Temporary Manager, Event Operations

Museum-of-Scienc; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Museum of Science in Boston is seeking a Manager, Event Operations to lead the Function Coordinator team and manage vendor relationships behind every contracted event.

You will ensure alignment between internal Museum teams and external partners, overseeing staffing, equipment, ticketing, and programming needs to deliver successful events across our venues. This temporary role ends January 11, 2027.

Qualifications

• Team coordination and support across a multi-site events team.
• Strong written and verbal communication with clients and vendors.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple events.
• Good judgment and real-time problem solving during events.
• Ability to build and maintain vendor and client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operational processes for ~25 part-time Coordinators, schedule shifts, answer questions, and escalate issues to management.
• Oversee end-to-end execution of contracted events with vendors to meet financial goals.
• Contract and manage vendor agreements for equipment, rentals, and furnishings.
• Liaise with internal Museum teams and external vendors to improve event planning.
• Maintain knowledge of policies and event software; support other departments when busy.

Skills

Team coordination

Communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Relationship management

Job description

Innovation and creativity come from the unique perspectives of a diverse staff. We value your perspective.

Who We Are

As science and technology increasingly shape our lives, the Museum of Science strives to equip and inspire everyone to use science for the global good while keeping up with the pace of change. Among the world’s largest science centers and New England’s most attended cultural institution, we engage nearly five million people a year - at Science Park and in museums around the world, in classrooms, and online.

The Museum’s singular location connecting Boston and Cambridge puts us at the junction of some of the world’s most influential academic institutions and industries, local and state government, schools, and the public. Trusted by each sector, we are ideally positioned to convene, inspire, and create meaningful experiences for all. Come join us on our mission to inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone and living our vision for a world where science belongs to each of us for the good of all of us.

Why We Need You

Event Strategy, Sales, and Operations hosts roughly 300 events a year across ten venues at the Museum, and our Function Coordinator team is what makes that possible. We’re looking for a Manager, Event Operations to lead that team, manage the vendor relationships and logistics behind every contracted event, and keep our internal and external partners aligned.

This is a temporary, full-time position expected to end on January 11th, 2027.

What You’ll Accomplish

• Coordinate operational processes for approximately 25 part-time Function Coordinators, including scheduling and coordinating shift coverage. Serve as a primary point of contact for questions and concerns, providing guidance and escalating employee-related matters to management as appropriate to support successful event execution
• Manage the end-to-end execution of contracted events for nonprofit, academic, and repeat clients, coordinating staffing, equipment, ticketing, and programming needs with vendors like C&W Services, MAX Ultimate Catering, and Event Networks to meet departmental financial goals.
• Contract and manage vendor agreements (equipment, furniture, rentals) on clients’ behalf to meet event expectations and grow department revenue.
• Serve as the department’s liaison with internal Museum teams (AV, Exhibits, Facilities, Public Safety, Programs) and external vendors to improve the event planning process and cross-department communication.
• Maintain deep knowledge of departmental policies and event software, stepping into other departmental roles as needed during busy periods and representing the Sr. Director as requested.

What We’re Looking For (Competencies)

• Team Coordination & Support: Demonstrates the ability to coordinate and support teams, providing guidance, addressing questions, and promoting collaboration toward shared goals.
• Communication: Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills when working with clients, vendors, and internal teams.
• Organization & Prioritization: Exhibits excellent organizational skills, managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines across multiple events and projects.
• Judgment & Problem-Solving: Exercises sound judgment and problem‑solving skills to address operational challenges, troubleshoot issues in real time, and escal…
• Relationship Management: Builds and maintains strong relationships with vendors, internal departments, and clients to support successful event execution.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to stand for extended periods and perform physical activities associated with event setup and operations, including pushing, pulling, lifting, and moving event equipment weighing approximately 40-50 pounds.

How We Work-Our Values

Mission-Focused: We inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone.

Audience-Driven: Everything we do begins with the people we serve.

Innovative: We are curious, take smart risks, share responsibility, and own outcomes.

Generous: We offer time and energy towards common goals.

Salary Range

$35 - $40 USD

The Museum of Science is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.