Director of Event Services

Director Of Event Services

Under general supervision of the Senior Director of Operations, direct and coordinate personnel, subcontractors, and daily activities involved in the successful execution of events, guest services, facility safety, and event support operations. This position provides leadership and oversight of the Event Services departments, ensuring exceptional customer service, operational efficiency, and successful event execution throughout the facility. Starting Salary is $85,000 - $95,000 based on experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure successful event coordination activities by supervising and training Event Manager and/or Coordinator(s). Plan, organize and assign all day-to-day work assignments for Event Services Department personnel including Event Manager, Event Coordinator(s), and any event related staff.
• Direct, supervise and schedule all aspects of event operations including event coordination and services, event staffing, event security, crowd and risk management, police, fire and safety personnel, and ADA compliance.
• Directly supervises the Event Services departments, providing leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to department managers and staff.
• Oversees staffing, scheduling, training, performance management, and operational planning for the Events Services teams to ensure the facility maintains exceptional customer service and event support standards.
• Responsible for all summaries of events produced by the Event Services Department.
• Develops departmental goals, performance metrics, operating procedures, and service standards for Event Services operations, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and guest experience initiatives.
• Coordinates cross-functional efforts among Event Services, Patron Services, Operations, Security, Food & Beverage, and Peoria Expo personnel to ensure seamless event execution and positive guest experiences.
• Develop operating procedures that conform to corporate standards, customized to the specific needs of the facility and consistent with the goals and objectives of the client, facility, and corporation.
• Directs the Event Services Department's event support functions, including exhibitor services, show service coordination, event logistics, and client support to ensure successful execution of trade shows, conventions, and special events.
• Assists in the development and management of departmental budgets for Event Services departments, including labor forecasting, operational expenses, and capital needs.
• Ensures all Event Services personnel receive ongoing training in customer service, safety protocols, emergency procedures, venue policies, and operational standards.
• Manage subordinate supervisors who oversee employees in various functions. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Attend department head meetings and weekly staff meetings. Develop and maintain a harmonious working relationship with all the other departments.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual operating budget and recommend an annual capital budget for long-range repairs and improvements to the facility.
• Know and ensure all laws, codes, ordinances, policies, procedures, risk management, safety precautions, rules/regulations and emergency procedures are followed.
• Investigate, analyze, and resolve operational problems and complaints. Conduct periodic staff meetings to discuss procedures, problems, and policy changes.
• Coordinate events on selected shows/meetings.
• Rotate with other facility personnel to function as Director on Duty (DOD), who maintains total responsibility and authority over all clients, staff personnel, patrons, security, and safety in assigned buildings. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, making sure contractual agreements are met and clients' event requirements and changes have been made in a timely fashion. On-duty staff/subcontractors ultimately report to the DOD through any Managers or Supervisors who are present during the event.
• Assist in the preparation and negotiation of service agreements for event services security, event staffing and other agreements as needed. Review contracts for compliance with event and/or government specifications and suitability for occupancy.
• Act as liaison between unions, tenants, facility contractors and county emergency personnel as needed.
• Develop and implement emergency procedures, and safety and risk management policies.
• Work extended and/or irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of operational procedures, facility capabilities, industry terminology, event-related services, and technical requirements associated with a variety of events.
• Possess any licenses, certifications, or specialized training required by local, state, or federal authorities for the operation of facility equipment.
• Ability to operate equipment such as light trucks, pallet jacks, forklifts, and other power-driven equipment as required.

Education and / or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university preferred; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of three (3) years of related experience and/or training in the public assembly, convention center, arena, entertainment, hospitality, or event industry in a supervisory or management role.
• Professional industry certifications such as CVP (Certified Venue Professional), CVE (Certified Venue Executive), CMP (Certified Meeting Professional), or related certifications preferred but not required.
• Experience with contract negotiations, budget development and management, labor relations, union environments, purchasing procedures, and personnel supervision preferred.

Skill and Abilities:

• Strong leadership and decision-making skills with the ability to make sound judgments within established policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to utilize event management software, payroll systems (E-Time), and other industry-related technology platforms.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, copiers, printers, and communication equipment such as portable radios.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to follow and provide oral and written instructions.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, employees, exhibitors, patrons, vendors, and community partners.
• Proven ability to supervise, train, coach, and develop staff while fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Flexibility to adjust to operational needs and changing event requirements as they occur.

Other Qualifications:

• Must have reliable transportation.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule according to the needs of the business, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to move around the facility; to stand for long hours during events; talk and hear. This position may require work inside or outside of the building, as needed by events.