Director, Event Management, Special Events

Austin, TX, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $130,000.00 - $160,000.00

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Professional development opportunities

performance bonuses

Job Description

OC Sports & Entertainment, LLC is a leading organization dedicated to delivering world-class sports and entertainment experiences through innovative technology and a strong commitment to community values. Rooted in the passion of our Anaheim Ducks team and the iconic Honda Center venue, OC Sports & Entertainment is pioneering the development of OCVIBE, a transformative 100-acre downtown epicenter in Orange County. This vibrant and dynamic project is designed to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the community by creating welcoming spaces that inspire connection and shared experiences among residents and visitors alike. The organization's mission is centered on enriching lives through responsible actions, creating welcoming environments, and delivering exceptional moments that foster community engagement and pride. Our vision is to position OCVIBE as the social and entertainment hub of Orange County, where a rich tapestry of cultural influences converges to create unique, memorable experiences. At the core of our values are safety, integrity, generosity, inclusivity, simplicity, and boldness, which guide our approach to every event and initiative we undertake.

The role of Director, Event Management, Special Events, is a pivotal leadership position within OC Sports & Entertainment. This full-time, on-site position offers an annual base salary ranging from $130,000 to $160,000, commensurate with the selected candidate's expertise, location, and experience. The Director of Event Management is tasked with providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for the planning, coordination, and execution of revenue-generating private events across the expansive OCVIBE campus. This role is essential in managing the delivery of exceptional, hospitality-driven experiences tailored to corporate, social, and premium clientele. The Director leads a diverse team of full-time and part-time event professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. Collaboration is a cornerstone of this position, requiring close partnerships with Sales, Culinary, Operations, and Finance departments to ensure client visions are flawlessly realized while maximizing revenue potential and enhancing the overall brand reputation of OCVIBE. Events under this director's purview range from corporate meetings and conferences to galas, buyouts, premium activations, and social celebrations. The ideal candidate will bring extensive expertise in special event operations, team leadership, and premium guest services within large-scale entertainment, hospitality, or destination event environments. Key responsibilities include developing execution strategies, managing operational frameworks, overseeing team development, and ensuring financial performance aligns with organizational goals. The Director also champions client experience and brand stewardship, ensuring every event reflects the highest standards of hospitality and professionalism. This role demands exceptional organizational, communication, and financial skills, coupled with a deep passion for creating memorable event experiences that resonate with the community and embody the company's core values.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree in event management, hospitality, business administration, or a related field
Minimum of 8 years of experience in event management or hospitality operations, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role overseeing teams and complex events
Demonstrated experience leading venue event management operations across multiple properties simultaneously
Proven success executing revenue-generating private events, including corporate, social, or premium hospitality experiences
Ability to lead and motivate both full-time and part-time teams in fast-paced, guest-facing environments
Strong financial acumen with experience managing labor budgets, forecasting, and operational efficiencies
Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Passion for hospitality and client service
Willingness to work on-site
Effective collaboration with Sales, Operations, Culinary, and Finance teams

Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related field
Master's degree or equivalent professional experience preferred
Minimum of 8 years of experience in event management or hospitality operations, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role overseeing teams and complex events
Demonstrated experience leading venue event management operations across multiple properties simultaneously, ensuring consistency in service standards, operational execution, and client experience across diverse venues
Proven success executing revenue-generating private events, including corporate, social, or premium hospitality experiences
Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate both full-time and part-time teams in fast-paced, guest-facing environments
Strong financial acumen with experience managing labor budgets, forecasting, and operational efficiencies
Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across Sales, Operations, Culinary, and Finance
A passion for hospitality, client service, and delivering memorable, best-in-class event experiences aligned with company values

Job Duties

Lead the end-to-end execution strategy for all private and special events, ensuring consistency, quality, and excellence across all venues and experiences
Establish and manage operational frameworks, timelines, and workflows that support high-volume, high-touch event execution
Partner with the Special Events Sales team to support client acquisition, seamless handoffs, and execution against contracted deliverables
Ensure events are delivered in alignment with client expectations, brand standards, and revenue objectives
Lead full lifecycle management of district-wide event equipment inventory, including tracking systems, preventative maintenance, repairs, parts procurement, and annual capital expenditure planning and acquisitions
Directly manage and develop a team of full-time Event Managers and a flexible part-time event execution staff
Build staffing models and labor strategies that balance service excellence, efficiency, and profitability
Create a culture of accountability, hospitality, and continuous improvement through training, coaching, and performance management
Serve as an on-site leader during major events, providing real-time decision-making and escalation support
Develop and implement team operating plans, performance incentives, and accountability frameworks that elevate financial acumen across the Event Management team, driving strategic upselling behaviors and revenue optimization at the event level
Apply rigorous financial analysis to event performance in collaboration with Finance and Sales, leveraging P&L insights with a focus on labor and operational expenses, to identify cost efficiencies, margin improvement opportunities, and scalable growth strategies across the event portfolio
Support event forecasting, staffing cost controls, and post-event financial reviews
Champion upsell opportunities and operational efficiencies that enhance revenue and client value
Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for private event execution across all venues
Ensure compliance with safety, permitting, accessibility, and regulatory standards
Partner with Operations, Security, Facilities, and Culinary to align resources and venue readiness for each event
Establish and enforce service and presentation standards across all events, including elevated VIP experiences, ensuring Event Managers consistently deliver best-in-class hospitality, brand alignment, and visual excellence
Serve as a steward of the OCVIBE brand, ensuring every client and guest experience reflects a premium level of hospitality and professionalism
Address and resolve client concerns with urgency and care, turning challenges into opportunities for loyalty and advocacy
Collaborate with Marketing and Brand teams to align private event execution with broader brand positioning and experience standards