Director, Special Events

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County was the first museum in L.A. to open its doors 109 years ago and is poised for an exciting new era as it plans for the future. Having recently completed a new strategic framework, the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County—including NHMLA at Exposition Park, La Brea Tar Pits and museum in mid-Wilshire, and the William S. Hart Museum in Newhall—is looking forward to new building projects and campaigns, exhibitions, community outreach, and innovative audience engagement.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County values and endeavors to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and access within its organization and communities. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC), neurodiverse, gender, a person with disability, a veteran, and/or a part of the LGBTQAI+ community are welcome and encouraged to apply.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking a Director, Special Events for our Advancement department. The Director, Special Events works closely with the Chief Strategy & External Relations Officer at the Natural History Museum. It is an exciting time as we embark on new journeys of becoming a museum of, for, and with L.A.

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Oversees a team of event producers, including an events manager, sales representative, and events coordinators.

• Develops, produces, and documents the efficient execution of events. Maintains a library of event planning materials and develops and maintains a network of industry contacts in order to provide recommendations and sourcing for various event components.

• Develops and manages relationships with potential clients and proactively seeks new business opportunities for the Museum; works with manager of groups sales and tourism to seek events, group sales, and behind-the-scenes tour opportunities from incoming convention-goers.

• Oversees commercial filming inquiries and coordination; works directly with third party film location vendors to negotiate fees, develop contracts, and handle all logistics; assists Communications Manager with additional onsite filming requests, as needed.

• Handles inquiries from potential and current clients and vendors regarding events. 6. Develops and maintains a preferred list of caterers and recommended vendors whose missions and business models are aligned with those of NHMLAC and have a lens toward Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA)

This position has the following requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.

• Minimum 8 years experience in special events, preferably with a background in production.

• Able to show successful execution of past events (either online or in print).

• Exceptional interpersonal and communications skills.

• Position requires five years of experience in progressively more responsible management and supervisory roles for a comparable program or function.

• Has familiarity with strategic planning. Can assist in translating organizational vision to divisional goals. Can develop department goals necessary to accomplish divisional goals. Is capable of monitoring implementation of goals at this level, making necessary adjustments and informing higher levels of management regarding significant changes.

• Has the capability to oversee one or more departments and manage their successful accomplishment of their ongoing functions as well as their roles in accomplishing the organization’s strategic plan.

• Has the capability to solicit bids, draft contract terms, and monitor performance of contractors.

• Has the capability to assess complex situations and make decisions and/or recommendations across departments and functions.

• Has experience with contributing to the development of program budgets and monitoring their implementation.

• High energy and detail-oriented.

• Must be available to work evenings and weekends, when required.

• A valid California Driver License and a Personal Automobile Liability Insurance or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is especially interested in candidates whose background and experience have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to engagement and inclusion at culturally diverse audiences in museums and in sciences.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking applicants who have demonstrated experience and commitment working with a diverse community. Salary range for this position is $88,000- $94,667 based on experience plus excellent benefits. This is a full time regular, exempt position.

A cover letter, current resume, and list of 3-4 references are required for all applicants. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Interested candidates please visit www.nhmlac.org/careers-our-museums and click the link of the position for which you are interested or go directly to the online application.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.