Why West MichiganJason Logan2021-08-24T15:10:54-04:00

Member Company Job Board

Search all jobs available in the region with top West Michigan employers.

My job alerts

Manager, Event & Programming

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Administration

Grand Rapids, MI, USA

Posted on Mar 28, 2026

     
  Position: Manager, Event & Programming  
     Location:   Grand Rapids, MI
  
  
  Job Id: 780  
  # of Openings: 1  
    
  Manager, Event & Programming Operations
 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, events and programs bring our mission to life. From large-scale exhibitions and seasonal experiences to signature events, we create memorable moments for hundreds of thousands of guests per year.
 
 We are seeking an Events & Programming Manager to lead the planning and execution of major events and public programs, ensuring every experience is seamless, safe, and guest-centered.
 
 Why This Role Matters
 Events and programs are a cornerstone of the guest experience at Meijer Gardens. This role ensures that complex, high visibility experiences are executed with precision--translating creative vision into operational excellence.
 
 What You’ll Do
 Lead Event Operations 
Plan and execute signature and large-scale events from start to finish
Serve as day-of operational lead, ensuring smooth execution
Manage vendors, staffing, timelines, and contingency plans
Translate Vision into Execution
Turn event concepts into detailed operation plans and run-of-show documents
Ensure feasibility, safety, and resource alignment during planning
Develop playbooks and processes to improve event execution
Lead and Develop the Team
Manage and coach coordinators, supervisors, and event staff
Set expectations, schedules, and staffing plans
Foster a high-performing, service-focused team culture
Support Organization-Wide Events
Partner with departments to plan and execute internal and public events
Provide operational guidance to ensure consistency and quality
Balance multiple events, programs, and priorities
Oversee Front-of-House Operations
Lead operations for exhibition-related and seasonal programming
Manage guest flow, staffing, and on-site issue resolution
Partner with Guest Services and other teams during high-volume periods
Drive Cross-Functional Coordination
Serve as the central point of contact for event communication
Lead event readiness meetings and share operational updates
Identify risks and escalate issues proactively
 
What You Bring
 Education: Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Arts Administration, or related field required. Equivalent experience may be considered.
 5+ years of experience in event operations or large-scale programming
Experience leading complex events with multiple stakeholders
Strong leadership, organizational and problem-solving abilities
Ability to manage multiple projects in fast-paced environments
Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration
Calm, decisive leadership during live events
 
 What Makes This Opportunity Unique 
Lead high-visibility evenat 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
Play a key role in delivering large-scale exhibitions and signature experiences
Collaborate across arts, horticulture, culinary, and guest experience teams
Contribute to programs that support creativity, community engagement, and cultural enrichment
 
 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 thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy bringing complex events to life, we would love to hear from you!
 
 Working Conditions: Basic mobility is expected in offices, grounds, and exhibition areas. Ability to observe details at close range and communicate information accurately with others. Engage in occasional object manipulation with or without assistance and efficiently navigate the workspace to access essential resources. Manage occasional lifting tasks, and ability to handle objects weighing up to 20 pounds with ease and regularity. This job operates in a professional indoor office environment, across grounds, and exhibition areas. Occasionally may be required to work outdoors under inclement weather conditions. Occasional assignment to off-shift duties.
 
 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. 

 
  Apply for this Position 
  
 
 

See more open positions at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Privacy policy Cookie policy

Member Company Job Board

Manager, Event & Programming

Join the List to Receive Email Updates on What’s Happening in West Michigan!

Upload your Resume to Get Connected With Our Member Companies.

Lend a helping hand: you can support our vital work by making an individual financial contribution in any amount.