Assistant Afterglow Manager – Starry Nights

Job title: Assistant Afterglow Manager – Starry Nights

Department: Sales and Events

Reports to: Event Manager

FLSA Status: Part Time, Seasonal, Non-Exempt

Salary: $16–$18 per hour

About Shelby Farms Park Conservancy

Shelby Farms Park Conservancy (SFPC) is the nonprofit that manages and cares for Shelby Farms Park and Shelby Farms Greenline in Memphis, TN. SFPC is responsible for daily management, fundraising to meet operational budget needs, setting the vision for the Parks future, and stewarding its natural resources. SFPC team members are committed to our vision of creating a celebrated 21st-century park that defines and shapes a great city and that provides inclusive, equitable, and free access for every resident of the Memphis area.

About Shelby Farms Park

At 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. It features miles of trails, lakes and ponds, a buffalo herd, the Woodland Discovery Playground, the FedEx Event Center, a treetop adventure course, a sprayground, and an outdoor stage. It is a treasured asset for Memphis, offering inclusive and free access to all.

About Starry Nights

Starry Nights is Shelby Farms Park’s annual holiday drive-through light show and the Park’s largest fundraiser, raising critical funding to keep our spaces clean, green, and open every day of the year. The event welcomes more than 100,000 visitors to experience the Park at night in festive lights.

Position Summary

The Assistant Afterglow Manager oversees logistics for the Afterglow area, which includes the Igloos, Holiday Market, Glow Grove, and Concessions. This role reports to the Event Manager and works closely with team members across the Park to meet our goals for guest experience and fundraising.

This is a part-time seasonal position (15–35 hours per week). Training begins the first week of November, and the Starry Nights season runs November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Shifts run 5:30–9:30 p.m. or 5:30–10:30 p.m., and team members must commit to at least four five-hour shifts per week. Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required.

Key Responsibilities

Afterglow Operations

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Demonstrate a passion for the Park through exceptional management, problem-solving, and decision-making.

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Represent the Park with charisma, professionalism, and composure, even in high-stress situations.

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Assist with managing Afterglow operations each night, including supervising Park Ambassadors.

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Manage each Afterglow area to keep it clean and organized.

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Serve as a lead in executing contingency plans, emergency action protocols, and golf cart protocols.

Guest Experience and Team Support

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Work closely with the Event Manager to ensure every guest receives an exceptional experience.

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Help build a team environment and culture that supports staff retention.

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Communicate with vendors and keep accurate vendor records.

Administrative and Nightly Duties

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Perform administrative duties such as pulling order information from the ticketing and sales systems.

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Ensure all equipment is ready each night.

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Ensure merchandise and concession procedures are followed and all merchandise is accounted for each night.

Skills and Qualifications

Qualifications

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Comfortable using handheld technology (scanners, iPads) to check in guests.

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Strong verbal and written communication skills.

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Ability to defuse and mediate guest issues using conflict resolution techniques.

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Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, with training beginning the first week of November, and able to commit to at least four five-hour shifts per week from November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

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Active, guest-facing role performed outdoors, directing both pedestrian and vehicle traffic in a fast-paced environment.

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Must be able to lift 30 lbs, move 20 feet, and stand, walk, or move independently throughout each shift.

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Must be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions, including rain, sun, and snow.

Employment Requirements

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Successful completion of a background check.

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Valid authorization to work in the United States.

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Valid driver’s license.

Personal Qualities

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Passionate and Proactive: Takes pride and initiative in their work.

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Guest-Centric: Goes above and beyond to enhance the guest experience.

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Effective Communicator: Conveys clear, concise messages to all levels of management, vendors, and staff.

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Empathetic Listener: Listens carefully to understand and resolve guest issues.

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Team Leader: Efficiently manages a team of Park Ambassadors.

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Team Player: Works well within a team.

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Quick Learner: Picks up new processes and procedures quickly.

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Knowledgeable: Becomes proficient with all programs and equipment.

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Adaptable: Stays flexible and positive in changing situations.

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Self-Motivated and Reliable: Can be counted on to show up, follow through, and lead by example.

This job description outlines typical duties and responsibilities and does not limit management’s ability to assign or reassign responsibilities as needed.

Shelby Farms Park Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age (40+), disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under applicable law.