Event Planner

Where the Power of Art Engages the Spirit of Community

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art invites all people to explore the art in its care, and through its vast collections, the depths, and complexities of human experiences.

We strive to create a sense of belonging, where staff and volunteers can do meaningful work connecting people to art. We create an informed, invested group of staff and volunteers through shared values and open, direct, and respectful communication. We embrace IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Sustainability) in every aspect of our ideals and aspirations, as we believe these values to be paramount to success.

Each staff member and volunteer will embody the institution’s commitments and agrees to exhibit behaviors that align with them. We hold one another to these expectations so that, together, we may know, own, energize and sustain our culture and the institution for generations to come.

Event Planner

Location: Kansas City, MO

Job Purpose: The Event Planner supports the Museum and Event Planning Department by planning and executing internal and external events to enhance Earned Income. Collaborates closely with the Director, Earned Income to develop new revenue opportunities related to film, film programming, and events.

Key Accountabilities/Essential Functions:

Event Planning & Film Program Administration:

• Coordinates museum’s film program, managing relationships with distributors and negotiating licensing.
• Executes film programs onsite and virtually, maintains film library, and collaborates with Marketing for promotion.
  
  
  

Event Management:

• Plans and manages internal and external events, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budgets.
• Handles logistics, food service, entertainment, décor, and staffing using museum’s planning tools.
  
  
  

Vendor Relationships:

• Develops and maintains vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for pricing, specifications, and delivery schedules.
  
  
  

Client Experience:

• Ensures positive client experiences from event conception through post-event stages.
• Manages on-site preparations, production, and breakdown to deliver high-level service consistently.
  
  
  

Knowledge Management:

• Establishes systems and processes to support event facilitation and project management.
• Monitors event/project effectiveness, adjusting themes, budgets, and schedules as needed.
  
  
  

Internal Communication and Relationship Building:

• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, teams, and contributors to ensure flawless event execution.
• Keeps institution informed of community events and potential impacts on museum operations.
  
  
  

Advocacy and Outreach:

• Promotes museum event spaces and offerings through website, marketing communications, and community outreach.
  
  
  

Other:

• Completes additional duties as assigned to support department and organizational goals.
  
  
  

Core Capability Requirements:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Planning, Hospitality Management, Film Studies, or related field or equivalent combination of education & experience.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in event planning, film programming, or a related field.
• Proficiency in event planning software and other relevant tools.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
  
  
  

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Creative thinking and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
  
  
  

Department

Event Planning

Salary Grade

Starting Salary Range

Grade Level 5

$22.48 to $25.32 per hour

FLSA Classification

Non-Exempt

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

Working conditions are typically that of an office environment. Works primarily at a desk, uses a PC/ Perform with frequent interruptions and/or distractions. The ability to attend on-site meetings/events within the museum and museum properties. Perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload

Hours/Travel Expectations

Monday to Friday Workweek. May often work nights, weekends, and holidays to complete work assignments.

0-5% of Travel Required

Non-Discrimination

The Nelson-Atkins is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art conducts pre-employment background checks as part of our selection process.

Salary information is a general guideline only. The Museum considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.