Rentals Manager

Socket.dev; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Museum of Life and Science is seeking a Rentals Manager in Durham, NC to lead the day-to-day operations of the facility rental program and deliver outstanding client experiences. You will supervise the Rentals team, manage the event calendar, and drive revenue and service excellence from inquiry through event execution and post-event follow-up.

The role requires a college degree or 3+ years of relevant experience, strong leadership, budgeting, and contract management skills, plus flexibility for

Qualifications

• College degree in Event Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field, or 3+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Commitment to the Museum's mission of sparking curiosity and respect for nature and science.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams, set priorities, and provide clear direction and leadership to staff.
• Experience with contracts, budgets, invoices, and revenue goals.
• Experience responding to client escalations.
• Proficiency with CRM, event-management, database, or project-management systems.
• Available to work occasional weekends, evenings, and late nights.
• Physical ability to be on one's feet for 8+ hours, travel distances of up to one mile on variable terrain, and lift 25 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a responsive, client-centered sales and planning process that helps convert inquiries into successful rental events while meeting Museum revenue and service goals.
• Set daily and weekly priorities for the Rentals team and assign work based on the event calendar, staff availability, and operational needs.
• Provide regular supervision, coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations for direct reports.
• Maintain oversight of the full rental calendar and identify potential conflicts involving staffing, spaces, equipment, or other Museum resources.
• Establish and reinforce consistent team procedures, service standards, planning practices, and client communications.
• Hire, train, coach, and develop Rentals staff; partner with Assistant Managers to build team capacity, delegate responsibilities effectively, and ensure appropriate coverage.
• Serve as the first point of escalation for clients, vendors, and staff. Resolve routine concerns independently and bring significant policy, financial, safety, or client-service concerns to the Director.
• Work closely with other Museum departments to ensure events are appropriately planned and supported.

Skills

Event Management

Budgeting

Staff Leadership

Client Service

Contract Management

CRM Systems

Vendor Relations

Escalation Handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Event Management or related field

Tools

CRM software

Event management software

Project management tools

Job description

What if your next event venue included dinosaurs, treehouses, butterflies, and 84 acres of possibilities? Join the Museum of Life and Science as our Rentals Manager and lead the team that brings unforgettable weddings, celebrations, corporate gatherings, and special events to life—all while delivering exceptional client experiences and helping grow a dynamic, revenue-generating program.

Job Title:Rentals Manager

Job Classification: Regular, FT, Exempt

Reports to: Director of Events and Rentals

Position Objective:

Support the Museum's mission by leading the day-to-day operations and service delivery of the Museum's facility rental program. This role supervises the Rentals team, supports revenue and departmental goals, and ensures a high-quality client experience from initial inquiry through event execution and post-event follow-up.

Qualifications

Required

• College degree in Event Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field,or 3+ years of relevant professional experience
• Commitment to the Museum's mission of sparking curiosity and respect for nature and science
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams, set priorities, and provide clear direction and leadership to staff.
• Experience with contracts, budgets, invoices, and revenue goals
• Experience responding to client escalations
• Proficiency with CRM, event-management, database, or project-management systems
• Available to work occasional weekends, evenings, and late nights
• Physical ability to be on one's feet for 8+ hours, travel distances of up to one mile on variable terrain, and lift 25 lbs.

Desired

• Sales, business-development, or marketing experience
• Experience working in a museum or similar public-facing environment
• Previous experience supervising, coaching, or leading staff
• Experience in emergency management
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a responsive, client-centered sales and planning process that helps convert inquiries into successful rental events while meeting Museum revenue and service goals.
• Set daily and weekly priorities for the Rentals team and assign work based on the event calendar, staff availability, and operational needs.
• Provide regular supervision, coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations for direct reports.
• Maintain oversight of the full rental calendar and identify potential conflicts involving staffing, spaces, equipment, or other Museum resources.
• Establish and reinforce consistent team procedures, service standards, planning practices, and client communications.
• Hire, train, coach, and develop Rentals staff; partner with Assistant Managers to build team capacity, delegate responsibilities effectively, and ensure appropriate coverage.
• Serve as the first point of escalation for clients, vendors, and staff. Resolve routine concerns independently and bring significant policy, financial, safety, or client-service concerns to the Director.
• Work closely with other Museum departments to ensure events are appropriately planned and supported.
• Serve as the on-site venue manager or Event Captain for complex or high-profile events as needed.
• Complete Emergency Coordinator training and serve as an after-hours Emergency Coordinator when needed.
• Monitor rental revenue, sales pipeline, departmental expenses, and budget performance against established goals; identify trends or concerns and recommend appropriate action.
• Ensure contracts, invoices, payment collection, recordkeeping, and financial reconciliation are completed accurately and on time.
• Partner with the Director to implement departmental strategies, initiatives, and operational improvements.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with caterers, rental companies, planners, and other event vendors to support high-quality events and consistent Museum standards.
• Represent the Museum at networking events and trade shows.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Staff Oversight:Direct: 2 Rentals Assistant Managers & 2 Event Captains

Indirect: Rentals Associates