| Coordinator, Events Programming Location: Grand Rapids, MI Schedule: Full-Time, Salary Exempt | Flexible schedule including Evenings, Weekends & Events Be Part of a World-Class Guest Experience At Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, art, nature, and culture come together to create unforgettable experiences. From major exhibitions and concerts to member events and community programs, our events bring people together in one of the nation’s premier cultural destinations. We’re looking for an Events Programming Coordinator who enjoys turning creative ideas into seamless, memorable experiences. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, love the fine details, and enjoy seeing events come to life from planning through execution, this role could be a great fit. Why This Role Matters Events are one of the ways Meijer Gardens fulfills its mission to inspire enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. As a Coordinator, you’ll help bring that mission to life—planning and executing programs that connect our members, guests, and community to the experiences that make Meijer Gardens special. What You’ll Do Plan & Coordinate Events - Coordinate logistics for membership, society, and specialty public events
- Manage event timelines, run-of-show documents, staffing coordination, and vendor communication
- Serve as day-of lead for assigned events, ensuring smooth execution and resolving issues as they arise
Bring Experiences to Life - Assist with event design and concept planning alongside the Events & Programming team
- Translate event concepts into clear operational plans and timelines
- Help create engaging experiences that support our mission and enhance the guest journey
Support Event Operations - Assist with front-of-house and back-of-house event logistics including guest flow, check-in, and staff coordination
- Help maintain high standards for guest experience, safety, and accessibility
- Provide operational support for exhibitions with seasonal programming as assigned
Work Across Teams - Coordinate with departments including Guest Services, Philanthropy, Marketing, Facilities, Security, Culinary, and Horticulture
- Collaborate with the Performing Arts team to ensure event and program needs are met
- Communicate event plans and updates clearly across internal partners
Help Keep Events Organized - Maintain event documentation, calendars, and planning materials
- Support ticketing coordination and attendance tracking
- Assist with vendor documentation, purchase orders, invoice tracking, and expense reconciliation
- Contribute to post-event debriefs and process improvements
What You Bring - 3-5+ years of experience in event coordination, hospitality, guest experience, or program operations
- Experience coordinating public events, membership programs, or donor experiences
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
- High attention to detail and strong follow-through
- Collaborative mindset and a passion for delivering great guest experiences
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Communications, Arts Administration, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience may also be considered.
What Makes This Opportunity Unique - Work at one of the most visited cultural destinations in the Midwest
- Help deliver exhibitions, concerts, and events experienced by hundreds of thousands of guests each year
- Collaborate with teams across arts, horticulture, hospitality, and philanthropy
- Contribute to programs that support creativity, community engagement, and cultural enrichment
- Flexible schedule aligned with events and seasonal programming.
Our Values We look for team members who embody: - Welcoming: Fostering joy and an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.
- Excellence: Approaching all we do with world-class intentionalism.
- Innovation: Embracing the future to create unique and engaging experiences in art, culture and nature with a commitment to creativity.
- Integrity: Operating with honesty, transparency and accountability throughout the organization.
- Stewardship: Preserving and enhancing our community, physical, cultural, and financial resources for current and future generations.
If you’re energized by creating meaningful experiences and love seeing events come together from concept to execution, we’d love to hear from you. Working Conditions: Indoor office and event space environment with outdoor work in varying weather conditions. Must be willing to: work a flexible schedule including occasional weekends, evenings, and events; travel occasionally; work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted and culturally diverse museum environment. Required to operate computers and office equipment. Must have the mobility in office, grounds, facilities, and exhibition areas and the ability to lift 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally. As part of our onboarding process, all new hires are required to complete our background check. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. |