Public Events Manager

Blake's Orchard Full-Time•Armada, MI

37d•Onsite

About The Position

Since 1946, Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill has been a cornerstone of Michigan agriculture and agritourism: an 80-year family operation with deep roots in Armada and a genuine growth ambition. Our mission is to cultivate growth in our people, our community, and our business. We host thousands of guests every year across festivals, seasonal events, and signature experiences that have made Blake’s one of Michigan’s most beloved destinations. Events are central to all three of our pillars. Farm , Community , and Family : they come to life when the gates open, the music starts, and guests make memories they come back to relive. The Public Events Manager is the person who makes that happen, and who genuinely loves doing it. This is not a role for someone who tolerates the chaos of event day. It is a role for someone who is energized by it. You thrive in the intensity of a busy festival weekend, you bring heat to your team when the stakes are high, and you measure your own success by whether the event succeeded, not whether your to-do list got done. You plan well, you execute with urgency, and you hold yourself and the people around you to a standard that shows. You report into Public Events leadership and operate as a full owner of your events: the planning, the coordination, the execution, and the follow-through. If festivals are your thing, if you love this work, and if you bring the kind of energy that makes a team raise their game, we want to hear from you.

Requirements

Proven experience planning and executing events: you have done this, you know what hard looks like, and you came back for more
Demonstrated ability to lead and energize a team on-site during live, high-volume events
Strong organizational skills: you manage multiple timelines, vendors, and moving parts without losing track of any of them
Clear, direct communicator in writing and in person
You make decisions under pressure, without freezing, without passing the problem up the chain unnecessarily
Genuine enthusiasm for festivals, seasonal events, and the kind of high-energy guest experience that Blake’s is known for
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard productivity and scheduling tools
Availability to work weekends and holidays as required by the event calendar

Nice To Haves

2+ years of experience in event management, hospitality operations, or guest experience
Experience managing seasonal events with variable staffing and guest volume
Background in agritourism, farm-based events, or outdoor event operations
Familiarity with event permitting, vendor contracts, and compliance requirements

Responsibilities

Plan and manage assigned events from concept through execution: build timelines, coordinate logistics, assign responsibilities, and track every moving part
Manage vendor relationships for your events including entertainment, rental equipment, food and beverage partners, decor, and supplies
Develop and maintain event run-of-show documents, staffing plans, and vendor contact sheets
Coordinate with Marketing on event promotion, signage, and guest communication in advance of each event
Support the annual events calendar planning process in partnership with Public Events leadership
Lead on-site setup, execution, and breakdown for all assigned events
Manage event-day staffing teams of varying sizes; assign roles, run briefings, and keep the floor moving
Identify and resolve issues in real time: vendor delays, weather adjustments, staffing gaps, guest concerns
Ensure every aspect of the guest experience meets Blake’s standards from arrival through departure
Conduct post-event walkthroughs and document outcomes, issues, and improvements for future planning
Recruit, schedule, and supervise event staff and volunteers for assigned events
Run pre-event staff briefings that set clear expectations and genuine energy: your team should leave the huddle ready to deliver
Hold people to a standard during the event and debrief honestly after: recognize strong performance, address gaps directly
Build a team environment where intensity and pride in the work are the norm, not the exception
Communicate proactively with Public Events leadership on staffing needs, cross-event coordination, and team performance
Hold every event to a consistent standard of guest satisfaction: cleanliness, flow, hospitality, and attention to detail
Handle guest concerns directly and ensure timely, appropriate resolution
Bring a Community mindset to every event: these gatherings matter to the people who attend them, and that should be felt in how they are run
Incorporate guest feedback into planning and execution improvements across future events
Ensure all assigned events comply with insurance, legal, health, and safety requirements
Maintain accurate records for event logistics, vendor agreements, and post-event reporting
Contribute to a culture of Learning & Innovation on the events team: bring forward ideas, flag what isn’t working, and share what is
Communicate proactively with Public Events leadership on event status, risks, and needs.