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Manager, Special Events


Job Location:

Newark, DE - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 68000 - 72000
Posted: 29 July 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 26 October 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Job Description Manager Special Events

Division Special Events

Department Learning & Engagement

Reporting Relationship Director Membership & Visitor Experience



About The Newark Museum of Art:

We acknowledge the traditional homelands of the Lenape also known as the Delaware upon which The Newark Museum of Art resides.

We welcome everyone with inclusive experiences that spark curiosity and foster community.


Founded in 1909 and located in New Jersey The Newark Museum of Art (NMOA) is the states largest museum and ranks twelfth nationally in terms of collection size. Global and diasporic the collection includes more than 130000 artworks as well as significant holdings of science and natural history. From the ancient world to the art of today NMOA boasts exceptional quality and depth in the Arts of Global Africa; Arts of Global Asia featuring a renown Tibetan collection and Buddhist altar; Arts of the Americas with particular strength in Native American art; Arts of the Ancient Mediterranean and Decorative Arts.


Visitor-and community-centered NMOA responds to the evolving needs and interests of the diverse publics it serves by offering exhibitions programming a research library paid internships and local and global partnerships. A four-acre campus includes the National Historic Landmark Ballantine House (1885); the Ward Carriage House (1868); the Old Stone School House (1784); and the Alice Ransom Dreyfuss Memorial Garden. Under the leadership of Director and CEO Lisa Funderburke NMOA has launched an era of transformation to create an engaged citizenry by reimagining the role of the art museum for the 21st century.

Job Summary:


The Manager Special Events is responsible for planning coordinating and executing museum-wide special events that support the museums mission enhance the visitor experience strengthen community relationships and generate earned revenue. The position oversees private rentals institutional events donor and cultivation events public celebrations and cross-departmental event logistics while ensuring exceptional customer service and operational Manager works collaboratively with Curatorial Development Membership Visitor Experience Learning & Engagement Facilities Security Marketing and external vendors to deliver seamless and memorable experiences.


Responsibilities:


Event Planning & Execution

  • Plan and execute all museum special events from inquiry through post-event evaluation.
  • Manage private rentals including weddings galas corporate meetings receptions celebrations and nonprofit events.
  • Coordinate museum-hosted signature events.
  • Develop detailed event timelines production schedules and run-of-show documents.
  • Conduct client meetings walkthroughs and final planning sessions.
  • Serve as the primary event manager and primary point of contact for event clients during assigned events.
  • Meet annual earned revenue goals for rentals and special events.
  • Maximize utilization of museum spaces.
  • Prepare proposals contracts and event estimates.
  • Maintain excellent client communication and resolve client concerns professionally. Ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction.
  • Coordinate event logistics with-Facilities Security Visitor Experience AV Catering Curatorial Registration Marketing.
  • Ensure event spaces are properly prepared. Overseeing setup.
  • Maintain relationships with preferred vendors reviewing vendor insurance and compliance requirements.
  • Coordinate caterers florists entertainers rental companies managing vendor arrival and load-in schedules.
  • Prepare event budgets track event expenses process invoices and payments ensuring timely client billing. Produce monthly revenue reports.
  • Ensure compliance with museum policies.
  • Coordinate with Curatorial and Registration when artwork protection is required.
  • Monitor event activities to preserve museum spaces.
  • Supervise the Coordinator of Special Events.
  • Train staff on event procedures and customer service standards.
  • Evaluate employee performance.

Knowledge Skills and Attributes:

  • Bachelors degree is preferred.
  • Minimum of five to seven (57) years of progressive experience in special events management or a related food service environment with a proven track record of successfully planning producing and leading a diverse portfolio of events.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated expertise in developing managing and adhering to event budgets with a strong focus on revenue generation and cost control.
  • Exceptional ability to manage multiple complex events simultaneously demonstrating strong organizational and problem-solving skills under pressure.
  • Superb attention to detail.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite particularly Outlook and Excel event management software and CRM/database systems. Experience with marketing automation tools is a plus.

  • Superior customer service negotiation and client relationship management skills.
  • Strong leadership capabilities with experience coordinating or guiding team members or junior staff.
  • Ability to think proactively and work in a highly collaborative environment.
  • Strong organizational interpersonal and computer skills.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.


Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

  • Work is performed in a dynamic environment combining office settings with significant time spent in event spaces both indoors and outdoors often varying in temperature and noise levels.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including frequent early mornings nights weekends and holidays particularly during peak event seasons.
  • Ability to lift and move up to twenty (20) pounds.
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time move about and access and operate equipment.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced high-pressure environment with tight deadlines and frequent demands for problem-solving.
  • Must be able to move within accessible gallery spaces for Museum meetings and events and be able to use the elevator.


Salary:$68000$72000 annually based on experience and expertise; includes a comprehensive benefits package including medical plan dental plan vision life insurance Pension 401K retirement and generous paid time off


The Newark Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Upholding this commitment we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression pregnancy age national origin disability status genetic information protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment including but not limited to recruitment hiring compensation training promotion placement transfer layoff recall leaves of absence and termination.

We embrace a culture of inclusive excellence ensuring that people of all backgrounds identities or abilities are empowered to explore learn contribute and engage with the arts. Since its founding in 1909 the Museum has been grounded in the belief that art and learning are for everyone. The Museum reaffirms its dedication to this inclusive vision which has shaped its aspirations actions and policies for over a century. More information on the Newark Museum of Arts commitment to a culture of inclusive excellence can be foundhere.


The Newark Museum of Art is dedicated to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As an integral part of this commitment reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants and employees to support them in performing the essential functions of their roles unless doing so would cause undue hardship on the organization. For inquiries regarding reasonable accommodation please contact:

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Required Experience:

Manager