Senior Event Manager

Overview:

The Senior Event Manager will manage every aspect of their assigned events from the advance planning stages through the end of the event; occasionally hire, train, schedule and supervise event staff, as well as oversee building security and interact with local public safety officials to ensure events run smoothly; coordinate communication between event staff and delegate assignments; be responsible for overall customer and event promoter satisfaction and experience.

This role will pay from $70,000 to $80,000/year

FT roles: Benefits: Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, 401(k) matching, and paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 12 holidays)

Position Expires: 09/11/2024

About the Venue:

The XL Center is Connecticut’s premier destination for sports & entertainment.

The 15,000+ seat downtown arena is home to the eleventh-time National Champion UConn Women's Basketball team and the six-time National Champion UConn Men's Basketball team. Led by Hall of Fame basketball Head Coach Geno Auriemma and Dan Hurley, the Men's & Women's basketball programs have established themselves as national powerhouses.

The XL Center is also home to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, the primary developmental affiliate of the New York Rangers.

The XL Center entertains millions of visitors annually with a variety of concerts, family shows, ice-skating spectaculars, consumer events, and trade shows throughout the season. The venue has played host to an extraordinary roster of world-renowned artists, including Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Pearl Jam, Black Eyed Peas, Britney Spears, Drake, and many others.

The XL Center will continue to be the center of sports and entertainment for Hartford and the State of Connecticut for years to come.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, service and supervise large events including concerts, sporting events and trade shows
• Plan, direct and evaluate the work of subordinates and provide leadership for event personnel
• Analyze challenges, identify alternative solutions, and project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of organizational objectives
• Prepare drawing, layout, diagrams, instructions, set-up requirements, and supporting documentation for each event and distribute to appropriate staff; communicate changes before and during events
• Assist in booking events and managing the venue calendar
• Assist in preparation of departmental annual budget; recommend capital improvements; control and monitor departmental expenditures; assist in preparation of estimated revenues for facility budget
• Track, record and report labor allocations in all areas of functional responsibility for purposes of forecasting, benchmarking and budgeting
• Establish, communicate, and maintain effective working relationships with staff, contractors and facility users
• Complete all duties with a customer service focus through teamwork and dedication
• Advance, or assistance in advancing, event set up details and show production
• Completion and/or assistance in the preparation of building to meet the requirements of upcoming events/shows
• Completion and/or assistance with the completion of pre-show event financial estimates
• Completion and/or assistance of post-show event settlements
• Advise lessees on services available form independent contractors for events
• Assist in oversight of event and security staffing department
• Assist in recruiting and training event and security staff
• Delegate assignments and review performance and results
• Function as a liaison between users of the facility and the facility staff
• Recommend and evaluate required event staffing levels
• Coordinate communication between building staff and show staff during load in and load out
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with lessees, employees, municipal officials, service contractors and patrons/public
• Investigate and resolve event-related complaints in a professional manner ensuring customer satisfaction
• Ensure that the facility is cleaned prior to, during and after all events to maintain building appearance and increase customer satisfaction
• Oversees AV Contractor and Event Management staff
• Make hospitality arrangements as needed
• Communicate with municipal officials, including police, fire and medical services, event staff and public to ensure security of patrons and events run smoothly
• Review and manage emergency planning procedures
• Create and distribute detailed data sheets prior to every event
• Direct oversight of staffing and scheduling union stagehand labor force
• Coordinate with Finance/Payroll as needed to ensure applicable parties are paid
• Coordinate service needs with Food and Beverage department as needed
• Serve as Manager on Duty as scheduled
• Work a flexible schedule, including long nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed

Qualifications:

• Minimum 6+ years of increasingly responsible experience in event management in a stadium, arena, convention center or public assembly facility setting
• Bachelor’s degree or better from an accredited college/university with major coursework in facility management, hospitality management, business management, marketing, or related field
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office and AutoCAD experience preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time, climb stairs, and occasionally lift up to 40 lbs.
• Must have computer skills in Microsoft Office applications and word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation and Internet software
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a current CPR certificate is preferred
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid drivers’ license
• Knowledge of Operational characteristics of events
• Ability to identify the needs of users of the facility
• Knowledge of crowd management and control techniques
• Knowledge of customer service practices
• Knowledge of principles of supervision and training
• Demonstrated familiarity with facility use contracts
• Knowledge of fire and public safety regulations
• Knowledge of A/V equipment and electronic systems in public assembly facilities
• Experience with budget preparation and control
• Familiarity with terminology used in entertainment/convention/public assembly settings
• Oversees AV Contractor and Event Management staff