Manager, Events

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Pension plan

Job summary

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) seeks an Event Manager to lead small-to-mid-level Development Department events from ideation through execution. You’ll support the Assistant Director on larger LACMA events, coordinating with donor groups, Gala committees, and cross-functional teams, including the Museum Director’s Office.

The role emphasizes communication, problem-solving, creativity, and organization, with opportunities to shape guest experiences and ensure successful events within

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in Art History, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Project Management or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in event planning, production, or a similar role.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms).
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Pre-Event Logistics and Onsite Execution: oversee events, manage production, guest experience, budgets, timelines and logistics.
• Department Support: oversee budgets, vendor contracts, expense reconciliation and documentation.
• Guest Management and Communications: manage donor and VIP communications, RSVPs, invitations, and steward relationships.
• Creative and Event Ideation: develop concepts, prepare leadership-ready updates and materials, maximize budget impact.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Time management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Project Management or related field

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Events, the Event Manager manages small-to-mid-level Development Department events from ideation through execution, collaborating closely with Event Leadership on strategic initiatives. This role will support the Assistant Director on larger scale LACMA events. This includes involvement in Fundraising Groups, Galas, and other events as needed, as well as partnering with cross-functional departments and the Museum Director’s Office. Successful candidates excel in communication, problem-solving, creativity, and organization.

Responsibilities:

Pre-Event Logistics and Onsite Execution

• Oversees a range of events, managing production, guest experience, budget management, timeline development, and advanced logistical coordination.
• Managing roles and responsibilities per project, coordinating staffing resources and ensuring adequate coverage for critical onsite roles.
• Manages internal work orders and vendor relationships (e.g. rentals, catering), ensuring compliance with event standards.
• Oversees venue preparation and coordinates with internal departments (Facilities, AV, IT, Security, Valet) to address requirements.
• Prepares and presents key documents (timelines, run of show, budgets, event flows, presentations) for distribution.
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills by proactively identifying challenges and implementing effective solutions.
• Performs other duties or special projects as assigned.

Department Support

• Implements best practices for budget oversight, vendor contracts, and expense reconciliation for events.
• Maintains comprehensive event documentation (e.g., photography assets, run of show, budget tracking) to ensure organization and continuity.
• Conducting vendors and research projects, as needed.

Guest Management and Communications

• Manages donor and VIP communication plans, ensuring a high-touch approach that aligns with Development Department standards.
• Organize guest lists criteria, deploys invitations, tracks RSVPs, and implements communication strategy to ensure a seamless guest experience.
• Oversees invitation development, production, and distribution (print and digital), meeting all deadlines.
• Acts as an ambassador for the museum, maintaining relationships with donors and external partners, and advocating for the museum’s mission.

Creative and Event Ideation

• Develops innovative concepts to elevate guest experiences, and support donor engagement through events.
• Prepares presentations outlining event updates, designs, and catering options for leadership review, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Maintains a strong attention to detail, tailoring each event to its attendees and maximizing the allocated budget.
• Ideates and oversees the development of additional print and digital assets such as bar menus, dinner menus, event signage, etc.
• Ideates on creative branding moments and event touches.
• Monitors industry trends to ensure events remain innovative and incorporate fresh, creative and effective ideas into planning and execution.
• The expected annual salary for this Los Angeles, CA-based position is $68,000-$72,000, subject to change, and the position is eligible for LACMA’s comprehensive benefits package, including pension plan.
• LACMA is committed to providing its employees with valuable and competitive benefits as a core part of a strong overall employee experience.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in Art History, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Project Management or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in event planning, production, or a similar role.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms).
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.