Why Cheekwood?

Working at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offers you the opportunity to work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville. Formerly the home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. At Cheekwood, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of roles tailored to your skills and interests. Whether you are passionate about horticulture, art curation, historical preservation, or one of our many other career opportunities, you would have the chance to thrive and make a meaningful impact here. Working in such a place that cherishes its rich history, vibrant art scene, and serene gardens offers a unique blend of fulfillment and inspiration. You will find yourself in a supportive environment where every day brings new opportunities for personal and professional growth, amidst the backdrop of picturesque setting.

What does the Cheekwood Events Team do and why join?

As a member of Cheekwood's events team, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of a diverse range of events, from weddings and corporate gatherings to public programs. You'll have the opportunity to work directly with clients, vendors, and guests, providing top-notch service and creating memorable experiences. This role is perfect for individuals who enjoy dynamic work environments and have a passion for event management. Additionally, working in an events team allows you to connect with people from all walks of life, be part of a community-oriented organization, and contribute to making each event a success.

What will you be doing?

Your responsibilities will combine sales, leadership, and creativity to elevate events at Nashville's top-rated wedding venue. This position will oversee event inquiries, site visits, and contracts, while coaching Event Coordinators to thrive in their roles. You will also manage photo assets, support marketing initiatives, and represent Cheekwood at key networking and bridal conferences to grow brand presence and client engagement.

Culture

At Cheekwood, our Rentals team is built on trust, teamwork, and a shared commitment to excellence. We take pride in what we do, love creating memorable experiences together, and support one another in bringing joy to every event we host.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

a. Responsible for discussing property guidelines, venue pricing, and event contracts to potential clients to ensure client satisfaction and build revenue.

Works directly with clients, planners, and vendors as venue coordinator/facilitator to assist in the coordination of all equipment rentals, floor plan, set up, execution, and load out for external weddings/events as assigned to ensure Cheekwood guidelines are being followed.
Conduct pre site visit screenings; discuss budget, best venue option for client, contract, etc. Maintain Site Visit Log and EOY conversion rates.
Prepares monthly update of event revenue and potential revenue to review with the Rentals team during weekly meetings.
Attend weekly meetings with internal Cheekwood departments impacted by external events.
Responds to all event rental questions and replies to all email inquiries in a timely, professional manner.
Responsible for upkeeping accurate sales information for weddings/events into department software, creating BEOs, updating invoices, and overseeing the Profit Tracking Sheet.
Ensures all clients have the knowledge to secure proper Liability Insurance.
Acts as liaison to ensure that communication is constantly maintained between the catering staff during the wedding/event, alerting him or her of any changes in the schedule of service, challenges or adverse comments that may arise during the service of a wedding/event.

b. Assist the Director of Events with the planning and execution of internal events, both development and public programming, at Cheekwood.

1. Works directly with vendors and internal departments to coordinate all equipment rentals, floor plan, set up timeline, event run of show, and execution for all internal and external weddings/events as assigned.

2. Work closely with internal departments on development events and public programming; act as a liaison between maintenance department and security for all internal setup and parking needs.

3. Oversee Garden Club/Society bookings, assist in planning Garden Shows, and work with internal departments to execute these bookings.

Responsible for hiring, training, and directly supervising Event Coordinators and part-time event staff. Must demonstrate strong leadership and coaching abilities, fostering professional growth, accountability, and high performance across the team.
Required to work nights and/or be onsite for weekend events as assigned.
Represent and deliver excellent customer service in keeping with Cheekwood's brand and mission.
Adhere to all Cheekwood policies and procedures.
Always maintain a professional demeanor and appearance.
Other duties as assigned.

Secondary Activities and Responsibilities

Manage photo file management, marketing efforts, social media accounts, and third-party lead websites to increase engagement and event bookings.
Attend networking events and event conferences to grow brand exposure, strengthen current vendor relationships, as well as build new partnerships.
Be privy to all venue rules and regulations regarding event setup, execution, and load out.
Responsible for ensuring that caterers and wait staff clean the buildings inside and out before leaving the property. Occasionally responsible for post event site clean-up and trash removal.
Responsible for staffing the phones, returning calls, scheduling, and executing site visits, etc.
Service bars as needed via bartending and/or running of product during events.

Requirements

Education

B.A. in hospitality management, business, sales or marketing, or three years of equivalent experience.
Position also requires an updated ABC license for serving alcohol.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

(Essential)

Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of planning and executing a wedding and/or special event.
Must be extremely organized, yet very flexible.
Must have strong sales skills/abilities and be able to handle guest's requests in a timely manner.
Must be able to manage varied duties, be professional and work well with staff and vendors.
Must have strong analytical thinking skills, problem solving and communications skills (both written and oral) with attention to detail.
Must be pro-active, show initiative, and can prioritize and remain calm under pressure.
Must have impeccable appearance and demeanor.
Must be outgoing, personable, friendly with the ability to speak in front of large groups of people with clarity and confidence.
Must be passionate about food, beverage, and wedding planning and have a commitment to client satisfaction.
Must have ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and some holidays as required, many in outdoor settings.
Required to complete golf cart training and operate a golf cart as needed if they can provide a valid driver's license. Valid, current driver's license / reliable means of transportation.

Experience

(Essential)

Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel).
Knowledge of CAD Programs and large-scale calendar management.
Must have minimum 3 years wedding/events experience.
Must have minimum 3 years sales experience.
Must have extensive knowledge of Social Media marketing (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).

(Preferred)

Previous experience with a non-profit organization.
Knowledge of current food and beverage trends.

Benefits

The well-being of Cheekwood employees is essential. So, when it comes to our benefits package, we offer one of the best. We offer the following benefits to all full-time employees:

Health Insurance with an HRA
Dental
Vision
Life Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood)
Long Term Disability Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood)
Voluntary Life Insurance
Short Term Disability Insurance
403b and Roth 403b with a generous employer match
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off and 11 Paid Holidays
Aflac products are offered.

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