Director, Events Operations

Job Description

Who are we:
A professional basketball team and state-of-the-art arena/entertainment venue that specializes in creating memorable experiences for each guest we interact with. Some of our favorite things are live sports, concerts, comedy shows, family shows, and most any other world-class event you can think of, and we're looking for someone who shares the same interests. We live for the fast-paced world of sports & live entertainment, and as such, we work hard, run fast, execute flawlessly, and party it up when it all comes together. Lastly, we strive to deliver wonderful experiences that create lasting memories, and we prefer to surround ourselves with those who are the best at what they do.

Who are you:
An enthusiastic lover of sports, live entertainment, and people. You have true passion for engaging in meaningful interactions and creating memorable experiences for all guests. You strive to be helpful, engaging, and knowledgeable of all things Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena. You enjoy being a part of an exciting and dynamic group, and you're committed to continuously enhancing the productivity and effectiveness of your team. Lastly, you enjoy working hard and celebrating hard, and you'd be shocked if guests weren't positively impacted by their interactions with you.

Job Summary:

The Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena are seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to join our team as Director, Event Operations. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of event planning, logistics, and execution, of the Event Operations Department. Your primary focus will be to ensure the seamless coordination and execution of events, from the pre-event phase to post-event phase and the associated transitions. You will also lead the execution of activities to support the Event Operations strategy. The position is responsible for achieving guest and employee satisfaction and for managing the financial performance of the department.

What you will do: (Responsibilities):

Managing Event Planning Operations
• Assigns all events turned over to Event Operations team.
• Communicates and executes departmental and property emergency procedures and ensures staff are trained in life safety protocols and procedures.
• Ensures a seamless turnover from sales to operations and back to sales while consistently delivering a high level of service.
• Drives the team to optimize revenue opportunities through strategic SOPs and precise event forecasting.
• Ensures the highest level of interdepartmental collaboration and execution is obtained.
• Lead and execute pre/post meeting phase with a high level of execution and alignment throughout the organization.
• Collaborates with direct team members to assess scheduled events and proactively address any potential challenges or conflicts.
• Effectively oversees customer budgets to optimize revenue generation and fulfill customer requirements with both internal and external budgets.
• Strategically manages inventories to enhance customer satisfaction and capitalize on revenue opportunities.
• Collaborates with high-profile or highly complex groups, particularly during financially impactful occasions such as All-Star events.
• Collaborates with internal departments, including NPS reviews and strategy meetings, to ensure the highest level of event execution.

Leading Event Operations Team
• Champions all standards, policies and procedures for the Event Operations team.
• Shares plans with property leadership and ensures corrective action is taken to continuously improve guest satisfaction.
• Oversee and guide production and sales lines of the promoter.
• Takes charge of significant projects aimed at enhancing Guest Experience and Satisfaction. Create the SOPs.
• Responds to and handles guest problems and complaints.
• Oversee internal review of the rigging structural guidelines for each show to ensure set engineer weight loads are maintained.
• Develop and manage the Event Operations Budget. This includes finding operational financial savings when possible, overseeing the involvement of Event Operations team members in IAVM, Pro Sports Assembly, and other industry associations, and fire & safety training.

Managing the Sales and Marketing Strategy
• Develops working relationships with outside vendors and establishes prices and service agreements to enhance the event experience and to increase additional revenue opportunities for the property.
• Consult with customers in order to determine objectives and requirements for events such as meetings, conferences, and conventions.
• Assesses the need for Show Site-Visits and identifies the team members required to enhance the venue's execution of the event.

Conducting Human Resources Activities
• Establishes customer service guidelines so employees understand expectations and parameters.
• Ensures employees receive on-going training to understand guest and client expectations.
• Observes service behaviors of employees and provides feedback to individuals and or managers.
• Reviews staffing levels to ensure that life safety, guest service, and planning needs are met.

What we need from you: (Required Skills/Qualifications)
• Master's degree (preferred) or Certified Venue Professional (CVP) certification preferred.
• Bachelor's degree (required) and 5+ years of experience. Large scale arena management experience within large venue or stadium. NBA and/or NHL strongly preferred.
• Must be a self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision and able to initiate work when needed.
• Must be able to produce high level reports and analysis with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to grasp concepts quickly and work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be highly organized and able to exercise professional initiative and good judgment in prioritizing work and balancing multiple tasks.
• Must be able to maintain discretion and confidence as this position will have access to sensitive information.
• Experience interacting with all colleagues at all levels of an organization.
• Must have a command of the English language and have an advanced level of writing/communication skills.
• Must be computer literate with a working knowledge and experience with the entire Microsoft suite of products, AutoCAD, and other software packages as applicable.
• Must be open to working some holidays, evenings, weekends, and long hours.

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to lift, push or pull up to 50lbs.
• Work in extreme weather conditions both hot & cold, and at times working in a loud environment.
• Be able to sit, stand and/or walk for extended periods of time.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

If this opportunity looks exciting to you, please complete the application process. Go Hawks!

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-r7yky6-3-14-246-254-42 in your application.