Job Description
Full job description
ORGANIZATION:
Mount Auburn Cemetery comprises 175 acres and is situated in Watertown and Cambridge near Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1831, and visited by over 200,000 people each year, Mount Auburn is a National Historic Landmark, recognized as the first “rural cemetery” and the inspiration for the American Parks Movement during the 19th century. As an active cemetery, Mount Auburn inspires all who visit, comforts the bereaved, and commemorates the dead in a landscape of exceptional beauty. As an accredited arboretum, Mount Auburn features 5,000 trees and more than 20,000 plants/plant masses overall.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Public Events Manager is responsible for planning and executing programming that welcomes and connects the public to the Friends of Mount Auburn’s mission of celebrating the natural world, the seasons of life, and the power of human stories. This role plays a key part in supporting the growth of our philanthropic and broader community by producing both in-person and virtual events, including Winter Solstice, the Friends of Mount Auburn’s signature annual program held each December. Additional programming may include performances, film screenings, panel discussions, lectures, and conferences.
The Public Events Manager collaborates closely with Mount Auburn Cemetery staff, external partners, and vendors to ensure a meaningful and seamless experience for all participants, while honoring and protecting the Cemetery’s landscape and its living and artistic collections. This role focuses on expanding audiences and contributing to annual fundraising goals by enhancing existing events and developing new ones that reflect creativity, inclusivity, and the core values of the Friends of Mount Auburn.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Works collaboratively with intra and interdepartmentally to develop and deliver mission-based programming that is welcoming and accessible for a wide range of audiences.
Creates programming that supports Mount Auburn’s beauty, service, welcome, and accessibility goals and its environmental stewardship initiatives.
Works with relevant departments to plan programs and develop the institutional calendar.
Develops written policies and procedures to ensure consistent standards for events.
Creates and maintains relationships with events-based vendors and suppliers.
Prepares programming budgets; maintains and tracks program expenses and revenues.
Produces and communicates project checklists, timelines, and production schedules, with all internal and external stakeholders.
Ensures accurate and timely communication of upcoming events and event-related impacts across the organization, through shared calendars and email.
Develops evaluation tools; analyzes and reports program metrics for all stakeholders.
Serves as the main point person with all vendors and artists.
Manages contracts, communications, billing, and scheduling with all external partners.
Supervises all on-site vendor activities and ensures that all operate in accordance with Cemetery policies and protocols.
Creates event maps/floor plans, secures equipment rentals, and coordinates space usage for public programming purposes with Cemetery Services, Facilities, and Horticulture.
Secures all necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.
Acts as “host,” or the organizational face, for many of the on-site and virtual programs.
Manages all day-of event coordination, including the set-up of audio/visual equipment.
HOURS of WORK:
Normally from 9:00am-5:00pm Tuesday – Saturday. Must be flexible and able to work evenings and weekends. There will be some remote days.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required. Interests in social history, natural history and horticulture highly desirable. Must be able to act as an effective representative of the Cemetery and the Friends of Mount Auburn.
Two years of experience managing adult volunteers preferred
Demonstrated ability to work with the public and to coordinate complex tasks. Ability to follow through on assigned tasks and to work independently. Ability to handle financial transactions and manage inventories accurately.
Demonstrated excellent communication skills, in person, in writing, via telephone or other computer or other electronic media.
Dependable, punctual, and articulate.
Demonstrated ability to be flexible and creative as work demands change.
Must be able to use a computer and telephone and mobile radio equipment. Must be able to drive a car and have a driver's license valid in Massachusetts.
Must present a good professional per the Cemetery’s dress code policy
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to move and work out-of-doors and within an office environment. Must be able to move throughout the Gatehouse areas, Administration Building, Operations Center, Story Chapel and Bigelow Chapel both up and downstairs.
Must be able to move within all areas of the Cemetery grounds and buildings and drive Cemetery vehicles.
Must be able to lift and move program materials and supplies using proper safety procedures.
ORGANIZATION:
Mount Auburn Cemetery comprises 175 acres and is situated in Watertown and Cambridge near Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1831, and visited by over 200,000 people each year, Mount Auburn is a National Historic Landmark, recognized as the first “rural cemetery” and the inspiration for the American Parks Movement during the 19th century. As an active cemetery, Mount Auburn inspires all who visit, comforts the bereaved, and commemorates the dead in a landscape of exceptional beauty. As an accredited arboretum, Mount Auburn features 5,000 trees and more than 20,000 plants/plant masses overall.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Public Events Manager is responsible for planning and executing programming that welcomes and connects the public to the Friends of Mount Auburn’s mission of celebrating the natural world, the seasons of life, and the power of human stories. This role plays a key part in supporting the growth of our philanthropic and broader community by producing both in-person and virtual events, including Winter Solstice, the Friends of Mount Auburn’s signature annual program held each December. Additional programming may include performances, film screenings, panel discussions, lectures, and conferences.
The Public Events Manager collaborates closely with Mount Auburn Cemetery staff, external partners, and vendors to ensure a meaningful and seamless experience for all participants, while honoring and protecting the Cemetery’s landscape and its living and artistic collections. This role focuses on expanding audiences and contributing to annual fundraising goals by enhancing existing events and developing new ones that reflect creativity, inclusivity, and the core values of the Friends of Mount Auburn.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Works collaboratively with intra and interdepartmentally to develop and deliver mission-based programming that is welcoming and accessible for a wide range of audiences.
Creates programming that supports Mount Auburn’s beauty, service, welcome, and accessibility goals and its environmental stewardship initiatives.
Works with relevant departments to plan programs and develop the institutional calendar.
Develops written policies and procedures to ensure consistent standards for events.
Creates and maintains relationships with events-based vendors and suppliers.
Prepares programming budgets; maintains and tracks program expenses and revenues.
Produces and communicates project checklists, timelines, and production schedules, with all internal and external stakeholders.
Ensures accurate and timely communication of upcoming events and event-related impacts across the organization, through shared calendars and email.
Develops evaluation tools; analyzes and reports program metrics for all stakeholders.
Serves as the main point person with all vendors and artists.
Manages contracts, communications, billing, and scheduling with all external partners.
Supervises all on-site vendor activities and ensures that all operate in accordance with Cemetery policies and protocols.
Creates event maps/floor plans, secures equipment rentals, and coordinates space usage for public programming purposes with Cemetery Services, Facilities, and Horticulture.
Secures all necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.
Acts as “host,” or the organizational face, for many of the on-site and virtual programs.
Manages all day-of event coordination, including the set-up of audio/visual equipment.
HOURS of WORK:
Normally from 9:00am-5:00pm Tuesday – Saturday. Must be flexible and able to work evenings and weekends. There will be some remote days.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required. Interests in social history, natural history and horticulture highly desirable. Must be able to act as an effective representative of the Cemetery and the Friends of Mount Auburn.
Two years of experience managing adult volunteers preferred
Demonstrated ability to work with the public and to coordinate complex tasks. Ability to follow through on assigned tasks and to work independently. Ability to handle financial transactions and manage inventories accurately.
Demonstrated excellent communication skills, in person, in writing, via telephone or other computer or other electronic media.
Dependable, punctual, and articulate.
Demonstrated ability to be flexible and creative as work demands change.
Must be able to use a computer and telephone and mobile radio equipment. Must be able to drive a car and have a driver's license valid in Massachusetts.
Must present a good professional per the Cemetery’s dress code policy
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to move and work out-of-doors and within an office environment. Must be able to move throughout the Gatehouse areas, Administration Building, Operations Center, Story Chapel and Bigelow Chapel both up and downstairs.
Must be able to move within all areas of the Cemetery grounds and buildings and drive Cemetery vehicles.
Must be able to lift and move program materials and supplies using proper safety procedures.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Public Events Manager position is now open for candidates interested in the Event Management Jobs sector. This role in Cambridge offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Event Management Jobs is a plus.
