Manager of Museum Experiences and Events

Overview

The Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA) is looking for a Manager of Museum Experiences and Events. This role integrates event coordination, hospitality, museum space management, stakeholder collaboration, and evaluation to support the operations of the upcoming dedicated art museum at Williams College. The manager fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment, ensuring visitors have engaging, meaningful experiences with the museum and college. The college values diversity and inclusion in its community.

Role Scope

The manager works closely with multiple teams including Curatorial Engagement program managers, café and catering operators, Alumni Engagement, College Relations, Events, and Dining Services. In partnership with the Manager of Security and consultants, the manager helps train front-of-house staff in hospitality and supports evaluation efforts. This role is pivotal in orchestrating the opening celebrations of the new museum and will interact with donors, alumni, art audiences, and professionals. Additional duties related to museum experiences and events may arise as the museum's needs evolve.

Event Planning and Execution

• Lead planning and implement all inaugural events for the new museum opening in Fall 2027, coordinating with museum staff and the College's Special Events Manager.
• Manage operations of regular museum-hosted events such as exhibition launches, social functions, donor gatherings, and staff meetings.
• Handle inquiries and bookings for museum spaces including the café, auditorium, lobbies, and galleries, and organize regular calendaring meetings to assess event logistics.
• Develop event agreements and contracts with various partners.
• Collaborate with Curatorial Engagement on classroom and gallery tour bookings and public program receptions.
• Coordinate with Facility Management on event logistics including AV, room setups, décor, lighting, and security ensuring artwork safety compliance.
• Supervise an Events and Building Coordinator to assist with event logistics, signage, and light maintenance tasks.
• Organize off-site WCMA events targeting alumni and collectors along with College Relations and museum colleagues, including occasional travel to host these events.

Café and Food Service Coordination

• Participate in evaluating and selecting the café operator and establishing relevant event policies prior to museum opening.
• Oversee event management for public programs, private dinners, catered meals, and act as the main liaison with the third-party café contractor.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene standards, operational quality, and customer service excellence are maintained in the museum's food services.
• Facilitate collaboration between the café vendor and College Dining Services for smooth resource and scheduling coordination.
• Conduct regular inspections of food service areas in partnership with the Building Manager, enforcing cleaning and maintenance protocols to prevent pest issues while protecting art assets.

Visitor Experience and Hospitality Training

• Collaborate with Security and Visitor Services management to develop and deliver hospitality training for all public-facing personnel, emphasizing professionalism, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity.
• Work alongside the Associate Curator of Campus and Community Engagement to train student tour guides to engage audiences effectively and inclusively.
• Coordinate additional training to help staff handle challenging situations and conflict resolution with the support of external consultants and college resources.
• Maintain the museum event calendar and oversee dissemination of signage and informational materials to keep visitors and staff informed about event activities and responsibilities.

Evaluation and Impact Assessment

• Participate in the museum's evaluation initiatives to measure visitor satisfaction, program success, and institutional impact.
• Support data collection efforts using surveys, comment cards, and observational studies facilitated by Visitor Services associates or during programming.
• Analyze collected data, prepare detailed reports, and offer strategic recommendations to museum leadership for program improvement and planning.

General Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Art, Business, Hospitality Management or related fields, with at least 5 years experience in event management.
• Strong background in hospitality and customer service, with capability to lead culturally sensitive staff training fostering inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environments.
• Experience managing vendor relations, contract development, event scope, schedules, and budgets; proficiency with scheduling, budgeting, and POS software.
• Adept at conflict resolution and complaint management, maintaining calm and diplomatic communication.
• Outstanding organizational, project management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of safety protocols related to gallery and artwork event hosting.
• Experience with visitor/program evaluation techniques and data analysis.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
• Preferred: Experience in art museum environments and passion for mission-based arts and education institutions.
• Preferred: Background working with college/university dining services and familiarity with food safety regulations.
• Adaptability to evolving duties as museum events and hospitality needs develop.

Remote Work Policy

Employees located in NY, MA, CT, or VT may request up to 8 hours per week of remote work with prior approval. Remote arrangements are regularly reviewed and may change as policies evolve.

Salary and Application

The anticipated salary range is $75,000 to $85,000 annually, adjusted based on experience. The application review will commence on May 14, 2026. Submission of a cover letter addressing interest and relevant qualifications is mandatory for application consideration.