Senior Director of Event Management

ABOUT THE SENIOR DIRECTOR OF EVENT MANAGEMENT

WHO WE ARE

Join our dynamic team dedicated to driving regional tourism and economic impact by showcasing our vibrant communities, rich history, and innovative spirit. We foster a culture of integrity, empowerment, transparency, community, passion, and empathy. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging ensures that every voice is heard and respected. If these values resonate with you, we encourage you to explore the opportunity below:

WHAT WE OFFER:

Competitive CompensationComprehensive Life, Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance11 Paid Company Holidays Annually, plus 1 Floating HolidayPTO Referral Bonus17 PTO Days per Year, Based on Full Months Projected to Work in The Calendar Year401(K) With 4% MatchPaid Parking with 24/7 AccessJOB HIGHLIGHTS

POSITION PURPOSE: As the Senior Director of Event Management, you will lead the strategic development, planning, and execution of Visit Detroit's events, tradeshows, meetings, and customer experiences. Reporting to the SVP of Destination Services, Events, and Partnership, you will ensure that all events align with organizational objectives, reflect Visit Detroit's brand, and deliver tangible value. Oversight of event design and logistics is key, along with collaboration across departments and management of a talented team of event professionals.

LOCATION & SCHEDULE:

Full timeThis position currently operates in a hybrid model with 2 days remote work and 3 days in-office at our Detroit location.WHAT WE REQUIRE:

Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality management, event management, or a related field.CMP designation or the ability to obtain it within one year of hire.10+ years of progressive event management experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing large-scale, high-profile events.Proven expertise in delivering financially successful events that boost brand visibility and stakeholder engagement.Demonstrated experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets and negotiating contracts.Ability to travel locally, nationally, and internationally without restrictions.Valid, unrestricted Michigan driver's license.PREFERRED:

Advanced degree in business, hospitality, marketing, or a related field.Experience with a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) or in the hospitality/tourism sector.Relevant professional certifications beyond CMP.A strong national industry network and experience in cultivating international partnerships.HOW YOU'LL CONTRIBUTE:

Develop and implement innovative event strategies to enhance engagement, brand visibility, and partner/member value.Lead the planning and execution of tradeshows, conventions, and sponsored events of various scales and complexities.Produce and oversee promotional items, VIP gifts, and sponsorship deliverables.Manage event logistics including registration, site selection, contracts, food & beverage, décor, audio/visual, staging, transportation, and on-site management.Design and oversee Visit Detroit's tradeshow presence with booth fabrication, activations, and interactive experiences.Effectively lead, develop, and evaluate the team's performance while providing coaching and growth opportunities.Assign projects and balance workloads to ensure quality outcomes and team exposure to diverse event types.Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture aligned with Visit Detroit's core values.Conduct regular department meetings and maintain open communication with staff.Set clear objectives and success metrics for each event, ensuring brand alignment with Marketing & Communications.Manage event budgets, reviewing invoices, reconciling reports, and negotiating contracts for cost control and member/vendor participation.Build relationships with host committees, hotels, cultural institutions, and partners to enhance Detroit's visibility.Issue RFPs and negotiate with venues and suppliers to maximize in-kind contributions.Act as the primary contact for stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.Partner with Marketing & Communications on event promotion and collateral development.Ensure compliance with permits, insurance, and regulations.Lead post-event evaluations to incorporate best practices into future planning.Prepare comprehensive monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on departmental activities for the SVP.Represent Visit Detroit at various tradeshows and industry events.Act as a subject matter expert on event management practices and maintain certifications.Commit to embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion within company operations and creating a welcoming environment for all.OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS:

Manage marquee events and special projects, serving as the on-site lead when necessary.Collaborate with the SVP to proactively address challenges.Engage in cross-departmental initiatives and represent Visit Detroit at partner and industry functions.Perform additional duties as required by the Senior Vice President.REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES:

Strategic thinker with a creative approach to event design and activation.Exceptional organizational and project management skills with meticulous attention to detail.Able to manage multiple complex events simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.Strong financial acumen, including budget management and ROI evaluation.Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.Experience utilizing digital and social media platforms to promote engagement.Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and cultivate effective teams.Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.Outstanding communication skills, able to articulate ideas clearly to diverse audiences.Aptitude for building effective working relationships across all stakeholders.Maintain a positive, professional attitude and demeanor in high-pressure situations.Comfortable working in both remote and in-person settings; proficient with remote collaboration tools.Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.Willingness to work weekends and outside of standard hours for events and travel as necessary.PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

This role involves extended periods of desk work and effective use of computer systems.Ability to perform considerable standing and walking for events and related assignments.Capacity to lift, push, or carry up to 40lbs occasionally.Visit Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

We value diversity in our workforce and do not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, or other non-merit factors.

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The information provided above describes the general scope of duties, responsibilities, and requirements for this position. It does not imply an exhaustive statement of all tasks and does not constitute a contract. Employment is at-will, meaning either you or the employer may terminate the employment at any time, for any reason.