Director, Event Management, Special Events

Vision: We will be the social and entertainment center of Orange County - a place where the cultural kaleidoscope of the region converges and connects. Our vibrant, rich collection of experiences will celebrate the diversity of our community. The Director of Event Management, Special Events provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the planning and execution of revenue-generating private events across the OCVIBE campus. Responsibilities Event Management & Execution Strategy 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 (CapEx) planning and acquisitions to ensure operational readiness and fiscal discipline Team Leadership & Workforce Management 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 Financial & Business Performance 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 Operational Excellence & Compliance Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 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 Client Experience & Brand Stewardship 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 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Education - Bachelor's Degree Experience Required - 8+ Year This position is on-site. Our vibrant, rich collection of experiences will celebrate the diversity of our community.