Private Events Manager
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Hospitality, Not for Profit-Charity, Sales | Full Time | Onsite | Des Moines
Posted: 6/23/25
Job Description
The Facility Sales & Rental Manager is a critical part of the Botanical Garden team. This manager oversees the team responsible for selling and managing private events at the Botanical Garden (weddings, special functions, business meetings, etc.), maintaining responsibility for the sales pipeline related to facility rentals, coordinating with food and beverage vendors, and planning facility logistics for Botanical Garden-hosted events. This position requires an individual who demonstrates exceptional customer service and who thrives on collaboration in a client-facing, onsite, and hands-on environment. This manager works with Botanical Garden leadership to balance competing priorities and utilize the shared resources related to facility and grounds. This position works collaboratively and cooperatively with all to ensure the highest quality event plans and event execution, resulting in an exceptional experience for all. This manager will coach and develop team members while actively engaging with prospects to achieve rental goals and key performance indicators. This manager exemplifies the Botanical Garden’s commitment to delivering outstanding, meaningful, and memorable experiences for all.
Deadline to Apply 7/15/25
Address
909 Robert D Ray Drive
Essential Job Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and other duties as assigned.
• Oversee all activities and operations of the Botanical Garden’s rental program and client service delivery through establishing and executing outstanding customer service and advancing the organization’s initiatives.
• Develop and implement sales strategies to ensure successful and smooth processes from initial inquiry to event completion, achieving revenue & organizational goals.
• Actively promote, sell, coordinate, and manage the event logistics prior to, during, and after the event.
• Proactively identify prospective clients, conduct facility tours, manage client contracting for rentals, and maintain timely and thorough documentation of all communications and rental details.
• Provide direct supervision for all assigned team members, including involvement in hiring, oversight of all training, and day-to-day oversight to ensure high quality and successful events.
• Regularly review, audit, and revise internal rental policies and procedures to ensure they remain current, documented, organized, and meet the needs of the Botanical Garden’s rental program.
• Ensure team members are trained and well-versed in Botanical Garden policies and procedures, rental program rules & regulations, software, and logistics. This knowledge by team members must also be effectively communicated to clients and visitors, and this manager will provide consistent support, intervention, and coaching regarding such communication.
• Collaborate on the development of related revenue and expense budgets to ensure the organization’s strategic initiatives are met.
• Work in partnership with other Botanical Garden team members to schedule and coordinate use of the venue spaces for internal and external groups including facility service operations, client services, internal users, and external renters.
• Successfully manage vendor relationships and serve as the primary point of contact to events for monitoring payments, required documents, and any escalated concerns.
• Prepare and monitor monthly rental sales and revenue reports, analyze data, proactively set strategies, and adjust when needed to achieve goals.
• Serve as the primary contact and problem-solver related to facility rentals, space needs, room set-up, and other related issues.
• Collaborate with marketing colleagues to promote the Botanical Garden as a premier rental venue to drive rental sales. Serve as the subject-matter expert regarding rental and sales content for digital and print purposes.
• Serve on cross-departmental teams to create and execute events, exhibits, and exceptional experiences at the Botanical Garden.
• Develop, maintain, and promote positive and professional relationships with staff, volunteers, members, vendors, donors, contractors, and the public.
Education
Education and Experience
• Minimum four years of successful rental management, service management, and/or sales management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality-related field and/or equivalent preferred.
• Must have experience in the food and beverage industry and working with vendors.
• Supervisory experience or demonstrated ability to train and motivate team members.
• Must be available to work weekend and evening hours.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills demonstrated with diverse groups.
• Bi-lingual or multi-lingual skills highly desirable.
About the Company
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is a 501(c)(3) privately governed, not-for-profit public garden situated on 17 acres in the heart of downtown Des Moines. At the Botanical Garden, we are passionate about exploring, explaining and celebrating the world of plants. Beyond the beauty and inspiration of our urban setting, we are dedicated to creating signature, memorable experiences through progressive garden design and innovative programming. People, plants and passion are the focus of what we do. By educating and enriching the lives of our guests, we provide a valuable resource for our community and forge partnerships stronger than the sum of our individual parts.
Travel Required
Resume Required
Yes
Contact Person
BG-HR