverage, and wedding planning and have a commitment to client satisfaction.
• Must have ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings/weekends/holidays as required.
  
  

Experience (Essential)

• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft word, Excel).
• Must have minimum 3 years wedding/events experience.
• Must have minimum 3 years sales experience.
• Must have extensive knowledge of Social Media marketing (Facebook, twitter, Instagram).
  
  

(Preferred)

• Previous experience with a non-profit organization.
• Knowledge of current food and beverage trends.
  
  

Benefits

The well-being of Cheekwood employees is essential. So, when it comes to our benefits package, we offer one of the best. We offer the following benefits to all full-time employees:

• Health Insurance with an HRA
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood)
• Long Term Disability Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood)
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• 403b and Roth 403b with a generous employer match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off and 11 Paid Holidays
• Aflac products are offered.
  
  

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) Statement

Cheekwood is committed to embracing, pursuing, and celebrating inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility among our board, staff, leadership, partners, vendors, volunteers, members, supporters, and visitors. We will be steadfast in our efforts to welcome people of all races, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, religions, political affiliations, ages, and abilities.

We recognize we have much work to do and pledge to pursue new and previously underrepresented ideas, artists, advisors, partners, instructors, innovators, and audiences so that all voices can be heard, respected, and supported.

• Cheekwood employees have an opportunity to participate in an active IDEA Committee promoting inclusivity and engagement.