Events and Operations Manager - Peninsula School of Art : Job Details

Peninsula School of Art (PenArt) is Door County's inclusive destination for art makers, admirers, students, and advocates – cultivating personal and community well being through classes, programs, and discourse. Since 1965, PenArt has been a leading innovator of creative experiences and arts education for participants of all ages and abilities. Each year, PenArt offers over 2,000 hours of arts instruction to some 700 adult students, and more than 500 hours of instruction to over 300 youth. At the annual Door County Plein Air Festival, thousands of participants engage with world-class artists as they paint the Peninsula's most iconic outdoor scenes. Dynamic events, workshops, exhibitions, and artist residencies celebrate and support people at all stages of creative life while fostering a culture of belonging.

PenArt is in a period of unprecedented momentum and growth. We are now seeking an organized, collaborative, and community-driven Events and Operations Manager to join our External Affairs team. This position plays a vital role in ensuring successful events, a thriving volunteer program, and seamless day-to-day logistics across both PenArt campuses.

As the Events and Operations Manager, you will support donor engagement, public programming, community outreach, and operational coordination. You will plan and execute events ranging from artist talks to major fundraisers like the Door County Plein Air Festival and manage volunteers who are integral to PenArt's welcoming and inclusive environment. Additionally, you will oversee event technology and operational logistics, working closely with Ingwersen Property Management and internal teams to ensure an excellent visitor experience.

What will you do?

Events Management

• Plan and implement a wide range of events in coordination with the Director of External Affairs and Artistic Director, including:
• Donor cultivation and stewardship events
• Exhibition openings and gallery receptions
• Public programs and artist talks
• Campus-wide and seasonal community events
• Fundraising events
• Collaborate with team members to ensure event goals align with organizational objectives.
• Manage logistics from planning through execution: scheduling, vendor coordination, catering, setup, registration, and on-site support.
• Develop timelines, checklists, and promotional strategies in coordination with the Director of External Affairs.
• Ensure a welcoming, organized, and professional experience for guests, artists, donors, and volunteers.

Volunteer Coordination

• Recruit, train, schedule, and manage volunteers for events, programs, and daily operations across departments.
• Maintain and update the volunteer database, tracking participation and hours.
• Cultivate a positive, inclusive, and engaged volunteer community.
• Implement strategies for volunteer recognition, retention, and appreciation.

Operations & Technology Coordination

• Manage event technology and other software platforms, including Microsoft Office Suite, ClickBid, and Shopify.
• Coordinate operational logistics at the new Ingwersen property, including:
• Scheduling and maintaining part-time summer gallery hours at the Sister Bay campus
• Managing visitor experience, such as music events and gallery ambiance
• Ensuring facilities are prepared for events, exhibitions, and daily programs
• Oversee facility rentals: communicate with renters, manage scheduling, and ensure proper setup and maintenance of spaces.
• Support cross-departmental collaboration to improve system integration and enhance operational efficiency.

Who are we looking for?

• Associate's degree or equivalent experience in Events Management, Arts Administration, Nonprofit Management, Hospitality, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in event planning, operations, hospitality, or volunteer coordination, preferably in a nonprofit or arts organization.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a passion for working with diverse groups of people.
• Proficiency with relevant technology platforms, including Microsoft Office, ClickBid, Shopify, and Neon One or other similar fundraising software.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Enthusiasm for the arts and PenArt's mission.

Why should you consider working for PenArt?

• 5 Day work schedule May through October (Tuesday through Saturday)
• 4 Day work schedule November through April
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays with a paid winter break
• Simple IRA plan
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Ability to live and work in beautiful Door County, WI

PenArt embraces the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, internally in our hiring process and organizational culture, as well as externally in our programs and communications. We are an equal opportunity employer, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.

If you are interested in the position, we would love to hear from you! Please send your resume to our HR Consultant, Samantha Pedersen, [email protected] or apply directly through Indeed