Sales and Events Specialist

Job Overview

Are you passionate about creating unforgettable experiences and making history come alive for others? Join us as a Sales and Events Specialist and play a key role in supporting our mission to preserve, share, and celebrate the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story. In this dynamic position, you’ll combine your customer service skills, event planning expertise, and sales savvy to deliver exceptional experiences for museum visitors and event clients. From handling tour bookings to coordinating private events and supporting marketing outreach, your work will directly contribute to increasing access, engagement, and revenue that helps sustain the museum’s impact.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, flexible environment and is comfortable working evenings and weekends to ensure events run smoothly. We’re looking for someone with strong communication and organizational skills, previous experience in event planning or sales, and a commitment to top-tier customer service. You should enjoy building client relationships, juggling multiple responsibilities, and collaborating with internal teams and vendors alike. If you're a detail-oriented multitasker who finds purpose in connecting people with culture and community, this role offers a unique opportunity to grow your career while supporting an important and inspiring mission. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.

Status: Full-Time Salaried, Entry-Level Position 

Salary: $40,000 - $42,000 per year (based on experience) 

Benefits: PTO/Vacation Time, Health Insurance, Retirement Match 

Reports to: Experience Manager

Location: On-site at Museum

Position Purpose / Summary:

The Sales and Events Specialist combines customer service, event coordination, and sales support, providing logistical and administrative assistance to museum events and sales operations. This role directly supports the museum’s mission to preserve, share, and celebrate the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story by helping expand access to engaging, inclusive experiences. The specialist ensures smooth event execution and generates revenue through sales and event rentals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Sales Support:
  • Assists with sales inquiries and bookings for museum tours and event rentals.
  • Works with clients to finalize contracts and manages billing and payments.
  • Supports the organization with outreach, lead generation, and client cultivation efforts.
  • Tracks sales performance; supports the development of strategies to meet revenue and audience engagement goals.
• Customer Service:
  • Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external clients, responding to inquiries promptly and professionally.
  • Handles client communications, including event inquiries, contract negotiations, and follow-up communications.
  • Ensures a positive and memorable experience for all clients and attendees. 
• Event Support:
  • Provides logistical and administrative support to the Experience Manager, including maintaining event records, handling inquiries, and cultivating vendor relationships.
  • Assists with event planning, including venue setup, catering arrangements, and event logistics.
  • Provides on-site support during events, addressing any issues that may arise, and ensures a smooth experience for attendees.
  • Handles post-event tasks, such as cleanup, inventory management, and follow-up communication with clients.

Working Hours and Environment:

• This is a full-time, salaried position, working 40 hours per week, with a schedule that will need to flex to meet the needs of events, including evening and weekend hours.
• This position involves standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, climbing multiple ladders/ramps/stairs, and working outdoors, even in inclement weather.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Previous experience in event planning or sales.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred, but not required.
• A passion for history, museums, and the Great Lakes is a plus!
   

To apply, submit a Resume, Cover Letter and 3 Professional References via email to hr@nmgl.org by Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Only applications with all required materials will be considered.