Event Manager @ Ember Social (Part-Time / Event-Based)

Event Manager - Part-Time / Event-Based

Ember Social | 1329 Wisconsin Ave, Grafton, WI 53024

$25/hour + tips

Part-time, primarily evenings and weekends

Ember Social is a boutique private event venue in downtown Grafton hosting weddings, showers, corporate meetings, celebrations, nonprofit events, and other private gatherings.

We are seeking experienced hospitality professionals to serve as Event Managers for assigned events. This is an event-based role for someone who can confidently take ownership of an event onsite, direct staff when needed, and serve as Ember’s primary point person from setup through close.

The goal is simple: when an Event Manager is assigned, the event should run successfully without an owner needing to be onsite.

Role Overview

The Event Manager is the onsite person in charge (PIC) for assigned events and is responsible for overall event execution.

Depending on the size and complexity of the event, the Event Manager may work alone or supervise bartenders and other event staff.

Responsibilities

• Review event details, timeline, floor plan, bar package, catering arrangements, vendor information, and special requests prior to the event
• Arrive prepared with a clear understanding of the client’s expectations and event plan
• Open the venue and complete pre-event readiness checks
• Ensure event spaces, tables, chairs, décor, bar, food areas, restrooms, AV, and other details are properly prepared
• Serve as the primary onsite contact for the client, planner, caterer, vendors, and guests
• Act as the designated Person in Charge (PIC) during assigned events
• Direct and coordinate bartenders and event staff when multiple employees are scheduled
• Assign responsibilities and make sure staff understand the event plan
• Keep the event on schedule and anticipate upcoming needs
• Bartend and assist with guest service as needed
• Coordinate catering arrival, setup, service, replenishment, and cleanup
• Troubleshoot routine issues and make reasonable onsite decisions independently
• Handle client requests and last-minute adjustments professionally
• Maintain Ember’s hospitality, cleanliness, presentation, and service standards
• Monitor responsible alcohol service and intervene when appropriate
• Oversee breakdown, cleanup, venue reset, and closing procedures
• Secure the building at the end of the event
• Provide a brief post-event recap and flag any items requiring follow-up

Ideal Background

We are especially interested in candidates with experience in:

• Event venues
• Weddings and day-of coordination
• Corporate events
• Catering or banquet operations
• Bartending
• Restaurant or hospitality management
• Private clubs or hotels
• Event planning
• Banquet captain / event captain roles
• Supervising hospitality teams

Qualifications

• Strong hospitality and guest-service instincts
• Comfortable taking responsibility for an entire event
• Experience bartending and working with beer, wine, and basic cocktails
• Strong judgment and ability to solve problems independently
• Confident directing other staff
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Calm under pressure
• Professional and comfortable interacting with clients and vendors
• Reliable and punctual
• Available for evenings and weekends
• Comfortable opening and closing the venue independently
• Able to learn basic POS, AV, security, and venue systems
• Able to lift and move event supplies, furniture, and equipment as needed
• Wisconsin responsible beverage/operator credentials preferred or willingness to obtain

Schedule

This is an event-based, part-time position, not a fixed weekly schedule.

Most shifts are approximately 5–10 hours and are primarily Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays. There will also be occasional weekday evenings and daytime corporate events. Event Managers must provide committed availability in advance and are scheduled based on event needs. Evening and weekend availability is required.

What Success Looks Like

A successful Event Manager can:

• walk into an event fully prepared
• lead the team without owner involvement
• keep the client confident and informed
• make sound decisions independently
• solve normal issues without escalation
• ensure the event ends with the venue properly closed and reset