Director of Events

SummaryThe Director of Events is the sole director-level leader responsible for the planning, execution, staffing, safety, production coordination, and day-to-day operational oversight of PSQ's events and venue operations. This role provides strategic leadership, operational standards, accountability, budget oversight, resource planning, and cross-functional alignment across event management, venue services, Front of House (FOH), Back of House (BOH), production, conversions, janitorial, parking, security, guest services, artist relations, facility maintenance, and public safety coordination. The Director ensures venue readiness, staffing alignment, successful event execution, and an exceptional guest experience while serving as the primary operational decision-maker on-site. Working closely with executive leadership, clients, vendors, artists, and public safety agencies, the Director drives operational excellence, continuous improvement, and organizational success across all PSQ venues and events.Essential Job FunctionsServe as a hands-on operational leader with strong field presence before, during, and after events, and as the senior Manager on Duty ensuring venue setup, event execution, troubleshooting, breakdown, and site restoration.Partner with Human Resources to oversee labor recruitment planning, staff development, training standards, job descriptions, SOPs, checklists, and department procedures, as well as workplace injuries, workers' compensation coordination, staff safety training, timekeeping compliance, and required meal and rest break compliance.Oversee the planning, coordination, scheduling, and deployment of event staff, including Police, Security, EMT, contractors, and vendors, ensuring staffing levels align with event logistics, operational requirements, approved budgets, guest experience standards, and employee safety.Lead pre-event readiness inspections with internal departments, clients, vendors, artists, city officials, public safety partners, and venue teams.Develop and review event logistics plans, including advance sheets, CAD layouts, staffing plans, and equipment needs.Oversee event management functions, including production coordination, event timelines, run-of-show planning, client communication, and day-of execution.Manage artist relations, including show advancing, production communication, hospitality coordination, backstage readiness, artist arrival coordination, and issue resolution during event execution, and review and fulfill artist and production technical riders by coordinating with AV, staging, lighting, and backline vendors to ensure all technical requirements are met in advance of show day.Champion attendee experience design - reviewing guest flow, access points, wayfinding, accessibility accommodations, and service touchpoints to ensure a seamless and welcoming experience for all guests.Develop and oversee safety, risk management, and compliance practices related to permitting, emergency response, OSHA standards, ADA requirements, crowd management, fire safety, access lanes, emergency exits, signage, and extinguishers, including weather monitoring and outdoor contingency protocols for all open-air events with communication trees and evacuation trigger criteria.Collect, review, and manage certificates of insurance (COIs) for all vendors, contractors, and partners, ensuring coverage requirements are met prior to each event.Source and coordinate event equipment, rentals, materials, supplies, and operational resources, and negotiate and manage vendor and service contracts with clear scope of work, deliverables, and performance expectations documented and enforced.Use event management and scheduling systems like Momentus or similar event management software, to support planning, staffing, logistics, communication, and reporting.Lead budget planning, forecasting, post event settlement, and reconciliation for event operations, management, and services; review labor reports with Finance to ensure expenses remain within approved budgets; and ensure all event-related invoices, reports, and financial documentation are submitted and closed out according to company standards.Establish and maintain KPIs to measure event readiness, safety, labor efficiency, service quality, guest experience, and team performance; track findings and present recommendations to executive leadership.Lead process improvement within the department by identifying gaps, improving workflows, and implementing scalable standards that improve efficiency, safety, communication, and service quality.Facilitate formal post-event debriefs with internal teams and clients, documenting wins, gaps, and lessons learned; deliver after-action reports within two weeks of each event.Partner with Sales and Booking to support event calendar planning, site utilization, client expectations, event feasibility, and operational readiness, and support RFPs, proposals, and new business opportunities by providing operational input, staffing assumptions, event logistics expertise, production considerations, and venue planning recommendations.Represent PSQ Productions at venue walkthroughs, city meetings, client presentations, community forums, and industry events, strengthening relationships with local officials and partners while reinforcing PSQ's reputation as Orange County's premier locally owned operator.Any other duties as assigned by your supervisor and as business dictatesMinimum QualificationsTo perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or experience required. Reasonable accommodation may be made (upon request).Minimum of 7–10 years of experience managing large-scale events, with a strong track record of operational leadership and enforcing safety protocols.Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with platforms in project management, scheduling, and event management software, such as Asana and Momentus Elite is preferred.Exceptional time management, organizational, and decision-making skills, with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines and navigate high-pressure environments independently.Strong customer service orientation with excellent interpersonal skills for working with both internal teams and external clients.Highly professional, self-motivated, and discreet, with the ability to handle sensitive information and lead others through dynamic or challenging scenarios.Preferred certifications: Crowd Manager, FEMA IS-100.c, IS-200.c., IS-700.b., OSHA 10/30, IAVM CVP or CVE, CPR/First Aid. Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt) is a plus.Physical/Mental Requirements and Working EnvironmentMust be available to work long and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on event schedules and operational needs.This role is primarily based at the PSQ office in Irvine (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), with frequent travel to event sites required.Must be able to walk, stand, bend, and reach for extended periods and navigate large event sites, including uneven terrain or temporary structures.Regular exposure to outdoor conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and loud noise during event setup and execution.Occasionally required to lift or move items up to 25 pounds and may need to climb stairs depending on the event site.Must be able to maintain composure, problem-solve effectively, and lead others in high-pressure or rapidly changing situations. #J-18808-Ljbffr PSQ Productions