Event Coordinator

Event Coordinator

Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world's leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House and Gardens, Institute of Science, and more than 1,600 students attending our Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory Schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors and students to its campus each year. Critics have called Cranbrook "the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America" and in 1989 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The campus is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. For more, please visit our website: www.cranbrook.edu.

The Event Coordinator is responsible for providing comprehensive event coordination, administrative oversight, and logistical support for meetings, programs, and special events held across Cranbrook Educational Community venues. This role serves as a primary point of contact for campus-wide scheduling, facility rentals, photography coordination, and required licensing, while delivering a high level of customer service to internal and external constituents.

This position combines event planning, systems administration, and customer service functions to ensure efficient operations, clear communication, and successful execution of Cranbrook events.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Event Planning & Coordination

• Coordinate, plan, and manage meetings, programs, and special events across Cranbrook venues, including the Institute of Science, Academy of Art, Art Museum, Center for Collections, Schools, House & Gardens, and other campus facilities.
• Serve as the primary on-site coordinator for assigned events, including final walk-throughs and day-of execution.
• Attend planning meetings with internal and external clients to define scope, timelines, logistics, and resource needs.
• Coordinate event logistics including room layouts, rentals, vendors, security, transportation, and staffing.
• Ensure compliance with Cranbrook facility guidelines, alcohol management policies, and applicable permits and licenses.
• Notify the Event & Customer Services Manager of incidents, damage, or non-compliance and participate in post-event evaluations.

Meeting Reservation Manager (MRM) & Campus Scheduling

• Maintain and manage the master campus-wide Planning Schedule using the Meeting Reservation Manager (MRM) system.
• Serve as the primary MRM system administrator and customer contact.
• Review reservation requests for global campus impact and communicate implications to requestors.

Facility Rentals, Sales & Customer Service

• Respond to inquiries regarding campus rentals, pricing, availability, and services.
• Provide venue tours and assist clients with space selection and event feasibility.
• Develop facility rental agreements, projected cost estimates, and profit margin worksheets.
• Collect, deposit, and track event-related revenue in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in departmental budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Assist with marketing and outreach efforts related to Cranbrook's facility rental and event programs.

Licensing, Permits & Compliance

• Initiate and administer required event-related permits and licenses, including special liquor licenses, tent permits, raffles, signage, and other regulatory approvals.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external agencies to ensure compliance and timely approvals.

Photography Program Coordination

• Manage and maintain Cranbrook's photography program in coordination with Cranbrook House & Gardens.
• Schedule approved photography sessions and distribute confirmations to photographers, Security & Safety, and relevant campus partners.
• Ensure insurance certificates and approvals are secured prior to sessions.

Administrative & Departmental Support

• Provide administrative and project support to the Event & Customer Services team.
• Cross-train to support Customer Service operations during absences or peak periods.
• Maintain organized records, spreadsheets, and reports supporting departmental operations.

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED required, Associate's or bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of event planning, coordination, or administrative experience required (marketing and sales of events helpful).
• Strong organizational and event coordination and planning skills
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with scheduling or event management systems preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize deadlines, and adapt to changing circumstances in a highly professional and efficient manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Valid Michigan Driver's License with satisfactory driving record required.

Cranbrook offers competitive compensation and benefits that include medical, dental, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, and retirement programs with employer contribution. We also offer generous paid time off, 11 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays, employee discounts, and a unique environment in an educational setting that values collaboration.

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter.