Head of Event Operations

Role Description

The Head of Event Operations is responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and project management for the Events Team. This role manages a full-time staff of three plus seasonal contractors, and oversees departmental planning, budgeting, staff performance, partner & vendor engagement, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure successful execution of organizational initiatives and events. The Head of Event Operations serves as a key liaison between departments, stakeholders, and partners while driving continuous process improvement and organizational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Event Management, Project Management, Nonprofit Management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of leadership or management experience.
• Experience managing budgets, projects, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• Provide vision, direction, and guidance on current departmental processes, propose changes, and make operational improvements.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and deliverable deadlines within the Events Team.
• Develop and implement strategies that align departmental activities with organizational goals and objectives.
• Manage relationships with key partners, Head of Sales and Head of Attendee Experience, to align team activities with company objectives and key results.
• Lead departmental planning efforts and ensure successful execution of programs within the overall portfolio.
• Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budget.
• Ensure accurate financial planning, forecasting, and reporting for programs and events.
• Monitor budget adherence and recommend corrective actions as necessary.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop department staff.
• Establish performance expectations and support professional development.
• Lead goal-setting processes, including the creation, tracking, and evaluation of individual and team goals.
• Monitor workload distribution and provide guidance to ensure team effectiveness and accountability.
• Oversee project management activities for the Events Team, including task management and assignment, priority setting and resource allocation, monitoring team progress and project status, and ensuring timely completion of deliverables.
• Foster widespread adoption of e-ticketing for all Gen Con events, including support for training, onboarding, and continuous improvement to ticketing policies, software, and management tools.
• Manage execution of event review and placement including dedicated and sponsor spaces.
• Lead post-event reconciliation activities, including financial reviews, payment processing, and reporting.
• Oversee Game Master (GM) housing and badge allocation processes.
• Ensure equitable and efficient distribution of event resources.
• Coordinate with relevant teams to address logistical requirements and operational needs.
• Foster collaboration between departments to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Facilitate communication, issue resolution, and alignment across stakeholders.

Benefits

• Salary: Exempt, $80,000/annually, DOE

Company Description

Work may include extended hours during event planning and execution periods. Occasional travel and attendance at organizational events may be required.