Event Coordinator, Entertainment & Gaming

JOB SUMMARY

The event program is one of several unique entry points for guests to engage with the educational spaces at Great Lakes Aquarium. Community members gather for weddings, conferences, birthday and holiday parties, meetings, private events, and more. Each of these events connects guests with the water and wildlife of Lake Superior and beyond.

The Event Coordinator works with the Event Manager and other support staff to oversee the intricate details of facility rentals and off‑site events, communicating sincerely and professionally with guests and vendors. An organized, detail‑oriented, and communicative individual is essential for success.

The coordinator is responsible for training, supervising, and administering staff duties related to facility rentals, maintaining consistent standards of exceptional service. The role also provides input into daily policies and procedures at the Aquarium.

Part‑time, averaging 25‑30 hours per week, the position requires a flexible schedule that includes weekends, evenings, and federal holidays.

Event Coordination — 80%

• Identify the needs and expectations of each event; communicate regularly with the Event Manager to sustain a common vision and professional execution.
• Liaise with event hosts, Aquarium staff, vendors, and exhibitors during planning to ensure a meticulously polished final product.
• Work closely with the Event Manager and Front End Manager to direct event staff, including training, allocation of duties, oversight of operations, and problem resolution.
• Keep the Event Manager and staff informed about event logistics to enable appropriate adjustments to Aquarium operations.
• Manage all day‑of event logistics: direct set‑up, actively problem‑solve, coordinate staff, vendors, and guests, oversee program logistics, and manage clean‑up efforts.
• Oversee internal bar service, including safety and quality, vendor relations, inventory, and security.
• Participate in the coordination and implementation of off‑site events benefiting the Aquarium’s community outreach efforts.

Office Administration — 10%

• Use various Aquarium systems for email, calendaring, etc.
• Perform minor event‑related data entry as requested.
• Schedule event staff.
• Conduct pre‑ and post‑event evaluations and communicate analyses with the Event Manager.

Other duties as assigned — 10%

• Participate in staff training.
• Assist with the management of event spaces, including organization and inventory.
• Articulate creative ideas to improve services and event quality.

• Positive and outgoing personality.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to analyze and solve problems effectively.
• Strong work ethic with a willingness to help out where needed.
• Ability to work in a team environment or individually with minimal to moderate supervision.
• Familiarity with handling cash and computerized point‑of‑sale systems.
• Working knowledge of PCs and software applications including Microsoft Office Suite and the internet.

• Retail or customer service experience.
• Bartending experience.

The applicant should have at least two years of customer service experience; management of customer service or events preferred.

Required to lift a full case of beverages and 20‑lb bags of ice, set up folding tables and chairs, and push a cart full of bar items. The employee will be located on the exhibit floor, in meeting rooms, the outdoor beer garden, and an office environment, alternating stationary and active periods. Events may last from 1 to 12 hours. Step stools and ladders will be used as needed.

Communication with staff and guests is routine; noise ranges from quiet to moderate, occasionally loud.

Starting rate is $15.00/hour. The position is part‑time, with opportunities for annual merit increases. Benefits include earned sick and safe time in accordance with MN law, free waterfront parking when available, discounts on Aquarium programs and gift shop items, and free admission to the Aquarium for the employee and guests.

Great Lakes Aquarium is an equal‑opportunity…