Events & Reservation Manager

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development

Job Title:

Events & Reservation Manager

Department:
Visitor Services

Reports to:

Director of Visitor Services

Position Status:
Full-Time, Exempt

The Esplanade Association (EA) seeks an experienced Events & Reservations Manager to oversee the successful production of all EA stewardship events across season and venue, with particular oversight of the bookings in the Esplanade’s forthcoming Smith Family Pavilion and Charlesbank Campus (Charlesbank), EA's new year-round all season destination for park visitor welcome, wellness, discovery and engagement. This Manager serves as the organizational lead for EA's ongoing seasonal cultivation activities with supporters as well as milestone ribbon cuttings for public projects, and new event rental and reservation opportunities sonal responsibilities include Board meetings, the Annual Meeting, the summer Dock Party, the Moondance Gala and its related pre- and post- events, and will be complemented with new quarterly offerings at Charlesbank that may total approximately 15 events annually.

Beyond EA events, this position is responsible for overseeing and managing the calendar of Charlesbank space use by EA for scheduled programs, by partners for community use, and by EA's Cafe/Catering Operator for onsite event rentals and services. As the primary EA liaison with the Cafe/Catering Operator, this Manager must be able to work seamlessly with the Operator and their vendors (for AV, tenting, furniture, decor, entertainment and event planning) while adhering to EA procedures and standards of excellence for public service, park care and park user satisfaction and enjoyment.

The role must work flexible hours including weekends, evenings and some holidays to accommodate public, partner and rental clients across desired hours of use. The Events & Reservations Manager will build excellent processes, reports and strategies to increase and improve meaningful gatherings in and for the park that expand EA's capacity to connect more people to the Esplanade.

Founded in 2001, the Esplanade Association (EA) is the community-supported non-profit dedicated to expanding the care of and for the historic Charles River Esplanade through projects, programs and plantings that amplify the park experience for over 4 million visitors annually. The Esplanade is downtown Boston’s 64-acre state park maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). This cultural landmark is revered for its natural and cultivated beauty, history, riverfront access, miles of popular running and biking trails, and dynamic programs with numerous organizations.

EA’s contributions include funding and implementing the following enhancements, revitalizations and activations: over 100 service, educational, recreational and cultural programs offered annually; over 300 new trees planted through the Lasting Esplanade Arbor Fund (L.E.A.F.); repair or reconstruction of beloved amenities including Lotta Fountain, Community Boating docks and Centennial Fountain; both temporary and long-term public art commissions; playground maintenance and accessible design, including the Gronk Playground in 2025;

construction underway to open in 2026 the Esplanade’s new Smith Family Pavilion and Charlesbank Campus, improving two-acres to equitably welcome more people from more places to a year-round destination in the park; and much more. It’s an exciting time to join our community-engaged non-profit as it grows in scale, visibility, and impact.

The Events & Reservation Manager is successful when:

• Events consistently meet pre-set goals to advance engagement, reputation, and cultivation.
• Surveys reflect high satisfaction and “recommendable” ratings for production cost, quality, enjoyment.
• Communications and execution run smoothly across teams, vendors, partners/clients, and guests.

With guidance from the Director of Visitor Services and Director of Development, produce the Moondance Gala, EA's largest fundraising event, providing…