Event Planning Specialist - Milwaukee, WI

The Milwaukee Art Museum is a renowned cultural institution dedicated to inspiring creativity and enriching the community through its vibrant art collections, innovative exhibitions, and engaging educational programs. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Museum is recognized for its striking architecture and commitment to making art accessible to a diverse audience. As a cornerstone of the city's cultural landscape, the Milwaukee Art Museum hosts a wide variety of events and programs that celebrate art, culture, and community engagement. With a mission to connect people with art in transformative ways, the Museum fosters an inclusive environment that encourages lifelong learning and appreciation of the visual arts.

The Event Planning Specialist at the Milwaukee Art Museum plays a pivotal role in supporting the institution's mission by planning and executing a diverse range of events, both for external clients and the Museum’s internal initiatives. This full-time, exempt position reports to the Director of Event Planning and serves as the lead planner for all assigned events, which may include weddings, corporate gatherings, private celebrations, and various Museum-hosted programs such as Member Mingles, Thursday Nights @ MAM, Free Day Celebrations, and the President’s Circle. The specialist is expected to demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, a hospitality-driven approach, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, ensuring that each event reflects the Museum's high standards of excellence, creativity, and guest experience.

This role involves extensive coordination with multiple internal departments, including culinary, facilities, visitor services, and security, as well as communication with approved vendors to ensure seamless event execution. The Event Planning Specialist is responsible for creating detailed event orders, floor plans, and timelines utilizing event management software, facilitating weekly meetings, and managing all event logistics from initial booking to post-event reconciliation. On-site management of events is a critical component of the position, which requires leading event setup and teardown, conducting pre-shift briefings, resolving any client or operational issues efficiently, and ensuring the overall success of every event.

Flexibility is essential for this role, as the Event Planning Specialist must work irregular hours, including regular evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during event weeks. The typical work schedule during event weeks is Tuesday through Saturday, but it may vary depending on the event calendar and the Director of Events’ direction. This role also supports event sales activities by participating in venue tours, managing inquiry communications, and assisting with contract preparation when necessary.

Overall, the Event Planning Specialist contributes significantly to the vibrant cultural experience the Milwaukee Art Museum provides to the community, helping to maintain its reputation as a premier event venue while advancing the Museum's mission of inclusive artistic engagement and education. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to work in a dynamic and inspiring environment where creativity, customer service, and meticulous event execution are highly valued.

High school diploma or equivalent required
college coursework or degree in hospitality business event management or related field preferred
minimum of 1 to 3 years of professional event planning or coordination experience preferably in a cultural institution venue or hospitality setting
experience planning and managing events strongly preferred
experience with event management software strongly preferred
ability to work irregular hours including nights early mornings weekends and holidays
ability to lift carry push pull or move objects up to 25 pounds and up to 50 pounds with assistance
excellent written and verbal communication skills
exceptional organizational skills
strong interpersonal problem-solving and customer service abilities
proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and event management software
ability to stand for long periods and perform physical activities related to event setup and management
A simple hiring platform for hospitality businesses.