Assistant Director of Event Services

The Assistant Director of Event Services supports the Director of Event Management in leading the daily operations of the Event Services Department while ensuring the successful planning and execution of conventions, trade shows, meetings, consumer shows, and special events at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO). This role provides leadership to Event Managers and support staff, manages client accounts, serves as a liaison between clients and internal departments, and drives operational excellence through staff leadership, collaboration, process improvement, and exceptional customer service. The Assistant Director also acts on behalf of the Director as needed. MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Operational Leadership & Event Execution Provide day-to-day operational leadership for the Event Services Department and oversee the successful planning and execution of assigned conventions, trade shows, meetings, consumer shows, and special events. Monitor planning milestones, event timelines, and departmental deliverables to ensure consistent execution and high-quality service. Serve as the primary escalation point for operational challenges, client concerns, and event-related issues, implementing timely and effective solutions. Lead cross-functional planning meetings for assigned events, ensuring operational issues, resource needs, and logistical requirements are identified and addressed proactively. Monitor event operations throughout move-in, event days, and move-out to ensure contractual obligations and client expectations are met. Conduct post-event evaluations and identify opportunities to improve operational effectiveness and the client experience Client Experience & Relationship Management Develop and maintain strong working relationships with event organizers, meeting planners, exhibitors, vendors, and internal stakeholders. Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients throughout the event planning and execution process. Facilitate planning meetings and coordinate operational requirements to ensure seamless event execution. Partner with clients to resolve operational concerns while maintaining exceptional service standards. Support high-profile events and assist with complex client negotiations and special operational requests. Ensure consistent delivery of MCCNO's service standards and proactively identify opportunities to enhance the customer experience. Cross-Functional Coordination Partner with internal operating departments—including Operations, Engineering, Public Safety, Technology Services, Facility Operations, Food & Beverage, Campus Logistics, Finance, and Sales to ensure seamless planning and execution of assigned events. Facilitate communication between Event Services and internal stakeholders to ensure operational requirements, timelines, and service expectations are clearly understood and executed. Partner with the Sales Department to support a seamless transition from event booking through execution, ensuring contractual commitments and client expectations are effectively communicated. Promote collaboration and continuous communication to ensure a consistent, high-quality client experience throughout the event lifecycle. Financial & Administrative Compliance Review event estimates, service orders, and final invoices to ensure accuracy and compliance with established procedures. Monitor assigned event revenue and expenses, identifying potential variances and recommending corrective action when necessary. Coordinate billing reconciliation with Financial Operations and support timely event closeout. Prepare operational reports, departmental metrics, and financial summaries for the Director. Ensure accurate documentation within the Event Management System and maintain compliance with departmental policies and procedures. Process Improvement & Department Initiatives Lead implementation of departmental standard operating procedures and operational best practices. Monitor compliance with Event Management System standards and departmental workflows. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, communication, and service delivery. Participate in departmental strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives. Support implementation of new technologies, processes, and organizational initiatives impacting Event Services. Strategic Support Partner with the Director of Event Management on departmental planning, resource allocation, and operational priorities. Represent the department during leadership meetings and cross-functional initiatives as assigned. Serve as Acting Director during the Director's absence. Support special projects and strategic initiatives that advance organizational goals. ACCOUNTABILITIES FOR SUPERVISION Participate in decisions related to the selection, promotion, transfer, pay and discipline of assigned personnel. Orient employees to MCCNO policies and procedures, clearly communicate job duties and responsibilities so individuals may proceed with certainty in the performance of their positions. Assist or personally conduct or oversee in training for new employees to ensure established procedures are clearly understood and followed. Monitor the work performance of assigned personnel on a continual basis, conduct effective performance appraisals, and take corrective action whenever necessary. Create a working climate in which assigned personnel are motivated to develop their skills and abilities and demonstrate by personal example the desired standards of conduct and work performance. Administer MCCNO policies in a fair and equitable manner with regard to discipline, tardiness, absenteeism or insubordination and fully document all incidents and actions taken. Other Skills and Abilities Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs. Demonstrated leadership experience managing event operations and professional staff. Strong knowledge of convention center operations and event planning best practices. Excellent organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple complex events simultaneously while maintaining exceptional customer service. Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills. Ability to build collaborative relationships across multiple departments. Strong financial acumen, including event budgeting, billing review, and operational reporting. #J-18808-Ljbffr The New Orleans Tribune