Director of Event Operations

Director of Event Operations

Arizona Athletic Grounds — Mesa, AZ

Arizona Athletic Grounds ("AAG") is one of the largest youth-oriented sports facilities in the United States, serving millions of visitors per year and providing athletic programming and a variety of special events. AAG's operational footprint includes a 2,500+ seat outdoor stadium, 24 multi-purpose fields, 62 indoor/beach volleyball courts, 41 pickleball courts, 16 basketball courts, 8 baseball/softball diamonds, and more!

As AAG continues to expand its event portfolio and attendance, operational excellence has become a strategic priority. This leadership role will oversee the planning, coordination, and flawless execution of all events while ensuring exceptional guest experiences through strong cross-functional leadership.

Position Summary

Initially reporting to the Vice Chairman, the Director of Event Operations serves as the operational leader responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all operational aspects of AAG events. This individual serves as the primary operational point of contact for event execution, ensuring operational readiness, cross-functional collaboration, exceptional guest experiences, and continuous improvement across the grounds.

Primary Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Lead the operational execution of all AAG events (including but not limited to basketball, volleyball, baseball/softball, pickleball, soccer, concerts, festivals, corporate functions, and special events).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for operational execution from planning through post-event review.
• Direct event-day operations, anticipate challenges, and make informed real-time decisions.
• Ensure all fieldhouses and complexes are event-ready and operating at the highest standards.
• Work with internal directors, clients, vendors and local entities to anticipate needs including, but not limited to, staging, seating, audio/visual, electrical, signage, and load-in & out.
• Identify and solve operational gaps to ensure coverage, smooth event operations, and strong financial performance.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Coordinate with internal departments (Event Services, Facilities, Custodial, Guest Relations, Security, Food & Beverage, Sports Revenue, Business Development, Marketing, and IT) and external tenants and partners to ensure cohesive, coordinated execution.
• Lead internal operational planning meetings to ensure alignment and accountability across departments.
• Develop staffing plans, schedules, SOPs, event playbooks, forecasts, and contingency plans.
• Partner with executive leadership on strategic initiatives, venue utilization, and capital improvements.

Guest Experience & Operational Excellence

• Champion a 'White Glove' guest experience and culture of hospitality.
• Think proactively, pivot quickly, and present creative solutions to operational challenges.
• Drive continuous improvement through analytics, post-event reviews, and process enhancements.
• Build collaborative relationships with tournament directors, partners, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

Administration & Financial Stewardship

• Prepare operational reports, dashboards, budgets, forecasts, labor analytics, and after-action reviews.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and recommend improvements.
• Partner with Finance and applicable department leads to optimize labor planning and operational resources.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Assist in additional duties, special projects, and events as needed.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Sports Management, Event Management, or related field preferred.
• 8–10 years of progressive operations leadership experience in sports, entertainment, hospitality, or other event-driven environments.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and large-scale operations.
• Strong financial, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and operational management systems.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to direct, motivate, and manage a diverse team in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Ability to make sound, rapid decisions under pressure and handle high-stress situations with a calm and professional demeanor.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with staff, guests, vendors, and law enforcement.
• Valid Arizona driver's license required.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Flexible schedule including evenings, most weekends, holidays, and extended event schedules.
• Must be able to tolerate moderate to loud noise levels and high-energy event environments.
• Work in varying temperature conditions - including outdoor environments in Arizona heat - during events at AAG; work may continue during adverse weather conditions.
• Requires extended periods of standing, walking, and active "Grounds" presence; sitting for long periods is not typical of this role.
• Physical ability to respond quickly in emergency situations, direct traffic, and assist with operational tasks as needed.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25–40 lbs.

AZ Athletic Associates LLC and Arizona Athletic Grounds 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.