Sr. Director of Event Services

Job Description

** Join Our Team as the Senior Director of Event Services! **

The Senior Director of Event Services provides leadership and clear direction to guide the booking, planning, and advance production of all events within Knoxville's Historic Tennessee Theatre and the adjoining facility at 612 Gay Street, including all food and beverage activities. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Senior Director of Event Services plays a critical role within the leadership team, working collectively to achieve the strategic and visionary goals of the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation (HTTF), a nonprofit organization.

This pivotal leadership role demands seamless collaboration across all departments to ensure both daily event operations and long-term initiatives are executed effectively. The Senior Director of Event Services serves as the primary representative of the Theatre in interactions with its exclusive booking partner, Live Nation (LN), and is a key representative with performers, rental clients, and other stakeholders. Professionalism and a service-oriented approach, aligned with the mission of the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, are essential to achieving organizational goals while maintaining a focus on financial sustainability. This is a full-time, exempt salaried position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Primary Liaison with Live Nation

• Reviews, analyzes, and makes recommendations to the Executive Director on offers prepared/events booked by LN; represents the Theatre’s interest in booking meetings and ongoing discussions (written and verbal) with LN representatives; advises ED on high-risk offers or other instances meriting deliberation (show content in conflict with Theatre mission, date conflicts, etc.)
• Informs ED on overall performance of Live Nation representatives with the goal of facilitating communication and clarifying expectations, resolving conflicts, and addressing systemic or repetitive issues that detract from the partnership with the Theatre and/or the financial viability of touring events.
• Initiates and coordinates quarterly strategic meetings with the Executive Director and LN leadership to ensure excellent communication, collaboration, and a mutually beneficial relationship.

Event Preparation and Coordination

• Oversees the Theatre's booking calendar, ensuring that overall booking priorities align with the Theatre’s programmatic, financial, and mission-driven objectives, and minimizing and resolving scheduling conflicts. Advises ED on decisions that involve significant compromises and/or denials of booking confirmations.
• Ensures exceptional event preparation and execution by leading a team of independent and highly efficient full-time and part-time staff directly responsible for:
• calendar entry and maintenance;
• reviewing offers, contracts/lease agreements, and riders; completing settlements; and documenting payables/receivables for all events;
• coordinating advance logistics/preparation of all events;
• coordinating advance theatrical and technical needs for all events; and
• serving as production/promoter-presenter reps or technical staff during events.
• Develops and oversees strong, positive relationships with third-party vendors and service providers that contribute to successful events and general Theatre operations.
• Fosters and maintains strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including executive leadership of the Symphony, Opera, Jazz Orchestra, and Big Ears Festival; neighboring property owners; municipal representatives, civic & community leaders; and other influential members of the community, all to enhance the Theatre’s presence and influence within the city and region.

Food & Beverage

• Provides oversight and strategic direction to the Food & Beverage Manager, ensuring comprehensive and compliant execution of F&B services for all Theatre and 612 events and activities, including but not limited to:
• Event concessions service.
• Backstage catering services, including meals as required by contract riders.
• Catering service for all Theatre private or internal events, including advancement events, donor receptions, sponsor engagements, and staff or board meetings.
• F&B inventory, cost, and quality control; PT staff management; and safety and compliance.
• Facilitates collaboration between the F&B Manager and other departments to ensure seamless integration of F&B services within the broader scope of Theatre event production and execution.

Cross-Departmental Leadership & Collaboration

• Functions as an integral member of the Senior Director leadership team, collaborating closely with colleagues in Audience Services, Facilities, Advancement, and Finance/Administration to execute both immediate and long-term organizational objectives under the guidance of the Executive Director.
• Demonstrates effective and proactive communication while fostering collaboration across departments to identify and implement solutions, ensuring all actions and decisions align with the Theatre’s overarching strategic goals and best interests. Specific examples of collaboration include:
• With the Senior Director of Audience Services, ensuring ticketing requirements for all national touring bookings and rentals are meticulously understood and communicated, as well as creating a seamless integration of logistics between advance production and day-of execution, resulting in an exceptional audience experience at every event.
• With the Senior Director of Advancement, planning and facilitating events not occurring on the main stage, both in the Theatre building and in the 612 building, such as educational and community outreach initiatives, pre- and post-show receptions, dining events, or donor and sponsor engagements.
• With the Senior Director of Facilities, communicating physical plant needs (R&M, procurement of equipment, capital expenditures, etc.) and communicating needs of event set-up and strike duties performed by Facilities team.

Employee Development

• Oversees the implementation of work plans and delegates responsibilities in a manner that ensures thorough training and development of direct reports, team- and organization-wide efficiency, and promotes both sustainable workloads and work/personal life balance.
• Partners with Human Resources (HR) to develop and maintain detailed job descriptions for direct reports, while evaluating and refining the departmental structure to capitalize on strengths, address challenges, and foster opportunities for professional development.
• Collaborates with Human Resources to strategically recruit, support, and evaluate direct reports, ensuring the development of a robust and cohesive team, thus fostering organizational stability.

Budgeting

• Develops an annual departmental budget with a focus on earned revenue streams, including ticket sales revenues, food & beverage, rental and other program revenues, while carefully assessing profit margins and identifying opportunities for growth and diversification.
• Conducts thorough reviews of monthly financial reports to assess comparative income statements, analyze cash positions and cash flow, and evaluate departmental budget performance for strategic improvements.

Stakeholder Engagement

• At the direction of the Executive Director, actively represent the Theatre at external meetings and events, ensuring the organization maintains a strong presence in critical discussions and decision-making forums. Exercises diplomacy and collaboration while steadfastly advancing the Theatre's strategic objectives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Industry Expertise: In-depth knowledge of and experience in the live entertainment venue and national touring industry, including trends, challenges, regulations, and best practices.
• Leadership: Ability to train, lead, and inspire teams, manage conflicts, and drive performance. Lead collaboratively with peers and under direction from the ED.
• Decision-Making: Ability to make informed, timely decisions under pressure while considering the global implications of each decision.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with theatre leadership, staff, artists, vendors, and key stakeholders. Ability to effectively and diplomatically de-escalate intense or agitated situations.
• Risk Management: Ability to identify and mitigate risks related to safety, security, and logistics.
• Team Development: Ability to nurture talent, foster teamwork, and promote a positive, inclusive, and rewarding work environment.
• Market Insight: Understanding the local and broader industry/market dynamics impacting event attendance and revenue.

COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability: Flexibility to handle dynamic event schedules, unexpected issues, and changing priorities.
• Strategic Thinking: Aligning event production with organizational goals.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with peer leadership, cross-departmental teams, the Executive Director, and key external stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring exceptional documentation, reporting, and data collection to evaluate and improve execution of events.
• Financial Management: Efficiently allocating resources within budget constraints.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Hours: Ability to work flexible, potentially extended non-traditional schedule. Frequent evening and weekend work required. Occasional work on some holidays is likely.
• Standing and Walking: Ability to manage extended periods of standing and walking.
• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift and carry equipment or other materials.
• Physical Endurance: Ability to withstand long events, especially during setup, execution, and teardown. Stamina is essential to handle the demands of extended work hours. Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Mobility and Dexterity: Employee is regularly required to stand; walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. Ability to enter text or data into a computer or other machine by means of a traditional keyboard.
• Hearing: Ability to hear clearly in different environments, including in person, by phone, and over other sounds to understand, and distinguish speech and/or other sounds.
• Vision: Clarity of vision at approximately 20 inches or less, including use of computers.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate's degree or bachelor's degree in business administration, technical fields, or management preferred. High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 6 - 8 years' experience, specifically with booking touring events and/or in live performance venue management, and related responsibilities.
• A minimum of 2 - 4 years of successful supervisory experience preferred.

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE THEATRE

The Tennessee Theatre is an ornate, 1600-seat historic movie palace fully renovated into a multi-purpose performing arts venue. With over 220 booked days, it hosts more than 175 events annually, ranging from touring concerts, comedy, and Broadway; resident symphony, opera, and jazz performances; classic movies; children and family events; patron events; and private rental events. It is a treasured architectural landmark, a cultural cornerstone of the region, and an entertainment destination beloved by generations of audiences. The HTTF mission is to preserve, maintain, and operate the Official State Theatre of Tennessee as an arts and entertainment cornerstone for the cultural enrichment and enjoyment of all.

The Theatre is currently renovating a neighboring building (30,000 sf spread over seven levels) that will be physically connected to the Theatre building and be used primarily to enhance and expand Theatre programming (pre- and post-show receptions, private intermission lounges, rehearsal and educational spaces, and more) as well as additional private rental use. Completion and full activation of this building is expected in 1Q 2026.

The Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to fostering an atmosphere free from discrimination. We believe this enriches our organization and enhances our ability to fulfill our mission. Discrimination in any form is not tolerated, and we encourage all qualified individuals to apply for opportunities with us.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. This job description does not in any way constitute a contract or guarantee of employment.

Why Join Us in Knoxville, Tennessee?

• Historic Beauty Meets Modern Innovation: Work at the iconic Tennessee Theatre, the Official State Theatre of Tennessee, a cultural cornerstone and architectural gem. Our venue and its programs have been nominated for regional and national awards (Emmy, IEBA, & ACM). “If the Ryman is like going to church, then Knoxville’s Tennessee Theatre is a trip to heaven.” -- Garden & Gun Magazine
• Big Impact, Small-Town Warmth: Coordinate and execute high-profile shows in a city known for its vibrant arts scene and welcoming community. Knoxville has a reasonable cost of living, abundant access to outdoor leisure, and a no-hassle airport.
• Growth & Legacy: Be part of a transformative era as we expand into a newly renovated 30,000 sq ft facility next door, fulfilling our nonprofit mission every day. The Tennessee Theatre celebrates its centennial in 2028.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $80,000.00 per year depending on experience

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Holidays
• Weekends as needed

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-4kkmnq-216-73-216-71-42 in your application.