Community Events Manager

Benefits:

Employee Discounts (30% in-store year round, 50% off AO & AOA Brand)Fun, positive work enviornmentEmployee discountsFlexible schedule

Role Overview

The Community Events Manager exists to help Alabama Outdoors show up in our communities in meaningful, memorable ways. This role is responsible for planning, leading, and executing community-driven events that reflect the new AO identity—an active lifestyle brand rooted in people, purpose, and connection.

From large-scale signature events to campus pop-ups and in-store experiences, the Community Events Manager helps ensure AO events feel intentional, welcoming, and aligned with the AO Way.

This role works closely with Store Teams, Marketing, and the Culture & Experience team to bring events to life that drive brand awareness, community engagement, and long-term loyalty.

Core Event Ownership

The Community Events Manager will help lead and support key AO events, including but not limited to:

Party on the Porch (AO’s flagship community event) AO Days (store-specific or market-wide brand moments)Campus Events & College Activations In-Store Events (brand launches, community nights, workouts, family events)Pop-Ups & Local PartnershipsCommunity Fitness & Lifestyle EventsSeasonal & Market-Specific Activations

Key Responsibilities

Event Strategy & Planning

Plan, organize, and execute AO-led community events across multiple marketsHelp evolve long-standing events (like Party on the Porch) to reflect the new AO brandIdentify new event opportunities that align with AO’s active lifestyle focusBuild and maintain a forward-looking event calendar for all locations

Community Partnerships

Build strong relationships with local gyms, studios, campuses, nonprofits, and brand partnersServe as a key point of contact for community collaborators and event partnersEnsure partnerships feel authentic, mutually beneficial, and aligned with AO values

Brand & Experience Standards

Ensure every event reflects AO’s updated brand identity, hospitality standards, and cultureSupport stores in creating events that feel elevated, organized, and welcomingAct as a brand ambassador at events—setting the tone and experience in real time

Execution & Logistics

Manage event logistics including staffing needs, supplies, set-up, breakdown, and flowWork closely with store leadership to prepare teams for successful eventsPartner with Marketing to support promotion, signage, and storytellingBe present and hands-on at key events to lead, troubleshoot, and support

Evaluation & Growth

Track event performance and attendanceGather feedback from guests, store teams, and partnersUse insights to refine future events and improve execution

Keys to Success in This Role

A successful Community Events Manager at AO will:

Create Events That Feel Like AOEvents are warm, organized, people-first, and aligned with the active lifestyle brand. Build Trust With Store TeamsStores feel supported—not burdened—by events and confident in execution. Show Up as a LeaderLeads from the front at events, brings energy, and stays calm under pressure. Balance Creativity & OrganizationBig ideas paired with strong planning, timelines, and follow-through. Strengthen Community Brand PresenceAO becomes known as a brand that consistently shows up and invests locally.

Who This Role Is For

Someone who thrives in people-focused, high-energy environmentsHighly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptableComfortable leading events and working cross-functionallyPassionate about community, lifestyle brands, and creating experiencesWilling to work evenings and weekends as needed for events

Execution of Core Events

Party on the Porch → Four Minimum Per YearAO DAYS Collabs → Six Minimum Per YearCampus Connection Events → 4 Minimum Per Semester (Eight Per Year) Samford, North Alabama, South Alabama, and UABIn-Store Seasonal Pop-Ups → Flex Depending on Marketing Plans

Plan Internal Structured Events

The Leadership Gathering (Formerly Manager Meeting) (4 Per Year) ○ Coordinate with Store Support for Monthly Lunch & LearnsBHM Collective Meetings (2-3 Per Year)Assist Director of Culture & Experience with SSC Staff Parties

Schedule & Structure

Office Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday (30 Hours) 7:30 am-4:00 pm ○ Flex Schedule on Week of Events ○ One Hour Lunches Each Day ○ Remote Work Days as ApprovedBased in-market with regular travel to all AO locationsReports to the Director of Culture & Experience

Direct Staff Oversight

Delegate Specific Needs to Store Support Manager ○ Hotel Booking ○ Manager Follow-UpDelegate Staffing Needs to Birmingham General Manager ○ Birmingham Event Staff NeedsGive Leadership Oversight to Store Managers on In-Store Events