Director, Event Development

Summary Description:

Columbus Crew is seeking a team-focused, relationship-driven individual as its Director, Event Development. The role reports to the club's VP of Event Development and will be responsible for recruiting, developing, managing and implementing revenue-producing events at Lower.com Field and Historic Crew Stadium. The ideal candidate for this role will be strategic with outside-the-box concepts that can be executed and monetized to provide best-in-class programming.

The Director of Event Development will oversee all booking responsibilities from initial client contact and date holds to final settlement of events. The position will collaborate with the Event Management and Operations team and will prioritize exceeding expectations and ensuring exceptional client and fan experiences. A successful candidate possesses experience programming multi-purpose facilities focusing on concerts, festivals, high school/ collegiate sporting events and community events. The person will also work closely with the Columbus Crew marketing, ticketing, legal, finance, concessions and stadium operations teams.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute revenue and programming strategy for concerts, festivals and other premium live events at Historic Crew Stadium and Lower.com Field.
• Establish, build and proactively maintain positive relationships with event organizers, promoters, agents, managers, industry representatives and other venue booking personnel.
• Actively contact event organizers/agents/promoters for potential events and submit offers and/or deal terms while coordinating availability of venues.
• Remain current on industry developments, touring artist availability and trends.
• Prepare, track and maintain proformas, estimates, deal proposals, contracts and settlements for all events.
• Serve as the primary liaison between event personnel and internal Crew departments, including but not limited to Marketing, Ticketing, Stadium Operations, Legal, Finance and Communications.
• Attend industry conferences, networking events and meetings as required to build relationships for future opportunities, in addition to cold-calling and lead generation to generate new business.
• Ensure settlements for assigned events are created and executed in a timely fashion. Work closely with the Finance Department to judiciously execute settlements and payments for all events. Track status of contracts, payments, expenses and invoices. Assist with preparing event budgets and long-term strategic plans.
• Organize and maintain all event files in an accurate and comprehensive fashion.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/ QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3-5 years of experience in live entertainment programming/booking with track record of attracting, contracting and executing diverse content and events.
• Must possess a network of concert promoters, agents, managers and more.
• Must be able to think outside the box to develop revenue opportunities with non-traditional programming/ content. Ability to analyze different opportunities and communicate risk and reward of potential events.
• Must have experience with negotiating, closing deals and leading proforma/ budgeting.
• Proven success working in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency and ability to balance ever-changing priorities.

• Mindset that building and maintaining relationships throughout the industry and with clients is essential for success in the role.
• Ability to assess situations and problem-solve to find effective solutions should challenges arise.
• Must be willing to work non-traditional hours (nights, weekends and holidays).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Being a team player who proactively assists in the success of events, including when tasks fall outside of the standard job description.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This job operates in an outside environment and in a stadium facility at times which may include inclement weather conditions.