Events and Partnerships Manager

Science Central; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Science Central in Fort Wayne, IN is seeking an Events & Partnerships Manager to grow relationships with sponsors, businesses, and renters while leading the planning and execution of events and facility rentals.

The role blends relationship-building, event planning, business development, and hands-on coordination to represent Science Central in the community and strengthen its impact across the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, business, or related field.
• Experience in event planning, partnerships, business development, fundraising, or related field.
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple events, relationships, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience with sponsorship development, facility rentals, sales, nonprofit or community partnerships is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with sponsors, businesses, and partners.
• Identify and pursue new sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
• Plan and coordinate events, rentals, and special experiences from start to finish.
• Serve as primary contact for renters and ensure a welcoming experience.
• Coordinate event logistics, timelines, vendors, staffing, and internal communication.
• Lead staff during events and help ensure events run smoothly.
• Explore growth opportunities for rentals, sponsorships, and partnerships.
• Collaborate across departments to bring events and partnerships to life.
• Connect renters, sponsors, and partners with Science Central’s mission and impact.

Skills

Relationship-building

Organization

Communication

Initiative

Creative thinking

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, business, or related field

Job description

Department: Advancement

Reports To: Director of Advancement

Do you enjoy bringing people together, building relationships, and creating memorable experiences?

Science Central is looking for an Events & Partnerships Manager to help us grow relationships with businesses, community partners, sponsors, renters, and event guests while leading the planning and execution of events and facility rentals.

This is a great role for someone who enjoys a mix of relationship-building, event planning, business development, and hands‑on coordination. You’ll have the opportunity to represent Science Central in the community, develop new partnerships, create engaging experiences, and help strengthen the organization’s presence and impact throughout the region.

What You’ll Do

• Build and maintain relationships with sponsors, businesses, community organizations, and other partners.
• Identify and pursue new sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
• Plan and coordinate Science Central events, rentals, and special experiences from start to finish.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for facility renters and help create a welcoming, memorable experience.
• Coordinate event logistics, timelines, vendors, staffing, and internal communication.
• Lead staff during assigned events and help ensure events run smoothly.
• Look for creative ways to grow rental, sponsorship, and partnership opportunities.
• Work across departments to bring events and partnerships to life.
• Help connect renters, sponsors, and community partners with Science Central’s mission, programs, and impact.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A strong relationship-builder who genuinely enjoys connecting with people.
• Organized, dependable, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
• A confident communicator who can work with a wide range of people and organizations.
• Comfortable taking initiative and making decisions within their area of responsibility.
• Creative and interested in finding new ways to make events, rentals, and partnerships successful.
• Collaborative and able to work effectively across departments.
• Comfortable leading teams during events.
• Flexible and willing to work occasional evenings or weekends when events require it.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, business, or a related field, or comparable relevant education and experience.
• Experience in event planning, partnerships, business development, fundraising, hospitality, sales, or a related field.
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple events, relationships, and deadlines at the same time.
• Experience with sponsorship development, facility rentals, sales, nonprofit organizations, or community partnerships is a plus.

Why Science Central?

Science Central is a regional resource dedicated to providing inspiring and fun hands‑on science education for all people of all ages. Our employees help create memorable experiences, spark curiosity, and connect our community with science and learning.

This role offers the opportunity to combine relationship‑building, creativity, event leadership, and community engagement in an organization where your work can have a visible impact.

Salary: $45,000 annually

Schedule: Full time (around 40 hours per week); occasional evening and weekend availability is required for events and rentals.

Science Central is an equal opportunity employer.