Event Manager, Special Events

West Covina, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $80,000.00 - $90,000.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Professional development opportunities

Employee Discounts

Flexible work schedule

Job Description

OC Sports & Entertainment, LLC is a dynamic company dedicated to creating exceptional live entertainment and sporting experiences in Orange County. As a premier operator of iconic venues such as the Honda Center, ARTIC, The Grove of Anaheim, and the emerging OCVIBE venues, the company plays a fundamental role in enriching the cultural and social landscape of the region. Through a combination of innovative event management, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to community values, OC Sports & Entertainment strives to be the central hub where diverse communities come together to enjoy outstanding events and shared experiences.

The company’s mission emphasizes enriching lives through shared experiences, welcoming spaces, and responsible actions, while its vision positions it as the cultural kaleidoscope and social epicenter of Orange County. The values upheld by the organization—being safe, doing the right thing, being generous, including everyone, making it easy, and being bold—reflect a commitment to excellence, diversity, and inclusion.

The role of Event Manager, Special Events, is a pivotal position within OC Sports & Entertainment. This full-time, on-site role offers an annual base salary ranging from $80,000 to $90,000, reflecting factors such as experience, education, skill levels, and geographic considerations. The Event Manager will plan, coordinate, and execute events primarily at the Honda Center and other affiliated venues, ensuring that every event runs smoothly from contract to completion. This role requires meticulous attention to detail and a customer-focused mindset to deliver exceptional service and guest experiences.

As the main point of contact for special events, the Event Manager will liaise with clients, contractors, and internal teams to facilitate logistics, technical requirements, budgets, and staffing. Responsibilities include managing event contracts, preparing budget reports, coordinating vendor and subcontractor activities, and overseeing front-of-house and back-of-house operations. The role demands excellent interpersonal skills for communicating effectively across various organizational levels and with external clients.

The position also involves compliance with venue policies, supporting safety initiatives such as CPR/AED training participation, and contributing to client upsell opportunities through vendor partnerships. This career opportunity is ideal for candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, a background in event planning, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure environments. Familiarity with event management software such as Momentus Elite and Prismm, along with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, will be advantageous.

OC Sports & Entertainment is committed to equal employment opportunity and values diversity and inclusion, making it a workplace focused on respect and growth. Joining the team means being part of a company dedicated to continuous improvement and quality in live entertainment and community engagement, contributing to memorable, successful events that positively impact Orange County’s vibrant social and entertainment scene.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent education
Minimum of 2 years of experience in event planning and execution
Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays
Strong communication skills
Attention to detail
Problem-solving skills
Must be able to work on-site
Ability to collaborate with multiple teams and clients
Knowledge of event management software preferred
Ability to manage budgets and logistics
CPR/AED certification preferred or willing to obtain

Job Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and relevant work experience
Minimum of 2 years of experience in event planning and execution
Arena, Convention Center, or other similar venue background is preferred
Previous experience overseeing multiple tasks effectively while meeting deadlines in a high-pressure environment
CPR/AED certification is preferred, and/or the ability to obtain certification upon hire
Experience with Momentus Elite or similar event management program and Prismm or other similar diagramming software preferred
Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary and required

Job Duties

Serve as venue liaison between contractors, organizers, and management regarding all facets of events
Responsible for coordination and advancement efforts for assigned events, including front-of-house and back-of-house logistics
Communicate all necessary venue information to special event client representative for advancement purposes and ensure all information related to events has been advanced to the appropriate venue departments and subcontractors for seamless execution
Review event rental agreement language to determine how to proceed with coordination efforts for assigned events
Ensure event rental agreements are signed, initial payments and insurance coverage received before event load in for assigned events
Ensure information is correctly entered into the Momentus Elite event management program promptly
Plan and monitor budgets, adjusting when necessary and ensuring adherence to budget
Collaborate with clients and internal departments to maintain compliance related to the use of space and timing of access
Manage development and distribution of necessary event-related information, orders, production notes, summaries, and fact sheets to all internal and external contacts, as well as third-party contractors and vendors
Prepare event-specific information sheets for distribution to include all event-related information 30 days before assigned events
Ensure event information and set-ups are accurate for all assigned events
Depending on the rental agreement language, prepare total reimbursable venue labor and rental equipment costs for assigned events on time
Analyze and complete a thorough wrap-up of all elements of each event, including submission of event debrief/after-action report to document areas of success and needed improvement
Develop extensive knowledge of the arena, arena locations, and other venue locations, including ARTIC and OCVIBE properties to be developed, equipment, building labor costs, arena promoter costs, departmental event staffing breakdowns, and all necessary contacts related to events
Develop working knowledge of food and beverage preparation, sequence of service, and basic high-end food and wine to assist with the provision of exceptional client and guest experience
Develop and maintain positive working relationships and communication with tenants, client representatives, internal departments, and subcontractors
Assist special event sales team with client upsell opportunities and event enhancements by leveraging relationships with outside vendors and specialists
Coordinate required documentation, including animal permits, pyrotechnic permits, sign language interpreters, subcontractor staffing schedules, and other applications with appropriate entities for assigned events
Act as Event Manager on Duty and/or overall building manager for assigned events
Maintain knowledge and understanding of building emergency procedures
Participate in AED/CPR training, emergency response teams, and other groups as required
Assist with advance on-site event meetings, tours, and related needs
Assist with hiring, training, and continuing education on event procedures for event-related staff
Assist with the development and implementation of operating procedures that meet venue and industry best practices and ensure proper protocols are adhered to
Ensure all work performed complies with Honda Center and associated property regulations, policies, and procedures
Implement procedures to establish and maintain high standards of customer service, ensure a positive and professional presentation and generate repeat business
Focus on continuous improvements in guest experience and event experience
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned