Temporary Manager, Event Operations
The Museum of Science
$35 - $40 / hour
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Description
Museum of Science, Boston
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 escalate concerns as appropriate.
- 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.
About this role
Leading event operations at one of the country's largest science museums means managing the logistics and people behind roughly 300 annual events across ten venues. You'd oversee a team of about 25 part-time Function Coordinators, handle vendor relationships with catering and equipment companies, and serve as the central point of contact keeping internal departments (AV, Facilities, Public Safety) and external partners aligned. The role requires balancing competing priorities—from staffing and scheduling to contract management and client communication—while maintaining the Museum's standards for nonprofit, academic, and repeat clients.
This temporary position runs through January 2027 and demands strong organizational skills, sound judgment under pressure, and the ability to troubleshoot operational challenges in real time. You'll need to be comfortable with both the strategic side of vendor management and the hands-on aspects of event execution, including standing for extended periods and handling equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. The work is based in Boston and involves close collaboration across multiple teams and external partners to keep events running smoothly and support departmental revenue goals.
The role suits someone with event operations or team management experience who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders. The salary range is $35–40 per hour.
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Pay for this role
$35 to $40 per hour
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