Manager Of Museum Experiences And Events
MountainOne, Williamstown, MA, United States
Manager of Museum Experiences and Events
Williams College Museum of Art
Williamstown, MA (Main Campus)
Job ID: JR10000001227
Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA) is seeking a Manager of Museum Experiences and Events in a role that blends event management, hospitality, museum space reservations, stewardship, and evaluation to support the mission‑driven operations of the first purpose‑built art museum for Williams College, currently under construction. The Manager cultivates a museum environment where everyone is welcome and visitors have a meaningful experience at WCMA and Williams College.
Responsibilities
Event Planning, Execution & Relationship Management
Lead the planning and manage the implementation of all opening events for the new museum in collaboration with museum staff and the College's Development Special Events Manager.
Manage the planning, coordination, and execution of all museum‑programmed and museum‑hosted events, including exhibition openings, social gatherings, receptions and dinners, donor functions, and staff workshops.
Manage event inquiry and booking processes for museum spaces including the cafe, auditorium, lobbies, and galleries; lead routine event calendaring meetings to assess needs and capacities.
Develop agreements and contracts with partners.
Coordinate with Curatorial Engagement staff on classroom and gallery tour bookings and implement reception functions for public programs.
Work with the Building Manager to coordinate facility needs for events, including A/V setup, room configuration, seating, decor, lighting, and security, ensuring compliance with museum policies for artwork protection.
Direct an Events and Building Coordinator to support museum events, facility setup and break‑downs, event and wayfinding signage deployment, and light‑duty facility maintenance.
Organize WCMA events and dinners on the road for alumni, collectors, and other key WCMA constituencies in cooperation with museum and College Relations colleagues; periodically travel to host and manage events out of town.
Cafe Management & Food Service Liaison
Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison for the third‑party food and beverage contractor responsible for the cafe operations.
Engage in planning and oversight to ensure F&B operators maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, customer service, and operational quality.
Act as the main facilitator between the cafe contractor and the College's Dining Services staff to coordinate resources, logistics, and scheduling for College functions held at the museum.
With the Building Manager, regularly inspect food service spaces to ensure cleanliness and proper working order; enforce cleaning and maintenance protocols with contractors to maintain a pest‑free environment appropriate for art preservation.
Visitor Experiences & Hospitality Training
Partner with WCMA's Security and Visitor Services Manager to develop and implement hospitality training for all public‑facing staff.
Work with the Associate Curator of Campus and Community Engagement to train student guides to meet public audiences for tours and activities with a high standard of professionalism, accessibility, and customer service.
Facilitate staff training to respond to difficult situations and conflict resolution.
Maintain the museum calendar and coordinate the routine deployment of temporary signage to keep staff and visitors informed about daily museum event activities.
Evaluation Strategy & Data Collection
Participate in the implementation of various data collection methods, including surveys, comment cards, and observational studies as routinely facilitated by Visitor Service associates or ad hoc opportunities during programs.
Analyze evaluation data and prepare actionable reports and recommendations for the museum Director and relevant staff to inform strategic planning and program development.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in fields related to Art, Business or Hospitality Management with a minimum of 5 years experience in event management.
Hospitality and customer service experience; ability to lead staff training with sensitivity to cultural diversity and respect for people from different backgrounds.
Experience managing vendor or contractor relationships; experience drafting event contracts and managing scope, schedule, and budget. Technical proficiency with scheduling, budgeting and POS tools.
Ability to handle complaints, conflicts, or difficult situations calmly and diplomatically to resolve issues.
Excellent time management, project management, organizational, communication (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work within industry standard guidelines as required for safely facilitating events around artworks on display and under the museum's care.
Experience with visitor and program evaluation methodologies, facilitation, and data analysis.
Ability to work periodic evening and weekend events.
Preferred: Experience working in art museums, enthusiastic about mission‑driven arts and education institutions.
Preferred: Experience working with college or university dining services; knowledge of food safety and sanitation guidelines.
Flexibility to adapt as new or unanticipated needs presented by hosting events and supporting hospitality in the new building become apparent.
Remote Work Policy
Remote work arrangements may be available up to 8 hours per week with approval for employees based in NY, MA, CT, or VT. Remote work arrangements are subject to review and revision as policy evolves.
Pay Range
$75,000-$85,000, commensurate with experience.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check and education when applicable. Decisions regarding appointments, promotions, and conditions of employment comply with applicable federal or state law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or military service. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non‑discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597‑2681 or email at hr@williams.edu.
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Williams College Museum of Art
Williamstown, MA (Main Campus)
Job ID: JR10000001227
Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA) is seeking a Manager of Museum Experiences and Events in a role that blends event management, hospitality, museum space reservations, stewardship, and evaluation to support the mission‑driven operations of the first purpose‑built art museum for Williams College, currently under construction. The Manager cultivates a museum environment where everyone is welcome and visitors have a meaningful experience at WCMA and Williams College.
Responsibilities
Event Planning, Execution & Relationship Management
Lead the planning and manage the implementation of all opening events for the new museum in collaboration with museum staff and the College's Development Special Events Manager.
Manage the planning, coordination, and execution of all museum‑programmed and museum‑hosted events, including exhibition openings, social gatherings, receptions and dinners, donor functions, and staff workshops.
Manage event inquiry and booking processes for museum spaces including the cafe, auditorium, lobbies, and galleries; lead routine event calendaring meetings to assess needs and capacities.
Develop agreements and contracts with partners.
Coordinate with Curatorial Engagement staff on classroom and gallery tour bookings and implement reception functions for public programs.
Work with the Building Manager to coordinate facility needs for events, including A/V setup, room configuration, seating, decor, lighting, and security, ensuring compliance with museum policies for artwork protection.
Direct an Events and Building Coordinator to support museum events, facility setup and break‑downs, event and wayfinding signage deployment, and light‑duty facility maintenance.
Organize WCMA events and dinners on the road for alumni, collectors, and other key WCMA constituencies in cooperation with museum and College Relations colleagues; periodically travel to host and manage events out of town.
Cafe Management & Food Service Liaison
Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison for the third‑party food and beverage contractor responsible for the cafe operations.
Engage in planning and oversight to ensure F&B operators maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, customer service, and operational quality.
Act as the main facilitator between the cafe contractor and the College's Dining Services staff to coordinate resources, logistics, and scheduling for College functions held at the museum.
With the Building Manager, regularly inspect food service spaces to ensure cleanliness and proper working order; enforce cleaning and maintenance protocols with contractors to maintain a pest‑free environment appropriate for art preservation.
Visitor Experiences & Hospitality Training
Partner with WCMA's Security and Visitor Services Manager to develop and implement hospitality training for all public‑facing staff.
Work with the Associate Curator of Campus and Community Engagement to train student guides to meet public audiences for tours and activities with a high standard of professionalism, accessibility, and customer service.
Facilitate staff training to respond to difficult situations and conflict resolution.
Maintain the museum calendar and coordinate the routine deployment of temporary signage to keep staff and visitors informed about daily museum event activities.
Evaluation Strategy & Data Collection
Participate in the implementation of various data collection methods, including surveys, comment cards, and observational studies as routinely facilitated by Visitor Service associates or ad hoc opportunities during programs.
Analyze evaluation data and prepare actionable reports and recommendations for the museum Director and relevant staff to inform strategic planning and program development.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in fields related to Art, Business or Hospitality Management with a minimum of 5 years experience in event management.
Hospitality and customer service experience; ability to lead staff training with sensitivity to cultural diversity and respect for people from different backgrounds.
Experience managing vendor or contractor relationships; experience drafting event contracts and managing scope, schedule, and budget. Technical proficiency with scheduling, budgeting and POS tools.
Ability to handle complaints, conflicts, or difficult situations calmly and diplomatically to resolve issues.
Excellent time management, project management, organizational, communication (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work within industry standard guidelines as required for safely facilitating events around artworks on display and under the museum's care.
Experience with visitor and program evaluation methodologies, facilitation, and data analysis.
Ability to work periodic evening and weekend events.
Preferred: Experience working in art museums, enthusiastic about mission‑driven arts and education institutions.
Preferred: Experience working with college or university dining services; knowledge of food safety and sanitation guidelines.
Flexibility to adapt as new or unanticipated needs presented by hosting events and supporting hospitality in the new building become apparent.
Remote Work Policy
Remote work arrangements may be available up to 8 hours per week with approval for employees based in NY, MA, CT, or VT. Remote work arrangements are subject to review and revision as policy evolves.
Pay Range
$75,000-$85,000, commensurate with experience.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check and education when applicable. Decisions regarding appointments, promotions, and conditions of employment comply with applicable federal or state law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or military service. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non‑discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597‑2681 or email at hr@williams.edu.
#J-18808-Ljbffr