Director of Special Events

Director of Special Events

The Director of Special Events, reporting to the Vice President of Events, will be a key member of the TQL Stadium events team, focused on special events as a revenue driver. This role is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and development of the special events team, developing and executing strategic sales plans, projecting sales, and defining clear sales goals and then delivering on them. Additionally, the Director will manage marketing and event development programs aimed at attracting new business while nurturing existing client relationships. The position demands a go-getting attitude and innovative solutions to deliver exceptional experiences and exceed client expectations, contributing significantly to the overall success of TQL Stadium's special events revenue.

What You'll Do:

• Serve as a key driver of TQL Stadium special event revenue, identifying and securing opportunities across events ranging from, but not limited to, 20–5,000 guests to meet and exceed annual sales targets established in partnership with the Vice President of Events.
• Negotiate contract terms for special events at the stadium. Ensure all contractual obligations from both parties are delivered upon.
• Lead proactive outbound sales efforts to identify, pursue, and convert new special events business with corporate clients, nonprofit organizations, and event agencies.
• Collaborate and effectively communicate with the Stadium and Event Operations teams along with various other teams, including, but not limited to, Sales, Finance & Accounting, Guest Experience, Security, Turf Operations, Audio/Visual, and Housekeeping, to meet client expectations and deliver successful events.
• Administer and negotiate contracts with outside vendors as appropriate.
• Manage, coach, and develop the Special Events team, including the Special Event Sales Coordinator, Special Event Specialist, and part-time staff, to support professional growth and team success.
• Assist the Stadium GM and Vice President of Events in the process of vetting and bidding for potential future stadium wide events, including event financial models.
• Work with the Stadium and Event Operations teams to keep detailed event files up to date, including all necessary information such as catering menus, internal equipment lists, staffing details, third-party contracts, and audio-visual capabilities.
• Work cross-functionally with Stadium and Event Operations teams to ensure all event needs are clearly defined, coordinated, and delivered successfully.
• Collaborate with TQL Stadium's hospitality provider, Levy Restaurants, before, during, and after each event to provide the client with a seamless experience between event operations and catering.
• Foster customer loyalty and deliver a positive and memorable event experience through regular meetings.
• Create, track, and maintain all proposals and invoicing for prospective clients, detailing the progress of the sales process.
• Represent FC Cincinnati and its related affiliates in a professional manner at all times.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Hospitality Management, Marketing or another related field required.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of increasing responsibility in special event sealing and sales team management experience
• Experience working in a stadium or unique venue atmosphere for various types of events and layouts.
• Prior budgetary oversight for Operational, Event Settlement required.
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite and other event booking software as appropriate.
• Ability to sit, stand and walk for long periods of time and occasionally lift, carry and/or drag up to fifty (50) pounds if necessary.

What You'll Bring:

• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to execute tasks with a high level of accuracy.
• Experience analyzing stadium event budgets for the bidding process preferred.
• Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays as

Why You'll Love FCC:

• Generous paid time off and holiday time
• Option for one work from home day per week (by department and schedule)
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401k plan with company match
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Maternity & Paternity Leave and Family Building Benefit
• Employee Assistance Program and free subscription to the Calm App
• Discount off merchandise in the FCC team store
• Community volunteer opportunities
• Professional development and frequent team building opportunities
• Employee recognition programs and referral programs
• Opportunity for complimentary staff tickets to home FC Cincinnati matches

About FCC:

Founded in 2015, FC Cincinnati is a Major League Soccer team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. After achieving significant growth and success in the United Soccer League, the team joined MLS in 2019. FCC won the 2023 Supporters' Shield – the annual award given to the team with the most points in the regular season – and clinched a spot in the 2023 MLS Playoffs for the second straight year. With a diverse ownership group with strong ties to Cincinnati, the club strives to unite the community both on and off the pitch through FCC Foundation, and its dedication to improving the lives of children through soccer and those in the West End Community. FC Cincinnati are committed to ongoing growth and recognizing the vital importance of company culture. The club's DNA code, created by the staff for the staff, is actively implemented every day. FCC have been recognized locally and nationally as one of Sports Business Journal's Best Places to Work in Sports 2023, named to the Honor List as one of "75 Great Sports Companies to Call Home."; on the Business Courier's Fast 55 as one of Greater Cincinnati's fastest growing private companies; and named to The Enquirer's Top Workplaces 2024.

FC Cincinnati is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.