Events & Banquet Specialist

Job Overview

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is an outgrowth of the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site, is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame, and supports a national outreach program called RiverWorks Discovery.

The Events & Banquet Specialist position is primarily responsible for coordinating events at both the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium (NMRMA) and Mathias Ham Historic Site (MHHS) including, but not limited to: Mad Scientist Party, Ice Fest, Audrey Hammer 4^th of July Ice Cream Social, Champagne & Chocolates, Taste of Summer, and other after hour events.  This position will work directly with the organization’s Sales & Banquet Manager, events committee, and marketing team, and will oversee events and support banquets through coordinating logistics, reserving, and working with vendors, managing inventories and ordering, and setting up and tearing down events to ensure a quality experience for all.

This position is an integral part of the Guest Services team that supports the events and banquets program, which provides significant funding for the organization’s mission to create educational experiences where history and rivers come alive. Ideal candidates will be self-motivated team players with strong attention to detail and accuracy. Weekend and evening hours will be required during events and banquets.  An ideal candidate will have the opportunity to manage a work schedule that allows for work/life balance while achieving the goals set for the work required.  Some work from home opportunity exists for an ideal candidate.

This is a full time, permanent position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include vacation time, sick time, paid holidays, medical, dental, flex plan, and 403b retirement plan.

The Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site, are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values guide and impact all the decisions the museum makes, both internal and external.

Primary duties

 Event Planning

• Collaborate with departments across the organization to prepare for event needs and coordinate assigned events
• Ensure staffing and scheduling of assigned events
• Provide a high level of customer service to all clients
  • This includes proactively supporting all vendors, associates, and customers, responding promptly and appropriately to all inquiries
• Work directly with vendors, associates, and partners to prepare for events
• Communicate as liaison between vendors, associates, and partners, ensuring event needs have been accounted for

 Banquets

• Responsible for accurate creation of event forms, banquets proposals, banquets contracts and supply/beverage inventory
• Helps to lead, supervise, and assist banquet staff
• Helps to manage the inventory, organization, and cleanliness of the catering kitchen
• Present the museum as clean and aesthetically appealing by helping to maintain event spaces
• Possess the knowledge of facility management to allow for after-hours use
  • Includes management of lighting panels, turning exhibits on or off, closing and opening the campus, etc.

 Other Responsibilities

• Act as a back-up for Sales & Banquets Manager as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or relevant work experience preferred
• Ideal candidates will have experience in event planning and preparation
• Must have an extremely flexible schedule with the ability to work nights and weekends
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong communication and organizational abilities
• Knowledgeable with technology and database management
• Ability to prioritize, focus, and manage time effectively
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language
• Must be able to perform the physical demands of set up, tear down, decoration, and other related tasks for events, either with or without reasonable accommodation
• Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check

How to apply

To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.com/apply.  Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, salary requirements and references to apply@rivermuseum.com or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001 by October 7, 2022.

Research suggests that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that any applicant is able to meet all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if you are drawn to this position and feel your strengths would be an asset to the organization, we highly encourage you to apply.