Director of Special Events

Position Overview

360 CHICAGO is one of Chicago's premier attractions, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to its iconic observation deck located on the 94th floor of 875 N. Michigan Avenue. As the business enters an exciting period of growth, including expansion into the 95th and 96th floors, 360 CHICAGO is evolving into a world-class destination for private events, premium experiences, entertainment, and elevated guest engagement.

The Director of Events is a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic development, commercial success, and operational oversight of the Events business unit. Reporting directly to the Managing Director and serving as a member of the Executive Committee, this role will be responsible for establishing and growing a profitable events business that drives revenue, expands market presence, and supports the long-term vision of 360 CHICAGO.

The Director of Events will develop and execute business strategies focused on event sales, revenue generation, profitability, client acquisition, and operational excellence. This individual will lead the creation of a newly expanded business unit, establishing the commercial framework, sales strategy, and operating model necessary to support sustainable growth and exceptional client experiences.

360 CHICAGO intends to enter into a partnership with a food and event service partner (FSP) to support the operational execution of food, beverage and events to include culinary, catering and service. The Director of Events will act as a main contact for the FSP.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Strategic Planning

Serve as a member of the Executive Committee, contributing to organizational strategy, business planning, and long-term growth initiatives.Partner with the Managing Director, Chief Commercial Sales Officer and other members of the executive leadership team to establish strategic objectives for events, premium experiences, and revenue growth.Develop and execute a long-term business strategy for the Events division, including growth targets, profitability objectives, and market positioning.In partnership with the Group Revenue Management team, establish the commercial model for the Events business, including pricing strategies, event packaging, commission structures, vendor partnerships, and revenue optimization initiatives.Lead planning efforts associated with venue expansion projects, new event offerings, and premium guest experiences.Provide regular reporting and analysis regarding sales performance, event activity, profitability, forecasting, and business development efforts.Represent the Events division in leadership meetings and cross-functional planning initiatives.

Events Sales & Business Development

Lead the development and execution of event sales strategies designed to maximize venue utilization, revenue generation, and profitability.Establish annual sales goals, revenue targets, and business development objectives.Identify and cultivate relationships with corporate clients, event planners, tourism partners, destination management companies, community organizations, and other key stakeholders.Develop event packages, pricing strategies, proposals, and promotional offerings that align with market demand and organizational objectives.Monitor sales activity, booking trends, conversion rates, pipeline performance, and revenue forecasts to ensure performance goals are achieved.Partner with Marketing to develop initiatives that increase event visibility, lead generation, and booking opportunities.Identify new business opportunities, sponsorship opportunities, strategic partnerships, and premium experiences that support long-term growth.Develop and maintain a robust sales pipeline while ensuring consistent follow-through from lead generation through contract execution and event delivery.Analyze market trends and competitor offerings to identify opportunities for innovation and revenue growth.

Events Operations & Execution

Provide leadership and oversight for the planning, coordination, and execution of all private events and premium experiences.Act as the primary contact for the Food Service Partner to ensure Magnicity Event standards and client expectations are exceeded at all levels.Monitor Food Service Partner minimum spend requirements and event-related contractual obligations to ensure compliance and profitability objectives are achieved.Develop and maintain scalable operational processes, event execution standards, and service procedures that support business growth.Coordinate cross-functional communication among Operations, Guest Experience, Security, Marketing, Engineering, Finance, and Food & Beverage teams to ensure all departments are supporting executional excellence of all events.Establish and maintain policies, standard operating procedures, compliance standards, and risk management protocols related to event operations.Oversee event execution from initial inquiry through post-event evaluation to ensure a seamless client and guest experience.Evaluate event performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives that enhance client satisfaction and operational effectiveness.

Leadership & Team Development

Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Events team focused on revenue generation, client service, accountability, and operational excellence (Event Sales team expected to include 3-5 individuals when fully staffed).Create an entrepreneurial, solutions-oriented culture within a newly expanded business unit that encourages innovation, ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.Provide coaching, mentorship, performance management, and professional development opportunities for team members.Support workforce planning, staffing strategies, resource allocation, and organizational development initiatives.Foster strong partnerships across departments to ensure alignment between sales, operations, marketing, and guest experience objectives.Maintain strong communication and alignment with executive leadership regarding priorities, performance, growth opportunities, and business objectives.

Key Performance Indicators for Success (non-exhaustive)

Revenue Budget RealizationClient SatisfactionLead Conversion and Response RatesProjected Annual MarginAverage Event Value