Director of Events

About TheLinkU

TheLinkU is a dynamic, Houston-based organization dedicated to connecting student-athletes with transformative opportunities through name, image, and likeness (NIL) partnerships. We bridge the gap between student-athletes, brands, and the broader sports ecosystem - empowering the next generation of athletic talent while delivering exceptional value to our clients and partners. At TheLinkU, we believe every event is an opportunity to build culture, spark connection, and amplify impact.

Position Overview

TheLinkU is seeking a seasoned, results-oriented Director of Events to lead the full lifecycle of our events portfolio. This senior leadership role is responsible for the strategic creation, development, and flawless execution of high-impact events on behalf of TheLinkU and its clients. From large-scale NIL activations and brand showcases to community engagements and athlete recognition ceremonies, the Director of Events will own every dimension of our event operations.

The ideal candidate brings a minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience managing multiple concurrent, large-scale events and thrives in a fast-paced, client-driven environment. This individual will serve as both a strategic thought partner and an operational leader - building systems, leading teams, and delivering extraordinary experiences that elevate the TheLinkU brand. The Director of Events will work closely with our clients and our local staff, and in some cases oversee local event managers.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Event Leadership

• Develop and own the annual events strategy aligned with TheLinkU's business objectives and client commitments.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for clients on all event-related matters, from concept through post-event reporting.
• Identify and evaluate new event opportunities, formats, and markets that expand TheLinkU's reach and revenue potential.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, sales, and marketing teams to align event programming with brand priorities and growth goals.

Event Planning & Execution

• Oversee the end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of multiple simultaneous large-scale events nationally.
• Develop detailed event plans including timelines, run-of-show documents, staffing models, vendor matrices, and budget forecasts.
• Manage and negotiate contracts with venues, vendors, caterers, AV providers, production companies, and talent agencies.
• Lead on-site event operations, ensuring seamless delivery, exceptional guest experiences, and full compliance with client expectations.
• Establish and enforce event standards, safety protocols, and quality benchmarks across all engagements.

Team & Vendor Management

• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing events team including full-time staff, contractors, and event-day volunteers.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations for all team members.
• Cultivate and maintain a robust network of preferred vendors, partners, and venues in our markets
• Lead post-event debriefs and implement continuous improvement processes across the team.

Financial Management

• Develop, manage, and reconcile event budgets ranging from $10K to $1M+, ensuring financial discipline and ROI accountability.
• Track and report on event expenditures, identifying cost optimization opportunities without compromising quality.
• Support the business development team in pricing events accurately and competitively for client proposals.

Client & Stakeholder Relations

• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business.
• Proactively communicate event status updates, risks, and outcomes to internal stakeholders and clients.
• Represent TheLinkU at industry events, conferences, and networking functions to elevate brand presence and generate new leads.

What Success Looks Like

• Events are delivered flawlessly, on time and within budget.
• Client and attendee satisfaction consistently meets or exceeds expectations.
• Event strategies successfully expand TheLinkU's reach and revenue potential.
• Event-related financial reporting is accurate and transparent.
• Strong, collaborative relationships are maintained with clients, vendors, and internal teams.
• The events team is well-managed, motivated, and operates efficiently.
• Post-event feedback is actively used for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 8 years of progressive event management experience, with a strong track record of executing multiple large-scale, concurrent events.
• Demonstrated experience managing events with 500+ attendees, complex logistics, and multi-vendor coordination.
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams in dynamic, deadline-driven environments.
• Exceptional project management skills with mastery of event planning tools and software.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing multi-event budgets of varying scale.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed and work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends during event periods.

Preferred

• Experience in sports, NIL, entertainment, or lifestyle event verticals.
• Prior experience working directly with brands, sponsors, or athletes in an events capacity.
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or equivalent professional certification.
• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Marketing, Hospitality, Communications, or a related field.

Why Join TheLinkU

• Be part of one of the fastest-growing sectors in sports and marketing.
• Play a direct role in supporting NIL operations across Power 5 and FBS institutions.
• Work in an entrepreneurial, high-growth environment.
• Make a real impact on student-athletes and athletic programs.
• A front-row seat to the fast-growing NIL and student-athlete ecosystem.
• Collaborative, mission-driven culture with direct leadership access and significant growth potential.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus tied to event success metrics and client satisfaction.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Paid time off, holidays, and flexible scheduling during non-event periods.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.