Event & Program Manager

Overview

The Event & Program Manager is a full-time, year-round position responsible for the strategic planning, development, execution, and evaluation of Findlay Market’s special, fundraising, and private events, programming, and community engagement initiatives. This position ensures that events and programs are engaging, mission-aligned, financially sustainable, and reflective of the needs and interests of Findlay Market shoppers, merchants, members, and community partners.

Given the nature of event work, this position requires a flexible schedule, with hours varying based on event needs and onsite responsibilities. The typical schedule will be Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional Sunday and evening hours as needed to accommodate event requirements. The Event & Program Manager manages the Event Associate and Program Associate.

Living the Mission

As ambassadors for Findlay Market, every team member plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s mission, values, and philanthropic efforts. This means actively contributing to the market’s initiatives, embodying our commitment to community and diversity, and championing the cultural and economic vibrancy that defines Findlay Market. Together, we strive to uphold our mission and make a lasting impact.

Details
The Event and Program Manager oversees the coordination of events for all aspects of the organization, including Findlay Market special events and Findlay Market programming. This person will support initiatives such as Findlay Kitchen, Findlay Launch, Findlay Learn, the Findlay Market Bar Program, the Findlay Market Shopping App, the Farmers Market, and the Education Center. The position also oversees all Communication Team-led programs, including the Tour Program, Music at the Market, Friends of Findlay Market, the Volunteer Program, and Findlay Eats, as well as the planning and execution of private events.

The Event & Program Manager works closely with Market vendors to showcase their products and businesses through events, activities, programming, and communications. They also collaborate with CFFM Directors, Managers, and Coordinators to support activities and initiatives across departments.

Additionally, the Event & Program Manager leads community engagement efforts and supports major organizational initiatives, including Findlay Market’s 175th Anniversary in 2027.

The Event and Program Manager will have the following primary responsibilities:

Events

• Leads the 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.
• Establishes event goals, concepts, timelines, budgets, and operational plans, ensuring clear responsibilities, realistic deadlines, and successful execution.
• Provides direction and oversight to the Event Associate and other team members involved in event planning, delegating responsibilities, monitoring progress, and ensuring deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Coordinates with Communication, Market Management, Development, and other CFFM teams to establish priorities, align resources, and ensure timely completion of event-related responsibilities.
• Oversees event logistics, including vendor participation, entertainment, rentals, staffing, and day-of operations, ensuring plans are in place and potential challenges are addressed proactively.
• Provides oversight and coordination for events and activities associated with the Bar Program.
• Leads the planning and coordination of press conferences and Findlay Market’s participation in citywide and regional events.
• Provides oversight and support for CFFM program-related events.
• Evaluates event performance using attendance, financial results, shopper feedback, and team debriefs to identify opportunities for improvement and inform future planning.
• Plans and executes fundraising events in collaboration with the Development team to strengthen donor relationships, support fundraising goals, and advance CFFM initiatives.
• Signature Fundraising Events
  • Flavor of Findlay: Collaborates with Development on the planning and execution of CFFM’s signature annual fundraising event. Oversees chef-merchant pairings, silent auction coordination, equipment rentals, venue layout, staffing, event operations, budgets, and revenue tracking. Works with Communication Team to develop event collateral, promotional materials, and marketing plans.
  • Findlay Kitchen Fundraising Dinner(s): Works closely with the Development and Food Innovation team to plan and execute annual fundraising dinners featuring Findlay Kitchen members. Oversees menu and vendor selection, space layout, rental equipment, budgeting, financial goals, and event promotion in collaboration with the Communication Team.
• Leads the strategy, planning, and execution of Findlay Market’s seasonal holiday events and programming, developing family-friendly activities, festive experiences, and engaging opportunities that bring shoppers and the community together throughout the holiday season.
• Oversees the Findlay Market Christmas Tree Sale, including tree ordering and procurement, delivery coordination, staffing schedules, sales operations, and customer experience.

External and Private Events

• Serves as the organization’s resource for hospitality best practices and develops training materials for staff and teams who interact with event clients.
• Oversees the full lifecycle of private events at Findlay Market, including client communication, proposals, planning, coordination, execution, and post-event follow-up.
• Oversees the coordination and execution of special events hosted by Market merchants, as applicable.
• Develops opportunities and initiatives to attract individuals, businesses, and organizations to host private events at the Market.
• Tracks private event revenue, expenses, and performance metrics to evaluate success and identify opportunities for growth.

Programming

• Lead the strategic planning, development, execution, and evaluation of CFFM programming, including but not limited to Findlay Eats, Music at the Market, Volunteer Program, Tour Program, Community Nights and other recurring or seasonal programming.
• Establish goals, strategies, and performance measures for programming to ensure programs are relevant, engaging, financially sustainable, and aligned with CFFM’s mission and organizational priorities.
• Provide leadership and direction for the Tour Program, including identifying opportunities to grow attendance, increase merchant participation, develop relevant and compelling tour offerings, and ensure the program meets established budget and revenue goals.
• Lead the development and implementation of a volunteer recruitment and retention strategy, working to grow the volunteer base, strengthen engagement, identify new recruitment opportunities, and ensure adequate volunteer support for programs and events.
• Develop and activate a Community Night strategy designed to increase community participation and attendance, strengthen neighborhood engagement, and create meaningful opportunities for residents and community partners to connect with Findlay Market.
• Develop annual programming plans and calendars.
• Develop offerings and experiences that provide meaningful value to the Friends of Findlay Market membership program and encourage continued participation and support.
• Assist the Market Management, Development, Food Innovation teams with planning and execution of events related to programs.

Communication & Community Engagement

• Serve as a key representative for media onsite and in studio regarding event or program oversight, while also acting as secondary contact when necessary.
• Represent Findlay Market at external events and tabling opportunities, managing selection, coordination, and setup, and involving CFFM members when necessary for successful representation.
• Build and manage relationships with community partners to support Findlay Market programming, events, and mission-driven initiatives, both on-site and throughout the community.
• Collaborate with the Outdoor Market Manager to coordinate community organizations participating in the weekend Community Resource Tent.
• Coordinate Findlay Market's participation in community events and activations, while managing the presence of aligned community organizations at the Market.
• Oversee the de