Why Cheekwood?

Working at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offers you the opportunity to work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville. Formerly the home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. At Cheekwood, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of roles tailored to your skills and interests. Whether you are passionate about horticulture, art curation, historical preservation, or one of our many other career opportunities, you would have the chance to thrive and make a meaningful impact here. Working in such a place that cherishes its rich history, vibrant art scene, and serene gardens offers a unique blend of fulfillment and inspiration. You will find yourself in a supportive environment where every day brings new opportunities for personal and professional growth, amidst the backdrop of picturesque setting.

What does the Cheekwood Events Team do and why join?

As a member of Cheekwood’s events team, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of a diverse range of events, from weddings and corporate gatherings to public programs. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with clients, vendors, and guests, providing top-notch service and creating memorable experiences. This role is perfect for individuals who enjoy dynamic work environments and have a passion for event management. Additionally, working in an events team allows you to connect with people from all walks of life, be part of a community-oriented organization, and contribute to making each event a success.

What will you be doing?

Your responsibilities will include overseeing event logistics, bar operations, ensuring smooth execution of weddings, corporate functions, and public programs. Your responsibilities also include supervising bar staff/bartend as needed, assisting and participating in event set-ups, and ensuring the property is clean after the events. This role will support Event Managers during these events and provide excellent customer service while adhering to Cheekwood’s policies and procedures.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Act as Cheekwood Representative to clients/guests, and vendors during a variety of events including weddings, corporate events, development events, and public programming as scheduled.
• Monitor building and grounds throughout events to ensure things are running smoothly; alert Security or Manager immediately with any issues or building damage.
• Mostly evening closing shifts from 5PM – 1AM.
• Be aware of all upcoming events and familiar with logistics of each event they will be responsible for i.e. scheduled vendors, drop off/pick up procedures, parking instructions, bar operations, etc.
• Ensures gardens are inspected after ceremony to ensure all trash has been picked up.
• Responsible for post event reception walkthrough of vendor clean-up and trash removal.
• Responsible for training bar staff as determined by the Event Managers.
• Oversee/supervise bar staff as needed during internal and external events/public programming.
• Aid Event Managers in day of event bar needs such as overseeing bar setups, batching cocktails, acting as a bar runner, etc.
• Service bars as needed via occasional bartending as needed throughout the event.
• Adheres to all Cheekwood policies and procedures.
• Knowledgeable of all Cheekwood Rentals rules and regulations regarding event logistics and execution.
• Represent and deliver excellent customer service in keeping with Cheekwood’s brand and mission.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, sales, or marketing is preferred; or one year applicable/equitable experience in a hospitality and professional setting.
• Position also requires an updated TNABC license for serving alcohol.
• Required to complete golf cart training and operate a golf cart as needed.
• Valid, current driver’s license / reliable means of transportation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extremely organized, yet very flexible; able to work varied hours including evenings, weekends and some holidays as required, many in outdoor settings.
• Ability to handle guests’ requests in a timely and accommodating manner.
• Valid, current TNABC license / bartending experience preferred.
• Ability to manage varied duties professionally and work well with staff and vendors.
• Strong analytical thinking and communications skills (both written and oral) with attention to detail.
• Pro-active, on-the-fly problem solving, and the ability to prioritize and remain calm under pressure.
• Maintains a professional, well-groomed appearance and demeanor at all times.
• Passionate about food, beverage, and events with a commitment to exceeding client expectations.
• Minimum 1-year wedding/events experience is preferred.

Equipment to be used

• Radio Equipment; Golf Cart; all bar equipment – wine key, bottle opener, knife.

Part-time Benefits

Membership & Discounts: As an employee, you receive a Cheekwood membership, which entitles you to unlimited admission during regular Garden hours and a limited number of free tickets to special events. Members also receive discounts classes, ticketed events, and purchases at the Gift Shop. Your Cheekwood membership also include reciprocal admission for named members to more than 300 gardens though the American Horticultural Society.

Reciprocal Admission: As an employee of Cheekwood you have free general admission access to many local cultural, historical, and art institutions as part of the employee admission program.