Job Description

Description

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Special Events Manager (Program Specialist 3)

Monday - Friday | 8AM - 5PM | ON-SITE

NOTE:

The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the required posting period, and during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. This position is full-time (40 hours/week), and may work some evenings or weekends as required by museum business needs and event schedules.

Who We Are:

The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC) seeks to engage our audiences in the appreciation of art, history, and culture of the Inland Northwest and beyond, through collection stewardship, exhibitions and programs that enrich and inspire. Established in 1916, the MAC is the oldest cultural organization in Spokane, Washington, and serves over 100,000 visitors each year from around the region. The museum collections contain over 63,000 objects, including the largest known collection of Plateau tribes art and artifacts.

About the Opportunity:

As the Special Events Manager, you will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of a diverse range of museum events that advance the organization's mission and strategic goals. From donor stewardship gatherings and fundraising initiatives to exhibition openings and educational programs, you will create meaningful experiences that engage the community, foster relationships, and support the museum's exhibitions, education, and operations. Working closely with colleagues across departments, you will ensure each event is thoughtfully executed, evaluated for impact, and continually improved to strengthen connections with supporters and partners.

Duties

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Some of What You'll Enjoy Doing Includes:

Plan, manage, and execute museum events including fundraising galas, donor stewardship gatherings, exhibition openings, member events, public programs, and educational initiatives. Develop detailed work plans, timelines, and communication strategies to ensure smooth coordination with internal teams and external partners. Collaborate with the CMO and CDO on event marketing, including invitations, RSVP management, and promotional materials. Serve as the primary liaison to sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and community partners, resolving issues and escalating complex matters with recommended solutions. Manage event budgets, contracts, vendors, and invoices while ensuring cost-effectiveness and recommending improvements annually with the CDO. Evaluate event outcomes using staff feedback and tracking tools, and recommend improvements to leadership for future events. Build and maintain strong community relationships by engaging with local leaders, attending regional events, and identifying outreach opportunities that strengthen the museum's role as a cultural resource. Oversee event program operations by maintaining accurate scheduling, monitoring activities, and implementing an effective communication strategy. Coordinate with the Facilities team to ensure efficient event setup, operation, and teardown. Conduct post-event evaluations to assess the success of each event, gather feedback, and identify areas of improvement. Other duties as needed.

Qualifications

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Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in business administration, communications, public relations, marketing, or related field.

NOTE

: Qualifying experience may substitute this education requirement, year-for-year. Two (2) years of professional special event, fundraising, non-profit, or related experience.

NOTE

: Qualifying education may substitute this experience requirement, year-for-year. Strong communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal), with experience in donor relations and public engagement. Proven organizational skills with creativity, initiative, and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and fostering a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Openness to growth, learning, and self-awareness through training, feedback, and participation in workplace improvements. Demonstrated leadership qualities that model organizational values, build relationships, drive results, and support teamwork and change.

Preferred Qualification:

Two (2) - Five (5) years of experience managing special events, with an emphasis on fundraising. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Publisher, and Versai database software. Working knowledge of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) code of ethics and Donor Bill of Rights.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Competencies

Incumbents to this position must possess and demonstrate the following competencies:Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of our DES DEI culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful, and inclusive workplace. Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment. Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment. Demonstrate the understanding that all people are valued; contribute to an equitable, inclusive, and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization, or community. Commit to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity and inclusion in our organization.

Supplemental Information

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How to Apply:

Interested? We would love to hear from you! Click "Apply" at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions.

Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

A

letter of interest

that shows your personality and voice to describe why you are the successful candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position A

current resume

, detailing experience, and education A current list of at least

three (3) professional references

with current contact information

Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).

Please Note:

By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not be substitute for completing the "duties summary" section of the online application. Please do not refer to the resume for detail or your application may be disqualified.

Background Check Notice:

Prior to any new appointment into the Department of Enterprise Services, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Opportunity for All:

The Department of Enterprise Services celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.



You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information:

For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact George Deguzman via email at jobs@des.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

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