Festivals Project Manager

Principal Function:
The Festivals Project Manager provides operational oversite of festivals at Conner Prairie. The project manager works with colleagues on cross-departmental planning teams to design, plan, and implement festival events. These events include History on Tap, Jupiter Flights, Headless Horseman, A Merry Prairie Holiday, and other special events on occasion. This role requires strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and adaptability in managing complex projects.

This job requires evening and weekend work during the festival season (September-December). This job also includes working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and requires physical work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Works with the Senior Manager of Events and Programs to set the vision and build standard operating procedures for festival programming.

Works alongside members of the Programs team to set-up and tear-down events, and helps to maintain schedules and timelines.

Develops operational plans and training materials for each festival and delivers trainings to Conner Prairie Staff and Volunteers.

Acts as operations liaison between the festivals team and colleagues in other divisions to ensure communications about the festivals are consistent across all events.

Oversees the purchase of operating supplies across multiple festival budgets.

Recruits and oversees select contracted performers. Hires and oversees Scare Team staff.

Oversees the acquisition, storage, and maintenance of costumes and small props.

Participates in cross-departmental planning teams to regularly re-fresh and re-imagine each event.

Examines internal planning processes and finds ways to streamline and improve efficiency.

Serves as a PIC (Person in Charge) for select events, as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This job supervises part-time seasonal Scare Team staff and may help direct the work of part-time Production Crew staff.

Education and/or

Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Hospitality, Event Planning, Museum Studies or similar field is required.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty according to the requirements of the organization. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Competencies:

To perform this job successfully, all employees at Conner Prairie should demonstrate the following competencies:

Customer Service – Responds to requests for service and assistance;
Manages difficult or emotional customer situations focusing on listening without interrupting and keeping ones emotions under control;
Solicits customer feedback to improve service;
Maintains confidentiality and meets commitments;
Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things.

Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities;
Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views;
Gives and welcomes feedback;
Contributes to building a positive team spirit;
Puts success of team above own interests;
Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives;
Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.

Diversity – Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy;
Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences;
Educates others on the value of diversity;
Promotes a harassment-free environment;
Builds a diverse workforce.

Ethics – Treats people with respect;
Keeps commitments;
Inspires the trust of others;
Works with integrity and ethically;
Upholds organizational values.

Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures;
Completes…