Special Events and Bar Manager

San Diego Natural History Museum; California; On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vacation time

Sick time

15 paid holidays

Free admission to Balboa Park museums

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking a Special Events and Bar Manager to plan, book, and execute facility rental events while leading the museum’s bar operations. You will nurture client and vendor relationships, oversee beverage services, and help grow revenue to support the museum’s mission.

Responsibilities include on-site event leadership, inventory and compliance management, and collaboration with other departments to deliver exceptional client experiences.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2–3 years special events and banquet bar experience.
• Experience managing staff.
• Exemplary customer service skills.
• Rigorous attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work late nights and weekends.
• Guest-oriented and service-minded.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong time management and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of facility rental events from coordination to completion.
• Manage client and vendor relationships, oversee logistics, provide on-site leadership.
• Oversee all bar services: inventory, purchasing, product development, compliance, staff supervision.
• Drive event sales by cultivating relationships, site visits, proposals, contracts, and financial transactions.

Skills

Event planning

Client relationships

Staff supervision

Customer service

Time management

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Travel readiness

Education

High school diploma, or equivalent

Tools

CRM

Square

Alcohol inventory management

Job description

Love nature?Then you’re going to love The Nat.

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by local naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role over the years in regional conversation efforts. The Museum recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and completed a strategicplan focused on encouraging a love for nature, leveraging science and collections for conservation, and using our own voice to behere for nature.

The Nat is seeking aSpecial Events and Bar Manager that will support the booking, planning, and execution of facility event rentals while managing the Museum’s bar services program. This role is responsible for creating exceptional event experiences, maintaining strong client and vendor relationships, and ensuring the financial success of both event rentals and bar operations. The role also supports other departments by delivering outstanding client experiences and operating an efficient, profitable bar program, this role generates income that helps support the Museum’s mission, strategic goals, and long-term sustainability.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Event Planning, Production, and Client Experience (50%)

• Lead the planning and execution of facility rental events from initial coordination through event completion.
• Manage client and vendor relationships, oversee event logistics, ensure operational readiness, and provide on-site leadership
• Deliver exceptional experiences that meet client expectations and support the Museum’s reputation as a premier event venue.

Bar Services and Beverage Operations Management (30%)

• Oversees all aspects of the Museum’s bar services program, including inventory management, purchasing, product development, regulatory compliance, and staff supervision.
• Ensure efficient operations, exceptional service delivery, and alignment of beverage offerings with the Museum’s standards, values, and revenue goals.

Event Sales and Revenue Generation (20%)

• Support the growth and financial success of the Museum’s facility rental program by cultivating client relationships, conducting site visits, preparing proposals and contracts, and managing event-related financial transactions.
• Partner with clients to identify solutions that meet their needs while maximizing revenue opportunities and supporting organizational sustainability.

Qualifications:

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• At least 2-3 years special events and banquet bar experience
• Experience managing staff
• Exemplary customer service skills
• Must have rigorous attention to detail, ability to manage multiple deadlines, and excellent organizational abilities
• Ability to work late nights and weekends
• Must be guest-oriented and service-minded
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners.
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and shared organizational goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and, at times, stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Preferred:

• Experience with CRM
• Experience with Square
• Experience managing alcohol inventory
• Proficient or fluent in Spanish highly preferred

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods standing and walking
• Must be physically able to climb ladders, bend or crawl into awkward spaces
• Must be able to travel to work locations in the US and Mexico
• Lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds
• Move objects weighing up to 100 pounds
• Prolonged Keyboard and computer use
• Grasp, hold, and manipulate materials
• Exposure to heat, cold, humidity, or weather
• Exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, or vibrations
• Operate a motor vehicle safely
• Maintain a valid California driver’s license

Pay: $28/hour

This full-time, non-exempt position is eligible for benefitssuch as health insurance, vacation, sick-time,15 paid holidays, free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums, and more.