Development Events Coordinator

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

OPERS retirement program

Complimentary Conservatory membership

Job summary

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, OH, seeks a Part-Time Development Events Coordinator to support fundraising events, donor stewardship, and cultivation activities. The role works closely with the Associate Director of Donor Engagement to handle logistics, production, and guest experiences for Hat Day, Field to Table, Flutter Run 5K, and other campaigns.

The position is on-site in Columbus, Ohio, non-exempt, and part-time with OPERS and complimentary Conservatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Nonprofit Management, Communications, Marketing, or related field.
• 1–3 years of experience planning fundraising events, nonprofit events, hospitality events, or corporate events.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate planning and execution of the Conservatory's signature fundraising events.
• Maintain project timelines, budgets, and planning checklists to ensure projects stay on schedule.
• Coordinate event logistics including catering, rentals, décor, florals, entertainment, audiovisual needs, parking, security, registration, and volunteer staffing.
• Assist with venue setup, event execution, and post-event breakdown.
• Partner with internal departments to ensure seamless event execution and guest experiences.
• Work with Marketing to coordinate invitations, signage, collateral, and digital communications.
• Coordinate sponsorship solicitation, commitments, and deliverables with the Associate Director of Donor Engagement.
• Coordinate logistics for donor appreciation events, campaign receptions, and exclusive donor experiences.
• Prepare donor packets, event materials, invitations, and guest communications.
• Provide exceptional hospitality for donors and guests.
• Schedule and coordinate volunteers; manage meeting logistics, minutes, and materials.

Skills

Event planning

Budget management

Vendor management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Event Management

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM software

Tessitura

VenueOps

Job description

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facility—situated two miles from downtown Columbus—features glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.

MISSION

As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences.

VISION

Envision a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.

JOB SUMMARY

The Part-Time Development Events Coordinator supports the planning and execution of fundraising, donor stewardship, and cultivation events that inspire philanthropic support for the Conservatory's mission. Working closely with the Associate Director of Donor Engagement, the Development Events Coordinator provides support on the logistics, production, and execution of the Conservatory's signature fundraising events—including Hat Day, Field to Table, the Flutter Run 5K—as well as campaign events and donor engagement opportunities. This position ensures exceptional guest experiences while supporting fundraising goals.

This job is based on site in Columbus, Ohio.

Additional Information

This is a part time, non exempt position. This position is eligible for participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement Program (OPERS), and complimentary membership to the Conservatory.

Compensation:

$20 - $22 hourly paid biweekly.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate the planning and implementation of the Conservatory's signature fundraising events, including Hat Day, Field to Table, and the Flutter Run 5K in collaboration with Associate Directors.
• Maintain project timelines, budgets, and planning checklists to ensure projects remain on schedule.
• Coordinate event logistics including catering, rentals, décor, florals, entertainment, audiovisual needs, parking, security, registration, and volunteer staffing, in collaboration with the special events department.
• Assist with venue setup, event execution, and post-event breakdown.
• Partner with internal departments to ensure seamless event execution and outstanding guest experiences.
• Work closely with the Marketing team to coordinate invitations, signage, event collateral, and digital communications.
• Coordinate with the Associate Director of Donor Engagement to ensure sponsorship solicitation, commitments, and deliverables are tracked and fulfilled accurately and on schedule.
• Assist with sponsor communications related to event logistics and attendance.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship Events

• Coordinate logistics for donor appreciation events, campaign receptions, groundbreaking ceremonies, ribbon cuttings, behind-the-scenes tours, and exclusive donor experiences.
• Assist in preparing donor packets, event materials, invitations, and guest communications.
• Ensure an exceptional hospitality experience for donors and guests.

Project & Administrative Support

• Schedule and coordinate volunteers for development events as needed.
• Provide administrative support for volunteer committees and event chairs with meeting logistics, agendas, minutes, and materials.
• Maintain detailed project plans, event schedules and calendars.
• Process contracts, invoices, purchase requests, and vendor documentation.
• In collaboration with the Special Events Department, coordinate vendor communication and maintain event files for future planning.
• Assist with budget tracking and expense reconciliation.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Nonprofit Management, Communications, Marketing, or related field.
• One to three years of experience planning fundraising events, nonprofit events, hospitality events, or corporate events.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience working in a nonprofit development or advancement office
• Experience working with volunteers and event committees

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Knowledge of fundraising event best practices and familiarity with sponsorship fulfillment and donor stewardship
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with a passion for creating memorable guest experiences
• Excellent written and verbal communication skillsExperience working with budgets, vendors, and contracts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM/database software; experience with Tessitura, VenueOps, or similar systems is preferred.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for events.

EEO Statement:

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Conservatory does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Conservatory values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.