Events Experience Manager

Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment is seeking an Events Experience Manager to lead the development and execution of signature events on its 600-acre farm in Freeport, ME. This role involves managing internal and external events, cultivating relationships with partners and vendors, overseeing budgets, and coordinating marketing efforts. The position is vital for enhancing community engagement and generating revenue for the organization.
About Wolfe’s Neck Center

Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment is a fast-growing, national nonprofit organization based on a campus of over 600 acres of coastal farmland in Freeport, Maine. Our work is dedicated to creating a world where agriculture and food systems support farmer viability, thriving ecosystems, and vibrant communities. Through regenerative farming demonstration and training, innovative research, and collaborations, Wolfe’s Neck Center works to advance agriculture - on our own farm, regionally, and nationally - to accelerate holistic change in food systems and mitigate the effects of a changing climate.

Position Summary

Wolfe’s Neck Center (WNC) believes in the power of using our special 600+ acre working farm to bring people of all ages to our campus for immersive and meaningful hands-on learning experiences and memorable events. We host both external events and conferences for groups and businesses, and internal fundraising events designed to connect people to our farm, our mission and locally raised, grown and produced food. Wolfe’s Neck Center seeks an Event Experience Manager to lead the strategic development and implementation of all signature events for Wolfe’s Neck Center and management of venue rentals, including the Smith Center for Education and Research and the Mallet Barn.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining and establishing relationships with WNC partners and community by managing and coordinating internal and external events including corporate rentals, meetings, conferences, and celebrations, and WNC-hosted events, including the Farm to Table Series. The Events Experience Manager is an integral part of the Advancement Team, leading the strategy and execution of a key revenue stream for the organization. The Manager reports to the Managing Director of Advancement, working closely with other members of the Advancement and Stewardship teams.

Responsibilities

EVENTS AND PARTNER MANAGEMENT - 60%
• Develops the strategy for and oversees the execution of WNC’s signature events which currently include the Farm to Table Series, Summer Concert, Beers and Bites, Harvest Dance, and Fall Festival
• Cultivates relationships with external partners (i.e., chefs) and vendors to secure their active participation in events and works to ensure a positive experience
• Identifies and recruits new partners and vendors to enhance WNC events, while also meeting goals for revenue
• Manages business partner relationships through event sponsorships
• Assists with the development of concepts, themes and formats for other events for the organization that engage supporters, increase mission awareness and grow revenue
• Creates and manages the annual events budget, developing recommendations and plans for future events and serving as lead contact for developing annual event calendar
• Manages ticketing process for all WNC events in collaboration with Marketing Coordinator
• Provides event management training to the Marketing Coordinator to maximize productivity and efficiency
• Provides expertise to staff in the planning and execution of non-signature events
• Works with the Communications staff to develop content for event correspondence, collateral materials, social media and web
• Negotiates with consultants and vendors to secure rates and enhance budgets

VENUE MANAGEMENT & MARKETING - 40%
• Manages the promotion and execution of WNC facility rental venues (Smith Center and Mallet Barn) in collaboration with Marketing and Communications staff
• Supports maintenance of the Smith Center as well as the Mallet Barn by identifying needs and levels of priority, and monitors timelines for completion in partnership with the Facilities and Grounds team
• Ensures all contractual agreements are met by both parties and that WNC rental procedures and policies are followed
• Supports the development of event and rental policies; creates facility rental guides and promotional content for public use with marketing and communications staff.
• Works across the organization to develop a strategy that maximizes the utilization of all rental facilities and effectively balances and coordinates the uses between internal and external audiences

Qualifications
• Three to five years of hands-on experience in coordinating and managing events, including fundraisers and other nonprofit events
• Experience in nonprofit fundraising and development, customer service or related field, experience in food service is a plus
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including excellent public speaking, writing and computer skills, with orientation to customer service
• Experience developing and managing partnerships
• Ability to multitask with a variety of people in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
• Project management skill with proven attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Strong commitment to working within the local community and diverse groups of people
• Ability to work well independently, as a member of a high functioning team and develop effective working relationships with people from a variety of backgrounds
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to lift and move heavy objects ( 50–75 lbs) safely and efficiently
• Must be able to work a variable work schedule, which includes frequent work on weekends during the event season

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. If you do not fit this description perfectly but believe that you would be a good fit for this position, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Benefits:
The Events and Rentals Manager is a full-time position based at Wolfe’s Neck Center in Freeport, ME. As a full-time employee of Wolfe’s Neck Center, this position is eligible for benefits including employer-paid health insurance premiums, dental insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and our retirement savings plan. Compensation commensurate with experience: $55,000 - $62,000.

To Apply: Submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@wolfesneckcenter.org

Non-Discriminatory Selection Process:

Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment welcomes a diverse pool of candidates. In accordance with federal Equal Opportunity laws, Wolfe’s Neck Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, sexual orientation including gender identity or expression, veteran status, or physical or mental disability in the hiring of its employees. Applicants are selected based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job, prior work experience, and references from previous employers.