Job Title: Events Director

Reports to: VP of Marketing & Communications

Classification: Full Time, Exempt

Compensation: $45,000-50,000/yr.

Schedule: Many evenings and weekends required, schedule varies based on events calendar, typical ~40 hours a week.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, and vision
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and personal days)
• 5 paid holidays off
• 2 paid floating holidays
• Paid snow days during severe weather
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling and support services
• Simple IRA with a 3% match for retirement savings
• Additional KNC Specific benefits

The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create relationships and experiences that welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature. Recognized by its peers as one of the top nature centers in the country, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is located on 1,500 acres of wooded, rolling countryside and includes over 15 miles of hiking trails winding through some of the most magnificent habitats in Michigan

Because we value the strength diversity brings to the workplace, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is committed to the recruitment, retention, and development of a workforce that reflects the society in which we live. We strongly encourage anyone who is interested to apply.

Position Overview:

The Events Director for KNC (Kalamazoo Nature Center), plays a pivotal hands-on role in planning, coordinating, and overseeing a wide spectrum of internal and external events, rentals, and facility usage. The primary goal is to ensure the seamless execution of safe, engaging, and high-quality events while optimizing resource utilization, fostering community engagement, and enhancing the visitor experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set goals to maximize event impact, both programmatically and financially, aligning with KNC's mission and strategic plan.
• Research industry trends to envision and expand KNC’s rental and event offerings.
• Act as the central point for all KNC events, rentals, and facility usage. Engage cross-departmental teams in planning, executing, and managing post-event activities, ensuring each event meets established quality standards.
• Supervise and guide the Events Specialist to ensure efficient workflow and successful event execution.
• Ensure professional, safe, and high-quality events that engage and excite the community, enhancing KNC's reputation as a premier events venue.
• Foster repeat customers, word-of-mouth referrals, and high-value experiences, driving increased visits and revenue.
• Streamline processes, optimize resource utilization, leading to improved profit margins and reduced overhead expenses.
• Train and inform Visitor Services to provide comprehensive event information, promoting offerings and improving the overall visitor experience.
• Collaborate with the KNC Marketing Team, create clear, cohesive marketing strategies and timely communications, promoting events and programs for increased visibility.
• Act as a point of contact for vendors, clients, and event partners, ensuring effective communication and resolution of queries or issues.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in Event Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related field.
• Proven experience (minimum 2 years) in event planning/management, preferably in a leadership capacity.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience in budget management, strategic planning, and team supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365.
• Experience with Altru or related database platforms.
• Ability to prioritize and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to be insured by KNC vehicle policy and drive KNC vehicles

Working Conditions:

This is an on-site role with many evenings and weekends required.

• Lifting and Moving 50lbs at a time
• Climbing ladders
• Standing several hours at a time
• Walking 5+ miles a day

Conclusion:

The Events Director role at KNC offers an exciting opportunity to lead and shape the growth of the organization's events landscape. By strategically planning, executing, and refining events, you will drive community engagement, boost revenue, and elevate KNC’s reputation as a premier events destination while ensuring an exceptional visitor experience

The Kalamazoo Nature Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.