Event & Program Manager

Corporation for Findlay Market • Cincinnati, OH

1d • $50,000 - $50,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Event & Program Manager is a full-time, year-round position responsible for strategic planning, development, execution, and evaluation of Findlay Market’s special, fundraising, and private events, programming, and community engagement initiatives. The role ensures events and programs are engaging, mission-aligned, financially sustainable, and responsive to the needs and interests of shoppers, merchants, members, and community partners. The manager oversees the Event Associate and Program Associate and works across departments and with community partners to support Findlay Market’s initiatives, including its 175th Anniversary in 2027.

The position oversees events and programming across the organization, including signature Market events, seasonal and holiday programming, fundraising events, private events, and activities associated with the Bar Program. It also leads programs such as Findlay Eats, Music at the Market, the Volunteer Program, Tour Program, Community Nights, and Friends of Findlay Market. The manager works with vendors to showcase their businesses and products, supports programs and initiatives across organizational teams, and leads community engagement and external representation.

The role manages event and program budgets and performance, supervises staff, supports grant reporting, and assists with training and coordinating Communication co-ops and interns. The schedule is flexible according to event needs; the typical schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional Sunday and evening hours. The position requires standing and walking for extended periods and lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of experience in event management, program management, hospitality, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing staff or teams, delegating responsibilities, setting priorities, and holding team members accountable.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to develop, motivate, and support employees.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Experience managing budgets and tracking financial performance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and community engagement skills.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
• Ability to evaluate events and programs using data and feedback.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and creating welcoming experiences for all.
• Interest in working in Cincinnati’s urban core and supporting the surrounding community.
• Proficiency with office computer equipment, software, and digital platforms.
• Continual on-the-job learning is required.
• Ability and willingness to maintain a flexible schedule based on event needs, including evenings, weekends, private events, and large-scale event weeks.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift and carry up to 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and execution of Findlay Market signature special events, including annual tasting events, large-scale Market events, grand openings, seasonal celebrations, and other Market House programming.
• Establish event goals, concepts, timelines, budgets, and operational plans, and oversee event logistics such as vendor participation, entertainment, rentals, staffing, and day-of operations.
• Direct and support the Event Associate and other team members involved in event planning, delegating responsibilities and monitoring progress and deliverables.
• Coordinate with Communication, Market Management, Development, and other CFFM teams to set priorities, align resources, and complete event-related responsibilities.
• Oversee events and activities associated with the Bar Program, provide support for program-related events, and coordinate press conferences and Findlay Market participation in citywide and regional events.
• Evaluate event performance using attendance, financial results, shopper feedback, and team debriefs, and apply findings to future planning.
• Plan and execute fundraising events with the Development team, including Flavor of Findlay and Findlay Kitchen fundraising dinners; oversee relevant event operations, budgets, revenue tracking, and promotion.
• Plan and lead seasonal holiday events and programming, and oversee the Christmas Tree Sale, including procurement, deliveries, staffing, sales operations, and customer experience.
• Serve as the organization’s resource for hospitality best practices and develop training materials for staff and teams who interact with event clients.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of private events, from client communication and proposals through planning, execution, and post-event follow-up.
• Oversee special events hosted by Market merchants as applicable; develop opportunities to attract private events; and track private-event revenue, expenses, and performance metrics.
• Lead planning, development, execution, and evaluation of CFFM programming, including Findlay Eats, Music at the Market, the Volunteer Program, the Tour Program, Community Nights, and other recurring or seasonal programs.
• Establish programming goals, strategies, and performance measures aligned with CFFM’s mission and organizational priorities.
• Lead the Tour Program, seeking to grow attendance and merchant participation, develop tour offerings, and meet budget and revenue goals.
• Develop and implement a volunteer recruitment and retention strategy and ensure adequate volunteer support for programs and events.
• Develop a Community Night strategy to increase participation and attendance, strengthen neighborhood engagement, and connect residents and community partners with Findlay Market.
• Develop annual programming plans and calendars, and create meaningful value for the Friends of Findlay Market membership program.
• Assist Market Management, Development, and Food Innovation teams with planning and executing program-related events.
• Represent Findlay Market to media onsite and in studio regarding event or program oversight, and serve as a secondary contact when needed.
• Represent Findlay Market at external events and tabling opportunities, coordinating selection and setup and involving CFFM members when necessary.
• Build and manage community partner relationships in support of programming, events, and mission-driven initiatives.
• Coordinate, with the Outdoor Market Manager, community organizations participating in the weekend Community Resource Tent.
• Coordinate Findlay Market’s participation in community events and activations and manage the presence of aligned community organizations at the Market.
• Oversee shopper surveys and use findings to inform programming, events, and engagement strategies.
• Serve on the Opening Day Parade Committee and support parade planning, logistics, participating organizations, vendor communications, staging, and day-of operations.
• Assist in leading Findlay Market’s 175th Anniversary Committees, including committee management, planning, and execution.
• Create in-the-moment social media content when needed.
• Manage the Event Associate and Program Associate, setting clear goals, providing support, and ensuring follow-through on responsibilities.
• Provide strategic oversight and align program priorities with department goals.
• Create, manage, and oversee program and special-event budgets, ensuring accurate reporting and adherence to budget constraints.
• Gather and provide data for grant reporting upon request.
• Assist with training Communication co-ops and interns and coordinating their schedules and tasks.

Benefits

• 4 weeks of PTO, increasing to 5 weeks after 2 years and 6 weeks after 10 years.
• 9 paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Health, vision, and dental benefits, including a High Deductible Health Plan with the employer paying 85% of health premiums.
• Employer-funded HSA of $1,300 for an individual or $2,300 for a family for employees enrolled in health benefits.
• Five-week paid sabbatical after 5 years, with a $1,000 stipend at the start of the sabbatical.
• Option for monthly cell phone reimbursement or a company phone.
• Work computer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed