Overview

The Director of Event Programming reports to the Arena General Manager and oversees all aspects of booking and scheduling ticketed and non-ticketed events at the new arena and the Saenger Theater.  Responsible for delivering a superior level of content procurement, private and special events, customer service and effective relationships with clients, promoters, tenants, staff, and guests.

Work Environment

This position is on-site at the new Arena. Standard business hours apply, with flexibility required to support events, including mornings, evenings and weekends as needed. Must maintain regular attendance and a professional presence.

This role pays an annual salary of $90,000-$105,000 and is bonus eligible

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)

This position will remain open until December 31, 2025.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a key contributor to the growth and profitability of the business, including strategic direction of event related programming at the new arena and the Saenger Theater.
• Establish and implement current & long-term objectives for event programming of all private, public, and ticketed events.
• Energetically promotes the use of all event spaces in conjunction with marketing representatives to increase utilization.
• Develop and maintain high level relationships across the entire live industry.
• Negotiate deal points to ensure maximum revenue streams for the venues.
• Prepares final presentation of all contracts and agreements with promoters, organizers, agents, band managers, and industry professionals.
• Oversee and manage the development of the annual event operating calendar, activity schedules, and projections for attendance and/or revenue.
• Directly accountable for the budgeting and profitability of events and venue programming goals.
• Effective daily communication with directors, managers, associates, and coordinators within the venues.
• Build and maintain positive customer/client relationships by providing efficient, quality services, and products.
• Assist with managing costs to maximize event revenue with Events Department.
• Research, cultivate data, develop pitches with market information to agents and event promoters.
• Facilitate communication between OVG venues and promoters, agents and managers for the betterment of OVG venue content.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• 5-7 years of experience working in an arena and/or stadium or theater.
• 3 years of event programming experience of an arena and/or stadium or theater.
• Bachelor’s degree in business management, hospitality, sports management or other related field and/or equivalent of work experience in live entertainment.
• Experience communicating with and directing staff across a wide range of functions in a fast-paced environment in sports & entertainment industry.
• Previous experience working with professional and collegiate sports, sports tenants, concerts, family shows, and community events.
• Prior responsibility and experience with event calendar and booking software
• Experience and understanding of event ticketing and box-office operations

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Proven relationships and success working with a variety of event promoters
• Proven record of developing and maintaining strong partnerships and collaborative spirit with peers in all venue departments
• Working knowledge of event food & beverage and parking operations
• A high degree of personal integrity and successfully operating in a team environment that values the success of the organization