Museum Special Events & Rentals Manager

EM Technologies GmbH; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

History San José seeks a high-energy Special Events Manager to lead our facilities rental program and assist with site activations. You will oversee bookings, planning, and evaluation of rental events across HSJ sites.

The role requires museum or cultural institution experience, budget and personnel management, and a track record of generating revenue. Collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and city departments to ensure successful, compliant events.

Qualifications

• Museum or cultural venue experience is required.
• Budget development and financial management skills are required.
• Experience in personnel management is required.
• Demonstrated ability to generate revenue is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Actively market HSJ venues to corporate, non-profit, and private clients.
• Manage the full sales lifecycle: site walkthroughs, quotes, contracts, meetings, and post-event evaluations.
• Collaborate with affiliates, partners, and internal teams to plan mission-based events.
• Coordinate with facilities and departments for operating support and rentals.
• Oversee permitting with City/County departments to ensure compliant events.
• Maintain a current vendor list of caterers and contract services.
• Negotiate and contract performers, caterers, and vendors cost‑effectively.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, vendors, agencies, HSJ staff and volunteers.
• Manage master calendars to reduce conflicts between programs and events.
• Maintain records of contracts, invoices, and permits.
• Represent History San José at meetings and partner events.

Skills

Client relations

Budget management

Event planning

Staff supervision

Vendor management

Job description

History San José seeks a high-energy Special Events Manager to lead our facilities rental program and assist with site activations. You will oversee bookings, planning, and evaluation of rental events across HSJ sites.

The role requires museum or cultural institution experience, budget and personnel management, and a track record of generating revenue. Collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and city departments to ensure successful, compliant events.