Director of Special Events

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART

As the first museum to focus exclusively on storytelling through images, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art believes that visual storytelling can connect us and help shape a more just society. With a growing collection that encompasses artworks from across cultures, places, times, and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, murals, photography, comic art, book and magazine illustrations, and the arts of filmmaking, the Lucas Museum will explore narrative art’s potential to prompt questions, invite opinions, inspire community, and move people to think about the impact of images on our world.

Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson and led by director and CEO Sandra Jackson-Dumont, the Lucas Museum was designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects with Stantec as executive architect and is under construction in Los Angeles’s Exposition Park. An 11-acre campus with extensive new green space designed by Studio-MLA will embrace the museum’s 300,000-square-foot building, which will feature expansive galleries, two state-of-the-art theaters, and dedicated spaces for learning and engagement, dining, retail, and events. www.lucasmuseum.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Managing Director, Development, the Director of Special Events will ensure that the Events team will provide excellent event planning and project management services to the customers and guests of the Museum using the Museum’s multiple indoor and outdoor venue spaces. In collaboration with the Managing Director, Development the Director of Special Events develops and guides the strategy and implementation for all event planning, production, and venue operations, including coordination for catering services. These functions include establishing and maintaining the policies, event agreements, price points, and client relationships. The Director of Special Events is also responsible for coordinating and managing multiple, concurrent projects while demonstrating attention to detail and the ability to develop, implement, and track project and departmental budgets. All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve. Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates’ education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).

• Primary department contact for vetting and processing potential event Clients (Internal and External) expressing interest in booking our facilities from initial inquiry to contract execution
• Become an expert for the Museum’s event space and capabilities
• Manage all aspects of event’s database (Elite), maintain events department calendar, client, and vendor databases
• Respond to potential clients in a timely and professional manner and provide accurate information to help convert inquiries to contracts when appropriate
• Responsible for contracting with clients by executing Event
• Reservation Agreements for third party events and managing all financial deposits to confirm the events
• In partnership with the Managing Director Development- Plan and execute all event logistics, for development and fundraising events including venue selection, catering, entertainment, décor, and transportation.
• Support internal teams on the planning and production of internal events
• Assist in the cultivation and stewardship of donor relationships through events
• Primary department contact for marketing and selling the Museum’s world class destination for third party (external) events
• Work with the communications department to develop a cohesive marketing strategy to promote the Museum as a premier destination for events
• Implement a sales strategy and create a sales plan aligned with the Museum’s mission
• Attend industry related events and networks to identify new event clients and vendors
• Collaborate with the museum's restaurant and catering operators to design and implement food and beverage offerings that enhance event experiences
• Ensure clear communication and coordination between event planning and restaurant/catering teams to meet event requirements and guest expectations
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with restaurant and catering staff to ensure high-quality service and innovation in event menus

• Propose strategies to implement a strong event planning process from conception to execution and event assessment
• Manage and maintain all aspects of events department calendar, client, and vendor databases
• Conduct research to remain current on event-related trends by proactively gathering information, making site visits of other venues, and reaching out to local and national arts institutions for benchmarking
• Build a library of suggested vendors and create event check lists
• Propose, implement, and manage the department’s fiscal budgets and strategize sales goals
• Work with the General Counsel, Chief Strategy Officer and CFO to implement all event agreements and vendor contracts
• Create and implement venue policies to improve event sales functions for the Museum and advise Senior Leadership on such policies

• Hire, train, develop, and evaluate staff effectively, taking corrective action as necessary on a timely basis and in accordance with Museum policy
• Evaluate the team plan for continual improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the group
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality
• Mentor and develop a staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis
• Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct and annual performance appraisals
• Special projects and other duties as designated by the Managing Director, Development. 

• Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking – Keeps up to date with competitor information and market trends; Identifies business opportunities for the organization; demonstrated financial awareness; controls costs and is responsible for generating revenue
• Creating and Innovating – Produces new ideas, approaches or insights; creates innovative products or designs; produces a range of solutions to problems; seeks opportunities for organizational improvement; devises effective change initiatives
• Deciding and Initiating Action – Makes prompt, clear decisions which may involve tough choices or considered risks; takes responsibility for actions, projects and people; takes initiative, acts with confidence and works under own direction; initiates and generates activity
• Relating and Networking – Establishes good relationships with customers and staff; builds wide and effective networks of contacts inside and outside the organization; relates well to people at all levels; manages conflict
• Leading & Supervising - Provides others with a clear direction; sets appropriate standards of behavior
• Delegates work appropriately and fairly; motivates and empowers others; provides staff with development opportunities and coaching; Recruits staff of a high caliber

• Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality, Business Administration, Marketing, or related field required
• Eight (8) or more years of event management experience, preferably within a museum or cultural institution
• Experience in building, mentoring, and coaching a team of event staff is required
• Certified Special Event Professional or Certified Meeting Professional preferred

• Superior project management skills, including planning, scheduling, and vendor negotiation
• A collaborative team player with highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to diverse internal and external audiences
• Strong partnership and collaborative style with outstanding communication skills (written, verbal and presentation
• Self-motivated and highly experienced with multi-tasking
• Hands-on approach with attention to detail, organization, reliability and a get-it-done attitude Knowledge · Innovative thinker with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output
• Comfortable in transitional situations where there is rapid change and ambiguity
• Takes pride in excellence and has the initiative to keep striving for improvement and learning while delegating and developing a strong supporting team
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution
• Abilities · Operates as an effective tactical and strategic thinker
• Takes pride in excellence and the initiative to keep striving for improvement and learning while delegating and developing a strong supporting team
• Capacity and organizational ability to excel in a fast-paced, diverse, multi-tasked environment Leads with a hands-on approach with attention to detail, organization, reliability and a get-it-done attitude.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.

MISSION AND VISION

We are a museum dedicated to the art of storytelling. Through visual storytelling the Lucas Museum expands the role of art and museums for society. The Museum inspires thought provoking ideas and conversations that are relevant within and beyond geographic boundaries. Our work radiates to catalyze more connected and empathetic spaces. The art of storytelling connects us to shape a more just society.

VALUES

Our internal and external practice is shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.

PEOPLE FIRST

We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what people find meaningful, to works of art and the work of our organization.

INSPIRED

We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.

COLLABORATIVE

We believe that nimble thinking and working together yields exponential results.

BRAVE

We approach our work and learning with courage, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.

4 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

ART

Amplify the social impact of Narrative Art through an approach that bridges the academic and the popular.

COMMUNITY

Connect to a broad and diverse public by create an institution rooted in impactful, respectful, sustainable relationships.

INCLUSION

Practice diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging in all operational and programmatic aspects of our work.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Create a healthy and durable institution equipped to fulfill its vision and public mandate.

All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.

Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates’ education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).

Pursuant to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the museum requires all new hires to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment absent an approved medical and/or religious exemption. Upon hire, all new hires will receive detailed instructions on complying with this policy.  Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.