Job Details

Job Title: Event Operations Specialist – Part Time
Department: Retail & Visitor Services
Reports to: Director of Retail & Visitor Services
Hourly Rate: $15.00 per hour

History saved and preserved is the foundation for strong, vibrant communities and future generations. The Detroit Historical Society’s mission is to tell Detroit’s stories and why they matter. Founded in 1921, the Society has been bringing together diverse voices and communities around the stories of the region to find their place in the present and inspire the future for over one hundred years. Located in Detroit’s cultural district, the Society administers and develops exhibitions and programming for the Detroit Historical Museum, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, and our Collection Resource Center at Historic Fort Wayne. The team cares for over 250,000 artifacts in its collection and relies on a staff of over sixty individuals to help continue to bring Detroit’s vibrant stories to life.

Position Description
The Event Operations Specialist is a part-time position responsible for assisting in the setup, execution, and breakdown of events for the Detroit Historical Society. Working under the direct supervision of the Public Programs Manager and potential day-to-day operational direction of the Event Operations Supervisor or designated leadership for the assigned event such as the Facility Rentals Manager or the Fundraising Events Manager. The Event Operations Specialist will assist in the successful setup, execution, and breakdown of museum programs, rentals, and special events.

This role also includes assisting with A/V equipment, maintaining the cleanliness of the venue, and providing exceptional customer service to ensure a positive guest experience. The ideal candidate is dependable, energetic, and able to perform tasks with attention to detail.

This position requires a minimum availability of 10 hours per week with the potential for up to 29 hours per week. Occasional additional hours may be available. Weekend and evening availability is required.

Major Responsibilities:

• Follow day-to-day operational direction provided by the Public Programs Manager, Event Operations Supervisor, and designated leadership for the assigned event to execute event setup, event support, and breakdown activities efficiently and professionally.
• Provide excellent customer service by anticipating client needs, addressing concerns, and ensuring a positive experience for all event attendees.
• Learn to navigate preferred event software to retrieve important event documents.
• Arrange tables, chairs, podiums, and decor to accommodate the event floor plans.
• Assist vendors, caterers, and event guests with load-in and set-up during events, ensuring their needs are met promptly.
• Direct foot traffic and provide accurate information regarding the events’ programming, amenities, and restrictions.
• Operate and troubleshoot museum-owned A/V equipment during events, including microphones, projectors, speakers, etc.
• Promptly communicate operational issues, facility concerns, equipment malfunctions, or guest incidents to the Event Operations Supervisor, escalating directly to the designated event Manager when appropriate.
• Help maintain a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly environment while promptly reporting concerns to the Event Operations Supervisor, Public Programs Manager, or designated leadership for the assigned event.
• Respond to any safety concerns and assist with emergency procedures and incident documentation where needed.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness during the event in partnership with 3^rd party cleaning company, including restroom upkeep, emptying trash receptacles, cleaning spills, changing light bulbs, and addressing breakages.
• Complete other event-related tasks as assigned by the Public Programs Manager.