Special Events Assistant

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid leave

Job summary

South Carolina State Museum (SCSM) is seeking an on-site Special Events Assistant to join our team. You will greet guests, coordinate with vendors, and support event execution while ensuring safety and compliance with museum policies.

The role involves working evenings, weekends, and holidays, with responsibilities ranging from setup to post-event breakdown, and administrative support for the Rentals Manager.

Qualifications

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn new software.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Greet and direct guests, clients, and vendors in a professional manner.
• Serve as the primary on-site point of contact during events.
• Coordinate with vendors, caterers, and museum staff to support event execution.
• Assist with event setup and execution according to established plans.
• Monitor event areas for policy compliance and safety.
• Provide oversight in galleries and event spaces to protect exhibits and guests.
• Assist with guest flow, crowd management, and event logistics.
• Support post-event walkthroughs and light cleanup.
• Perform administrative tasks for Rentals Manager, including newsletters and spreadsheets.

Skills

Customer service

Professional demeanor

Evening/weekend availability

Job description

Job Overview

Are you looking to be part of an innovative team of professionals dedicated to telling South Carolina's diverse stories? As the storytellers of South Carolina, the South Carolina State Museum (SCSM) shares the state's rich natural history, cultural diversity, innovative spirit, and artistic creativity through its permanent collections, educational programs, exhibitions, and digital resources.

Job Responsibilities

Are you looking to be part of an innovative team of professionals dedicated to telling South Carolina's diverse stories? As the storytellers of South Carolina, the South Carolina State Museum (SCSM) shares the state's rich natural history, cultural diversity, innovative spirit, and artistic creativity through its permanent collections, educational programs, exhibitions, and digital resources.

The Special Events Assistant serves as an on-site representative of the South Carolina State Museum during events, ensuring a welcoming, organized, and professional experience for guests, clients, and vendors. This position supports event coordination, administrative functions, and guest services while ensuring adherence to museum policies and proper care of facilities and exhibits. The position reports to the Special Events Manager.

• Greet and direct guests, clients, and vendors in a professional and courteous manner.
• Serve as the primary on-site point of contact during events.
• Coordinate with vendors, caterers, and museum staff to support event execution.
• Work with the Event Coordinator to set up and execute events according to established plans.
• Monitor event areas for compliance with museum policies, safety guidelines, and schedules.
• Provide oversight in galleries and event spaces to protect exhibits and ensure appropriate guest behavior.
• Assist with event setup, placement of materials, and adjustments as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of event spaces during events.
• Assist with guest flow, crowd management, and overall event logistics.
• Support breakdown activities, including light cleanup and coordination with setup teams.
• Conduct post-event walkthroughs to ensure spaces are left in acceptable condition.
• Perform administrative tasks assigned by the Rentals Manager, including newsletters, spreadsheets, and general office support.
• Learn and use the Tripleseat booking system for event scheduling and client management.
• Learn and process payments through the Galaxy payment system according to established procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn new software systems.
• Ability to remain professional and composed in fast-paced or high-pressure environments.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and enforce policies respectfully.
• Reliable, punctual, and available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in event hosting, hospitality, customer service, or a related field.
• Experience with event management or booking software (e.g., Tripleseat).
• Experience processing payments or operating point-of-sale systems (e.g., Galaxy).
• Familiarity with event coordination or venue operations.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a fast-paced, event-driven environment within museum facilities and occasional outdoor spaces. Duties require extended periods of standing and walking; frequent interaction with guests, vendors, and staff; and the ability to perform light physical tasks such as bending, reaching, or lifting items up to 25 pounds. The role also requires navigating indoor and outdoor event areas, sometimes in crowded or loud settings. Occasional administrative office work is required. Most work hours occur during evenings and weekends.

Additional Comments

• This position is event-based, and hours will vary depending on scheduled events.
• Candidates must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

• eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits
• dental
• vision
• term life insurance
• long term disability
• flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses

Retirement Benefits

• defined benefit plans
• defined contribution plans
• South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options

Workplace Benefits

• tuition assistance
• holiday, annual and sick leave
• discounts on purchases, travel and more

Note

The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.