Director of Event Operations- Outlier Events
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Kalamazoo Growlers are a summer collegiate baseball team in the Northwoods League. The Growlers are two-time Northwoods League Champions (2022, 2024) and four-time Northwoods League Organization of the Year recipients (2016, 2020, 2022, 2024). The baseball team consistently finishes in the top 5 in attendance in the league each year and has been ranked the #2 ballpark in the country. Over the years the team is known for its outrageous promotions including our 6-year old Manager "Coach Drake", 2014's Ballpark Digest's Promotion of the year "Salute to Selfie Night" and more. The Growlers play their games at Homer Stryker Field, a 3,500 seat ballpark located just outside of downtown Kalamazoo.
In 2021, Growlers ownership created Outlier Events which acts as the events arm of the business. Outlier Events puts on numerous events throughout Michigan and the Midwest each year. Outlier Events hosts mostly food festivals such as Donut and Beer Fest, Mac and Cheese Festival, Taco and Tequila Fest, Tots & Taps Festival and many more. Outlier Events is also responsible for facilitating and overseeing 3rd party ballpark rentals including concerts, fairs, corporate picnics, and other community events.
THE ROLE
The Director of Event Operations is responsible for managing and facilitating all event operation aspects for Outlier Events. This individual will work with the Vice President of Business Operations, Director of Event Sales, and other front office staff to organize 6-8 events per year while also overseeing 3rd party ballpark rentals taking place at Homer Stryker Field. This role reports directly to the Vice President of Business Operations, Kalamazoo Growlers and Outlier Events.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee all special event operations for Outlier Events. Events include Donut and Beer Fest, Mac and Cheese Festivals in numerous states, Taco and Tequila Festival, Tots & Taps Festival and more.
- Coordinate equipment rentals with 3rd party vendors for each event.
- Facilitate entertainment bookings consisting of bands, DJs, and other interactive entertainment for each event.
- Design and order attendee brochures, event signage, event maps, and other print materials associated with the event.
- Plan travel logistics, lodging, staffing and any additional responsibilities that arise with each specific event.
- Recruit and coordinate volunteers for each special event. This requires contacting local non-profit organizations to work each event to raise funds for their cause. This also requires training and oversight before each event along with in person trainings at the event.
- Responsible for recruitment of food and drink vendors for each event and providing communication with vendors leading up to the event.
- Work with stadiums, event sites and other venues to ensure proper communication during the event planning process.
- Submit required paperwork and forms to local and state agencies to ensure proper insurance, licenses, approvals and more.
- Work with front office staff to ensure timely and complete execution of all contractual elements for each event and/or sponsorship.
- Assist with oversight of event marketing plan, press releases, media interviews, email/text campaigns and strategic marketing partnerships for each event to maximize brand recognition and event revenue.
- Create budgets and expense reports for each event. Oversee cash flow, checks, staffing expenses and more to manage and oversee all aspects of each event.
- Network and prospect for potential leads with new event concepts, new markets for existing/new events, and outside events to bring to the ballpark.
- Establish rapport and develop relationships with clients to ensure meaningful long-term relationships.
- Provide oversight and educational experience for seasonal interns.
- The position will also support Kalamazoo Growlers games and events as needed.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sport Management, Marketing, or related field.
- 1-2 years of experience in event coordinating, hospitality, sports, entertainment, or venue operations.
- Proficiency with Google Suite, Canva, Meta Business Suite, Mailchimp and other modern digital tools a plus.
- Clear, confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated organizational, planning and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and to interact with all levels of staff and clients.
- Ability to work on multiple projects at once while meeting deadlines.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
PHYSICAL AND SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, extended days (12-14 hour days on event day), consecutive days in a row, weekends, and holidays.
- Ability to lift 25-50 pounds and stand for long periods of time.
- Ability to travel to 6-8 out of market events on the weekends from the months of May-October.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- Competitive salary with annual bonus potential
- Health, dental, and vision benefits
- 401(k) matching program
- Unlimited PTO Policy* (time off requests must be approved in advance by management)
- Free gym membership
- Monthly social and group outings with front office staff
We 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.
We 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.
