Venue Host

Department: Hospitality Services

Supervisor: Lead Venue Coordinator

Supervises: n/a

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Revision Date: March 2026

Availability: Flexible schedule with heavy emphasis on evening and weekend work. Number of hours varies based upon seasonality of Event Calendar.

Position Summary:

The Venue Host serves as the on-site representative of the Garden, upholding its reputation for excellence in event production, hospitality, and guest experience. This role is responsible for the seamless execution of events by proactively anticipating needs, problem-solving in real time, and stepping in wherever necessary to ensure success.

Venue Hosts are expected to operate with a strong service mindset, professional confidence, and a collaborative approach, acting as knowledgeable leaders who guide event flow and support both clients and team members. This position requires the ability to think critically, act decisively, and remain adaptable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Essential Functions:

• Deliver exceptional customer service by effectively interacting with clients, guests, vendors, staff, and volunteers to create a polished and memorable event experience.
• Serve as the on-site event lead, taking ownership of event execution and stepping in to fill gaps as needed to ensure all elements are carried out to Garden standards.
• Oversee and assist with vendor load-in and load-out, including set-up, breakdown, and cleanup, ensuring efficiency, organization, and adherence to timelines.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of the event timeline; confirm details with clients (internal and external) and proactively manage flow to ensure seamless execution.
• Collaborate with all event and Garden personnel, including guests, planners, vendors, guest services, maintenance, security, and volunteers, while also helping to guide and support team members as needed.
• Uphold Garden standards by holding vendors accountable to policies, procedures, and quality expectations throughout the duration of the event.
• Monitor event activities to ensure compliance with Garden policies while maintaining a positive and solutions-oriented approach with all parties.
• Remain informed and up to date on Garden communications, policies, and operational updates to ensure consistency and accuracy in event execution.
• Identify and respond to unexpected challenges with professionalism and urgency, implementing effective solutions that prioritize the guest experience.
• Follow all safety procedures, report concerns, and complete all required event documentation, including incident reports and property damage.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the success of events and overall operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and at least 6 months of related experience in event execution, coordination, or hospitality; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, assume responsibility, and confidently manage event-related challenges.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills with a high level of professionalism and composure.
• Must attend and pass the Responsible Vendor Training program as prescribed by the Alabama Beverage Control Board and be at least 21 years old to serve alcohol.

Success Factors:

• Embodies the Garden’s Core Values and demonstrates a genuine commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and team success.
• Maintains a proactive, service-oriented mindset, consistently seeking opportunities to enhance the guest and client experience.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with all internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment and professionalism at all times.
• Takes initiative to lead by example, support, and help train team members to uphold event standards and best practices.
• Demonstrates strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintains composure and professionalism under pressure before, during, and after events.
• Presents a polished, professional appearance in accordance with Garden standards (black dress top, black professional bottoms, and black shoes in good condition).
• Stays informed on event trends and best practices, with a continued interest in special event production and hospitality excellence.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in hospitality, event or business management or related field of study.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Physical Demands: This role is required to continuously communicate with Garden associates, external vendors and clients to coordinate events. The employee is occasionally required to arrange event decor per client’s design specifications. The employee will occasionally transport, position and/or move event supplies up to 25 pounds.
• Work Environment: Work is frequently performed indoors in a typical office environment or indoor event venue and often may be required to work outdoors in varied terrains, in all weather conditions.
• Equipment: General office equipment, telephone, computer, tablet, two-way radio, operation of the garden shuttle, and POS system.

Job descriptions are guidelines that attempt to characterize essential functions and responsibilities of a job and are subject to change as needs and programs change. At Huntsville Botanical Garden job descriptions are considered neither inclusive nor exclusive. It is expected that up to 20% of your duties may change annually.

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodation will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

The Huntsville Botanical Garden supports a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Garden is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.