Senior Director of Event Management

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. 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. 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: 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: