Employment & Internships

Work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville! Formerly the family home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. Cheekwood’s mission is to stimulate the mind and nurture the spirit, for not only our visitors, but our staff as well.

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and ­­­­results-oriented Tourism and ** Group Sales Manager to join the marketing and communications department. The Tourism & Group Sales Manager is responsible for coordinating the daily operations of the group sales program and actively prospecting for, soliciting, and securing group visits and tours. The core focus of this position is the development of sustained group attendance that meets established annual revenue and attendance goals. The manager performs a range of duties including generating and following up on leads, selling group visits, processing, and coordinating all requests for groups, handling all group customer inquiries, generating sales data, and producing status reports. Additional duties include being the liaison with the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and concierge organizations to build Cheekwood’s presence in the tourism industry. The manager will work closely with Marketing, Visitor Services, Rentals, and other departments to coordinate tours and special events as needed.

Primary Responsibilities:

• • Identify and pursue strategic opportunities for capturing volume admission sales from targeted constituencies
• • Solicit and monitor leads for group sales based on revenue and attendance goals set with Director of Marketing and Chief External Relations Officer
• • Meet or exceed goals for new and returning group sales contracts and attendance targets
• • In consultation with the Director of Marketing, formulate and implement proactive group sales marketing campaigns
• • Plan new research-based advertising strategies for current and subsequent years that will increase leisure travel market share
• • Work with the Director of Marketing and Senior Graphic Designer to provide direction for all group sales collateral production
• • Participate in targeted group outreach events and programs; make personal appearances to sell group tours to Cheekwood. Prepare and deliver presentations to local and regional organizations
• • Establish and maintain relationships with travel, tour, convention, and meeting partners with a strong focus on tour wholesalers, tour operators, and convention organizers
• • Act as key liaison with Tennessee Tourism Commission, Nashville Convention & Visitor Corp, Music City Concierge Association, and American Bus Association
• • Attend travel industry tradeshows, conventions, and hospitality networking events to promote Cheekwood and develop strong positioning of group visit offerings
• • Design, develop and conduct familiarization tours of Cheekwood for event planners, tour operators and travel agents
• • Develop relationships with national, international, and regional tourism-based publications and writers
• • Coordinate and process all phases of group contracts; book orders, secure deposits and payments for group ticket sales, group tours, and VIP tour reservations through Altru Ticketing System
• • Maintain database and track group sales leads, inquiries, lost business, and sales revenue
• • Provide ongoing status reports. Report on customer relationships, sales forecasts, and new prospects
• • Manage assigned revenue and expense budgets
• • Coordinate with Visitor Services staff to schedule and confirm group sales reservations and tour requirements
• • Coordinate with the Education Department to manage the group tour schedule that also includes school field trips organized by the Education team and assure availability of docent guides for all groups requesting a guided tour
• • Arrange VIP tours with approved staff as requested
• • Follow up with group sales customers to determine satisfaction
• • Work cross-departmentally to book and coordinate occasional special events as needed
• • Perform other duties as requested.

Requirements:

• • Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications or other related field or the equivalent through a combination of education, training, or work experience
• • 3+ years of sales experience, preferably at a nonprofit cultural organization, museum, large garden, or tourist attraction
• • Experience driving revenue in a nonprofit or other mission-driven organization
• • Excellent computer skills: Ticketing and management software, Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
• • This position will require on-site work at times for client meetings, greeting and guiding groups and event management

Essential Qualifications:

• • Demonstrated success in the development, management, and execution of group sales campaigns
• • Contacts with Nashville’s tourism industries and experience in convention rental sales preferred
• • Customer service orientation and mindset
• • Excellent communication skills both written and oral. Strong public speaking abilities
• • Positive attitude, personable, congenial, and hospitable with the ability to interact effectively with visitors, staff, volunteers, and members
• • Excellent time management skills and detail-orientated
• • Analytical and report writing skills
• • Must be extremely organized, yet flexible with the ability to adapt in an evolving environment
• • Able to work varied hours including weekends
• • Works independently, self-motivated with limited supervision
• • A commitment to expanding access to Cheekwood for diverse audiences

Cheekwood follows the CDC’s Covid-19 recommendations and has a voluntary vaccine policy.

Cheekwood offers a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to full-time team members to protect health, family and way of life including Health Insurance with an HRA (Cheekwood pays 90% of the cost of one of the employee-only plans), Dental (Cheekwood pays a portion of the premium), Vision, Life Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Long Term Disability Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Voluntary Life Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance, 403b (with a generous employer match offered), Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time Off and 11 Paid Holidays. Aflac products are also available.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity employer

To apply for the Tourism and Group Sales Manager position click here.

Work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville! Formerly the family home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. Cheekwood’s mission is to stimulate the mind and nurture the spirit, for not only our visitors, but our staff as well.

We are currently seeking a Member Service Representative – Full Time. Reporting to the Membership Services Supervisor, the Member Service Representative plays a key role in providing excellent customer service to existing members and promoting/selling memberships to visitors and potential members.

Primary Responsibilities:

• • Responds to general membership inquiries via phone, email, chatbot, and in-person visits. Documents appropriate correspondence in constituent records for future reference.
• • Serves as primary contact for Cheekwood Membership phone line. Receives incoming phone calls with the ability to inform callers of Cheekwood membership levels, benefits, and value; as well as inform callers of Cheekwood events, times, prices, etc.
• • Processes membership renewals, new memberships, and gift memberships in the Blackbaud Altru database. Ensures constituent and payment information is entered accurately and promptly.
• • Performs daily ticketing sales, advance sales, and other registrations for members in Altru database.
• • Performs other projects or duties assigned by supervisor. **

Requirements:

• • High school diploma or equivalent required.
• • Energetic and pleasant personality with excellent oral communication skills.
• • Excellent customer service skills and professional attitude.
• • Strong attention to detail and computer skills.
• • Flexibility to work some weekends and/or evenings during high-volume seasons.
• • Experience with cultural attraction, nonprofit institution and/or membership-based organization preferred.

Cheekwood follows the CDC’s Covid-19 recommendations and has a voluntary vaccine policy.

Cheekwood offers a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to full-time team members to protect health, family and way of life including Health Insurance with an HRA (Cheekwood pays 90% of the cost of one of the employee-only plans), Dental (Cheekwood pays a portion of the premium), Vision, Life Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Long Term Disability Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Voluntary Life Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance, 403b (with a generous employer match offered), Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time Off and 11 Paid Holidays. Aflac products are also available.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity employer

To apply for the Membership Service Representative position click here.

Work in one of the most beautiful places in Nashville! Formerly the family home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries and is Nashville’s top rated wedding venue. Cheekwood’s mission is to stimulate the mind and nurture the spirit, for not only our visitors, but our staff as well. We are currently seeking several Event Bartenders to prepare drinks and deliver excellent service to patrons while maintaining high quality customer service at both the cash bar and private events.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• • Responsible for event and bar set up, execution and break down of all goods and trash removal until buildings are clean and ready to be secured by Cheekwood Security or cleared by Event Supervisor.
• • Assists with pulling correct inventory, set up and stock bars, essentially responsible for bar operation throughout event. Including, but not limited to set up, service and break down. All remaining inventory is to be documented and returned to proper storage area at the end of each event with the Event Supervisor.
• • Monitor building and grounds throughout events to ensure things are running smoothly, alert Security or Event Supervisor with any issues.
• • Report any damage to Security and the Event Supervisor immediately.
• • Responsible for set-up, operation of and break down of cash bars when appropriate, keeping accurate records of all inventory and sales, with equipment provided to be returned to Event Supervisor or rentals office as instructed
• • Politely greet and service all customers when approached- including answering questions about Cheekwood’s history, programming, drink related, etc.
• • Adhere to the dress uniform as found below and in the employee handbook and/or noted from a supervisor/ manager.
• • Responsible for signing and filling out all appropriate documents as provided by supervisor- including Tip and Hour Sheet and Bar Control Sheet.
• • Responsible for reading all provided information provided on the pull sheet at the beginning of the shift so that you know the timelines and details of the evening.
• • Bartenders are required to supply own bar tools as needed including wine key and bottle openers.
• • All bartenders are required to complete golf cart safety training. Golf cart must be cleaned from trash/ debris and returned to rentals office at the end of the event.

Qualifications:
Must have both a valid driver’s license and a current valid ABC Certificate; excellent client relation skills and advanced and extensive bar/alcohol knowledge. Must have the availability to work evenings, including weekends and some holidays in outdoor weather conditions. This position is a great opportunity for anyone looking for part time and flexible hours.

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.

Cheekwood follows the CDC’s COVID-19 recommendations and has a voluntary vaccine policy.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity employer

To apply for the Part-time Event Bartender position click here.

Do you want to work in one of the most beautiful places in Nashville? Formerly the family home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum. Working closely with the Security & Safety Manager, Parking Attendants are responsible for maintaining a friendly and professional demeanor while providing exceptional customer service. This position is a great opportunity for anyone looking for part-time and flexible hours.

Primary Responsibilities:

• • Maintains a clean and neat uniform and appearance.
• • Responsible for positive interaction with the visitors answering questions while providing clear directions to each of the parking lots. Becomes knowledgeable of Cheekwood’s history and basic facts of interest to visitors.
• • Must be able to effectively communicate on the radio with other employees while monitoring the parking spaces in their lots.

Qualifications

• • Must have the availability to work weekends and evenings and willing to walk and stand for long periods in all types of weather conditions.

Cheekwood follows CDC Covid-19 recommendations and has a voluntary vaccine policy.

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.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity employer

To apply for the Part-time Seasonal Parking Attendant position click here.

Reporting to the Grounds Supervisor, this full-time position supports the grounds maintenance team to establish and uphold the highest standards of turf excellence.

• • Primarily responsible for executing the comprehensive turf maintenance program including mowing, trimming, edging, and blowing as well as seasonal renovation and repair.
• • Monitors and controls weed and pest populations in lawn areas via integrated pest management best practices and in accordance with the Cheekwood Pesticide Use Policy.
• • Works with garden staff to assist in seasonal, property-wide maintenance activities such as leaf removal and mulching.
• • Assists Department Leadership to oversee the general operation of the automatic underground irrigation system including maintenance, repair, winterization, and mapping.
• • Collaborates with the Department Leadership to develop, maintain and document best management practices within the ground’s maintenance function.
• • Assists in the care and maintenance of all outdoor equipment used in the Botanical Garden Department including implementing routine maintenance schedules. Maintains standards for the daily care and storage of garden equipment and notifies supervisor of any supply needs.
• • Performs some tree work, including heavy pruning and light removals.
• • Responsible for maintaining records of work activities in assigned areas of the garden.
• • Engages in diversified and/or specialized scope based on individual background and departmental and institutional needs.
• • Performs all levels of landscape and grounds maintenance required to maintain the highest aesthetic standards throughout the property and support seasonal display rotations, especially Blooms. Understands and stewards the Mission Statements for Gardens and Collections. Primarily responsible for the full scope of garden maintenance within a clearly identified zone.
• • Identifies special needs and maintenance priorities for immediate action, including hazard removal, health and safety issues, invasive plant control, pest problems, and irrigation failures. Reports these needs and priorities to Department Leadership.
• • Motivates, trains, and supervises seasonal interns and volunteers in assigned areas of responsibilities.
• • Assists co-workers with special projects as determined by Department leadership and provides project management assistance for major garden projects.
• • Serves as an external representative of Cheekwood and engages members of the community and industry to exchange information and ideas to support individual and institutional growth.
• • Maintains a constant awareness of the guest experience and makes every reasonable effort to ensure the safety and comfort of all persons moving through the Garden.
• • Understands and upholds the Cheekwood Mission, Vision and Values and maintains great awareness and flexibility to accommodate and support organizational goals and operations.

Qualifications:
An associate or Bachelor of Science/arts degree is preferred or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must be a certified pesticide applicator in the State of Tennessee or obtain this certification within one year of employment. Must have at least one-year turfgrass or landscape maintenance experience in public horticulture, golf course management, estate maintenance or related field. Knowledge of cultural requirements for healthy turfgrass; general knowledge of basic plant healthcare and lifecycle principles and skillful in the safe and efficient operation of landscape maintenance equipment. Working knowledge of basic equipment maintenance and irrigation troubleshooting experience is preferred. Must have a positive professional attitude; detail-oriented; ability to work independently as well as on a team; work flexible and fluctuating schedules based upon business needs. This position requires frequent lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying up to 50lbs and willing to work in inclement weather. Must have the availability to work 7:00am-3:30pm Monday-Friday.

Benefits:

Cheekwood offers a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to full-time team members to protect  health, family and way of life including Health Insurance with an HRA (Cheekwood pays 90% of the cost of one of the employee-only plans), Dental (Cheekwood pays a portion of the premium), Vision, Life Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Long Term Disability Insurance (100% paid by Cheekwood), Voluntary Life Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance, 403b (with a generous employer match offered), Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time Off and 10 Paid Holidays. Aflac products are also available.

Please send your letter of interest and resume to Penny Bruckse, Vice President of Human Resources, at Pbruckse@cheekwood.org. Cheekwood follows the CDC’s COVID-19 recommendations and has a voluntary vaccine policy.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity employer

To apply for the Grounds Technician position click here.

Department: Education

Reports To: Nathalie Lavine, Vice President of Education and Outreach

Semester: Fall 2022

Internship Description:

Cheekwood’s Education and Public Programs internship is designed for the undergraduate or graduate student seeking hands-on experience in a nonprofit museum and botanical garden. Interns will assist with the coordination and setup of various programs, to include:

• • Harvest workshops
• • Wellness classes
• • Thursday Night Out
• • Cultural celebrations like Moon Viewing and El Día de los Muertos

This intern will also facilitate the launch of a new education series for adults looking to learn more about various art forms or gardening.

Responsibilities:
The Education and Public Programs Intern will work under the direction of the Vice President of Education and Outreach to plan and execute adult programming, workshops, and classes.
Intern duties may include.

• • Create supply lists
• • Source and maintain a materials budget
• • Generate any necessary program materials and signage
• • Assist in overseeing, logistics, planning, and execution of adult education classes and workshop at Cheekwood
• • Generate ideas for marketing to reach new audiences
• • Seek out local teaching artists for potential future classes
• • Compile information for marketing and website information
• • Facilitate the execution of various musical performances at Cheekwood
• • Assist instructors and performers onsite from arrival to departure

Interns will conduct a semester-long project related to continuing education.

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate is passionate about working with the public, enjoys art, is interested in adult education, is detail-oriented, and can work as part of a team or individually. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe InDesign is also preferred.

Hours/Time Commitment:
Minimum 15 hours/week for up to 16 weeks

Education:
Sophomore or above at the undergraduate level, or graduate student at an accredited university.

Area of Study:
Arts, Art Education, Nonprofit Management, Event Planning, or Arts Administration.

Compensation: $15 hourly

To apply for the Education and Public Programs Intern position click here.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity workplace

Department: Development

Reports To: Sarah Katherine Woodhull, Manager of Institutional Relations

Semester: Fall 2022

Internship Description:
Cheekwood Development Internships are designed for undergraduate students or recent graduates seeking experience at a non-profit arts and cultural organization. The intern will be exposed to all areas of fundraising including individual, corporate, and institutional (foundation and government) giving. The internship is ideal for individuals wishing to gain experience in fundraising and/or nonprofit administration.

Responsibilities:

• • Work with the Manager of Institutional Relations to conduct research for potential new funders
1. • Foundation and Government Grants – research and maintain records in the online database, GrantHub
2. • Corporate – utilize resources and publications at your disposal to research and find new corporate donors
• Work with the Donor Relations Manager to perform an internal assessment of Cheekwood’s tribute gift program
• • Assist with donor acknowledgement when awarded funding
• • Assist the entire Development team with in-person events including, but not limited to, preparation, set up, and breakdown
• • Complete administrative tasks and duties for the department
• • Complete additional tasks as directed

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are a non-exhaustive list of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to handle, feel, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms above the shoulder. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
Hours/Time Commitment:
15-20 hours/week for up to 16 weeks

Education:
Junior or Senior at the undergraduate level, or graduate student at an accredited university

Area of Study:
Art History, Business, English, History, Non-Profit Management, or related field

Compensation: $15.00 hourly

To apply for the Development Intern position click here.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity workplace

Department: Education

Reports To: Katie Fox, Director of School and Youth Programs

Semester: Fall 2022

Internship Description:
Cheekwood’s TOTS! Internship Program is designed for the university student seeking to gain hands-on experience in a non-profit museum and botanical garden. Interns will experience all aspects of museum education including: developing and teaching classes, creating educational materials and lesson plans, overseeing studio spaces, and working with a variety of age groups. The Tots! intern is enthusiastic and enjoys working with the public. They can adapt quickly, are responsible, detail oriented, and can follow directions without supervision.

Responsibilities:

• • Gain experience working with volunteers and the public
• • Research age-appropriate literature and activities
• • Brainstorm new activities based on topic list provided
• • Create examples/demo pieces for art activities
• • Track attendance at all programs
• • Make assessments about material and preparation needs
• • Use programs like InDesign to create step-by-step signage for each activity

Qualifications:
Experience in the following areas is preferred:

• • Experience supervising children
• • Teaching experience
• • Public speaking
• • Customer Service

Hours/Time Commitment: 
Minimum 15 hours/week for up to 16 weeks

Education:
Sophomore or above at the undergraduate level, or graduate student at an accredited university

Area of Study: 
Early childhood education, art education, museum education, life sciences, or studio art

Compensation: $15 Hourly

To apply for the Tots Intern position click here.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity workplace

Department: Retail

Reports To: Kayce Bengtson, Director of Retail

Semester: Fall 2022

Internship Description:
The Cheekwood Retail Department is seeking an intern to assist in the development and management of our ecommerce site. This person would be responsible for product photography, photo editing, writing product descriptions, fulfilling orders and inventory management.

Responsibilities:

• • Product Photography & Photo Editing
  1. • Take multiple photos of products, showing different angles and lighting
  2. • Style product photos for use on website and social media
  3. • Edit photos to match aesthetic of current product photography
• • Copywriting
  1. • Write accurate and engaging product descriptions for Item Pages
  2. • Record proper dimensions of items and load into backend of ecommerce site
• • Inventory Management & Shipping
  1. • Track inventory of online items and keep website counts up to date
  2. • Remove items from sales floor once sold, pack and ship via USPS
• • Customer Service
  1. • Respond to any online inquiries regarding order status, promo codes or payment issues
• • Marketing
  1. • Develop social media content for retail team that links to items being sold online
  2. • Provide Marketing Team with weekly content for emails and social media

Qualifications:

• • Knowledge of basic photography principles, lighting, and basic photo editing (Photos will be taken using digital camera and/or smartphone)
• • Excellent written communication skills
• • Eye for design and attention to detail
• • Familiar with SharePoint, OneDrive and able to work on a PC

Hours/Time Commitment:
Minimum 15 hours/week for up to 16 weeks

Education:
Sophomore or above at the undergraduate level, or graduate student from an accredited university

Area of Study:
Ecommerce, Retail Management, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, Photography or Business.

Compensation: $15.00 hourly

To apply for the Retail Ecommerce Intern position click here.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity workplace

Department: Rentals

Reports To: Jessica Ware, Director of Events

Semester: Fall 2022

Internship Description: Rentals/Special Events Department internships are designed to expose students to the multi-faceted and high energy field of Venue Logistics, Event Sales, Planning, Coordination and Execution while providing students with opportunities to apply skills in a real-world environment.

Responsibilities:

• • Conduct a semester long project tailored to interns goals and department needs. Department needs may include execution of events, event sales, etc.
• • Active learning in the area of proactive sales, venue logistics, planning, coordination and scheduling of a wide variety of events including large and small annual events, corporate events, weddings, fundraisers, networking events, internal events, and special interest group meetings. Internal events may include holiday and seasonal programming, weekly events on the grounds, large and small dinners, meetings etc.
• • Assisting in the creation of proposals to tailor events specifically to clients needs and accurately represent financial obligation of client.
• • Web/social media based marketing and media – assist with creating, editing and publishing content.
• • Working with a team to become familiar with preparing venue logistic documents for vendors and staff including BEO’s and floorplans.
• • Day of event execution as needed; set-up, tear-down, and general coordination of overall event.
• • All other duties approved by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• • Strong project management skills, working with cross-functional teams.
• • Strong analytical skills; fluent with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• • Excellent oral and written communications, demonstrated success with multi-tasking & juggling multiple priorities.
• • Self-starter who takes initiative, highly reliable, polished and professional when dealing with members, prospective members, sponsors, and executive management.
• • Comfortable in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment with an all-hands-on-deck mentality.

Hours/Time Commitment: Minimum 15 hours/week for up to 16 weeks

Education: Rising Junior or Senior at the undergraduate level, or graduate student at an accredited university

Area of Study: Hospitality management, Tourism, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or Business

Compensation: $15.00 hourly

To apply for the Events/Rentals Intern position click here.

Cheekwood is an equal opportunity workplace