Already recognized as a leader in inquiry-based learning, Kentucky Science Center is advancing a statewide science literacy campaign to encourage people of all ages to explore science in everyday life. Its flagship location on Louisville, KY’s historic Museum Row, welcomes visitors from across the globe with 3-floors of interactive exhibits and films on a 4-story screen. With daily programming for children, families, and adults, the Science Center plays an ongoing role in the region as a resource for caregivers and teachers, a gathering place for the science community, and a chosen source of entertainment for all. Its designation as the State Science Center of Kentucky in 2002 underscored the Science Center’s history of reaching all audiences through its mission to DO SCIENCE in ways that are engaging, educational, and entertaining to inspire a lifetime of learning.

Job Overview             

This is a creative, sales & detail-oriented position responsible for the development and implementation of special events and rentals for Kentucky Science Center.  Rentals are defined as reserved, and typically fee-based meeting and event space usage (such as weddings and corporate events) by external groups.  This position will also lead or play a strong support role in Kentucky Science Center signature special events, such as ThunderBlast, gala, Membership events, Adult Series, Hollywood movie events, birthday parties and other potential special events. To be successful in this job, the qualified individual must be creative, highly organized, act as a team player, and possess a keen eye for detail.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluate, manage successfully, and grow the special event and rentals department.
• Develop and manage the annual goals, objectives, outcomes, and initiatives including the outcome-based operating budget to realize revenue and conservative spending objectives.
• Analyze data concerning labor costs, facility management, etc. to successfully manage cost control.
• Lead or play a strong support role in internal public signature events, such as ThunderBlast, gala, Membership events, Adult Series, Hollywood movie events, birthday parties and other potential special events.
• Act as the sales contact for all rentals, including providing walk-throughs for prospects, completing agreements and other paperwork. Prepare external paperwork including timely correspondence with client, prior to, during, and post-visit, including contracts, invoicing, etc.
• Ensure all events meet or exceed clients’ expectations. 
• Maintain an accurate and updated calendar of all special events & rentals and share out details with other departments as needed.
• Create and maintain a customer relationship management (CRM) system that provides tracking from prospects through sales closure.
• Develop and manage approved vendor lists including all food and beverage.
• Develop in conjunction with the Marketing & Communications staff, a marketing & sales plan, including but not limited to e-communications, a dedicated area on the website, a rentals sales packet, possible advertising avenues, grassroots efforts such as social media, cold calls, outreach booth staffing, etc.
• Implement the billing policies to the client/event, including invoicing for deposit, balance, security deposit, and reconciling catering commissions, etc. and work with finance to reconcile all sales, and provide dependable, relevant reports.
• Oversee, train and schedule coordinators who will primarily work the events.  This includes providing performance coaching and feedback.
• Develop policies and procedures that incorporate best practices for special event and rental activities. 

• Attend weekly Coordination Meetings.
• Work with other departments on data, policies, sales, rental logistics, tracking account balances, etc.
• Attend daily Morning Meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Understanding of Kentucky Science Center mission and goals.
• Knowledge and above average skills of various computer programs including but not limited to point of sales system such as Explorer, data entry, mail merges, PowerPoint, and Excel. 
• Ability to execute sales and marketing techniques.
• Ability to manage staff, volunteers, and contract labor effectively.

• Ability to work in an effective manner with the public and Science Center staff, volunteers, and contract employees.
• Excellent oral and written communications.
• Ability to use Excel and Microsoft Word efficiently.
• Ability to learn new computer programs and develop spreadsheets.
• Evening and weekend work will be required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: 
• Full time, non-exempt, 40 hours per week. 
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Holidays) 
• Health Insurance (partially funded by KSC) 
• Disability (funded by KSC) 
• Life Insurance (funded by KSC) 
• Retirement plan (match funding provided by KSC) 
• Employee Assistance Program (funded by KSC) 
• Optional benefits – dental, vision, supplementary life 
• Flexible and Dependent Care savings account 
• Free downtown parking 
• Casual Dress Code 
• Free membership to Kentucky Science Center and Louisville Zoo and hundreds of Science Centers after introductory period 
• Discounts on tickets, programs, birthday parties and camps 
• Discounts at Subway, in our Gift Shop and participating local vendors 
 

Reasonable accommodation may be made to those who are able to perform the essential duties of this job.