Company description
Sweet Farm is a 501(c)(3) farm-animal sanctuary, regenerative agriculture nonprofit, and sustainability incubator on 50 acres in New York's Finger Lakes. The Meadows is our four-season event venue on the shores of Seneca Lake — a restored 1800s farmhouse, lakeside ceremony grounds, an indoor-outdoor event space for up to 225 guests, and a tasting bar serving local wine, beer, cocktails, and plant-based fare.
Every wedding, event, and overnight stay directly funds our rescue and regenerative work. This is a rare hospitality role where hitting your numbers is the mission.
Job description
Lead a beautiful lakeside wedding & events venue whose proceeds fund a nonprofit regenerative farm. We're looking for a hospitality operator who can own the guest experience, the booking calendar, and the bottom line.
Location: The Meadows, 211 Hall Rd, Himrod, NY (Finger Lakes)
Employment type: Full-time, year-round, on-site
Compensation: $61,000 base + performance bonus
Benefits: Health benefits included, PTO & holidays
Schedule: Includes weekends & seasonal peaks (May–Oct)
Start date: Q4 2026, ahead of the 2027 season
THE ROLE
The Venue Manager is the general manager of the operation — the single point of accountability for bookings, guest experience, and the venue's profit-and-loss. You'll run the sales pipeline, lead flawless day-of execution, oversee the tasting-bar program, and manage a seasonal team and a contracted farmhouse manager. You set the tone that every couple, guest, and vendor experiences.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Own the sales pipeline — respond to inquiries, host site tours, prepare quotes, and close wedding, corporate, and private-event bookings against annual targets.
- Lead day-of execution — coordinate vendors, timelines, setup, and teardown so every event runs seamlessly.
- Run the tasting bar — manage the bar program, inventory, licensing compliance, and food-truck partners.
- Manage the team — hire, schedule, and lead seasonal hospitality and bar staff, plus the contracted farmhouse manager for farmhouse stays.
- Own the P&L — manage the operating budget, pricing, vendor relationships, and monthly reporting to leadership and the operating partner.
- Partner on mission events — work with the Sweet Farm team to develop and execute events that bring people to the farm and advance the sanctuary's mission.
- Protect the brand — ensure every booking reflects Sweet Farm's mission, values, and standard of care.
WHAT YOU BRING
- 3+ years in events, hospitality, or venue management, ideally with a sales or client-facing component.
- A proven record booking and delivering events, and building warm client relationships.
- Comfort owning a budget and being measured against booking and revenue targets.
- Working knowledge of NY food & alcohol service requirements — or willingness to become certified (e.g. TIPS, food handler).
- Strong organization under pressure and calm, gracious day-of leadership.
- Availability to work weekends and the summer–fall peak season.
- Alignment with Sweet Farm's mission and a genuine care for people, animals, and the land.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
- 20+ weddings booked and delivered in the first full season.
- Venue revenue at or above plan, with the operation covering its full cost base.
- Consistently excellent reviews and referrals from couples and event hosts.
- A well-run tasting bar and farmhouse that fills the shoulder and off-seasons.
Sweet Farm Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Compensation
this position is: salaried, $60,406 - $75,000
Application instructions
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Deadline
September 30, 2026