Volunteer Events Manager

What will you be doing?

We are looking for someone to lead the Museum’s Event Management team.  The team’s purpose is to maximise income generation opportunities by planning, promoting and executing a variety of events.  Past events have included model shows, aviation enthusiast shows, entertainment events (bands, music, dances), private parties (receptions, anniversaries, birthdays, memorials), bus tours, and car club visits. You will be responsible for supporting our present event schedule but also for seeking out and developing new event opportunities which leverage the unique venue our aviation museum and heritage offers.  Budget development and management are essential, including the negotiation of fees with clients and contract costs with suppliers.  High-quality, cost-conscious events will ensure return business. Coordination of space requirements and allocation, catering, audio-visual support, transportation and parking, any special guest requirements and hired/volunteer support will be necessary.  Overseeing the execution of the events schedule will require both a long and short-range vision.  Some of our events are planned over a year in the future.  Others can be on relatively short notice.  Event sizes range from nearly 500 to a dozen people.  You will routinely be working with the Board of Trustees (primarily the Commercial Director and Finance Director), the Head of Marketing, the Press Officer, the Public Relations Officer, the Social Media team and our 170+ volunteers.  As we only have two paid employees, the ability to work within a voluntary organisation is critical. Comprehensive planning is required to ensure all aspects of the event are identified.  This is especially crucial as our parking situation is limited and we are located in a small residential area.  The use of our neighbour’s parking lot and farmer’s field is essential for event support and requires prior planning and coordination.  The majority of workers at most events are our volunteers.  This requires a work plan to be developed which identifies the number of volunteers needed by function and shift pattern.  This can then be communicated in a timely manner so volunteers can check their schedules and commit to supporting the event. This can suit a mixed mode of working; part from home, part on-site (especially during event execution).      

What are we looking for?

The most important quality is the ability to work effectively in a volunteer environment.  With only two paid employees, our team of 170+ volunteers do everything at the Museum.  This covers the spectrum from restoring aircraft, creating exhibits, interacting with our visitors, running the Cafe, building and grounds maintenance to cleaning the bathrooms.  That said, our volunteers are a devoted and enthusiastic resource keen to support the Museum. We are looking for someone to lead our Events team who has:

Proven experience in event coordination, preferably in a museum or cultural institution. Strong organizational and project management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Familiarity with event management software and tools.

Desired, but not required:

Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.

What difference will you make?

The de Havilland Aircraft Museum's mission is to preserve and promote the achievements of the de Havilland Enterprises, which included aircraft, propellors, engines and rockets.  We have three Mosquito aircraft (10% of those remaining in the world), the first jet airliner, and the first aircraft able to auto-land in bad weather.  These are just a few of the exciting exhibits you will be surrounded by when you join our team.   The Museum is a privately funded museum which survives on income from admissions, donations, legacies, grants, sponsorships, events and visitor experiences.  Events presently represent just over 7% of our income.  Growing this element of our income is essential to the long-term financial stability of the Museum.   Our income covers the costs of opening and running the Museum on a day-to-day basis (rent, rates, gas, electricity, water, etc.), the salaries of our two paid employees, and providing funds for the preservation and restoration of our one-of-a-kind artefacts.   You will be making a significant contribution to preserving the de Havilland heritage.