Director of Operations, Events

Company Overview

JOB DESCRIPTION

Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as the company builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform. Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with approximately 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, 2,500 athletes and celebrities, and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally.

Job Overview

At Fanatics Events, we are passionate about creating memorable and impactful experiences in the world of sports. We believe that every event we host is an opportunity to connect fans, athletes, and communities through the power of sports.

The ideal candidate is someone who looks forward to the curveballs. Someone who is process oriented and excited to be a part of building something remarkable from the ground up. Someone is willing to roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and make a lasting impact on the success of our events. The candidate will be expected to attend all the events we produce, providing exceptional customer service to our internal and external partners, and most importantly – the fans. The role will require travel to various venues and events globally. While offering hybrid work options, this role requires an average of one week per month at our New York office.

Our mission revolves around nurturing the most ardent and devoted fan communities out there. We're on the lookout for individuals who aren't just creative problem solvers, but those who thrive in the exhilarating atmosphere of a startup and are willing to put in the hands-on work to build something from the ground up and build massive events. We value collaboration, a sense of fun, and an aversion to drama and office politics. Our ideal team members are those who embrace challenges head-on, willingly tackle any task regardless of their title or job description and have a genuine passion for the work we do.

What You'll Do

• Event Planning and Execution: Lead the end-to-end planning, and on site execution of our portfolio of consumer events - including but not limited to fan festivals, in-stadium events, branded partnerships, and promotional events, ensuring flawless operations and a positive experience for both the fans, sponsors and exhibitors.
• Vendor Management: Establish and maintain strong relationships with third party vendors and contract negotiations including but not limited to the General Service Contractor, Audio Visual, technology, security, transportation, electrical, catering and more.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage the show production costs, track spending, identify areas of cost savings, provide monthly forecasts, and pay applicable vendors. Ensure cost-effectiveness, and work to maximize revenue and profitability while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Security Plan: Lead for all event security-related measures, including crowd flow mapping, signage, emergency evacuation protocols, bag-checks, K9 deployment, and emergency procedures, all while ensuring minimal impact to the fan and exhibitor experience. Work closely with law enforcement, government entities, and risk assessment teams at the local, national, and international levels.
• Culture Building: Foster a positive and inclusive event culture that emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and a commitment to excellence.
• Signage Planning: Help develop the overall look and feel of the events by working hand in hand with marketing on coordination of on site signage and graphic plans. Order graphics, manage and track the creative process and ensure correct placement of graphics onsite.
• Contract Adherence and Review: Request and review vendor contracts. Collaborate with legal and Procurement to ensure no detail of fine print is missed. Ensure contractual compliance, monitor the fulfillment of contractual terms on all event agreements including payment schedules and insurance requirements.
• Risk Management: Ensure events are planned within company guidelines and manage risks associated to protect the brand as well as the company. Identify and mitigate risks associated with event execution, including safety, security, and unforeseen challenges.
• Sponsorship Strategy: Collaborate with the Event Director, sales, and marketing teams to create and price sponsorship packages.
• Exhibitor Services Management: Assist the Exhibitor Service team with exhibitor manuals, web forms, and all exhibitor communications both pre-show and onsite.
  
  

What We're Looking For

• A minimum of 8 years in direct tradeshow operations management experience.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal, time management and organization skills with experience in overlapping deadlines and managing complex projects or events.
• Proficiency and experience in budgeting and financial management.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a focus on collaboration, mentorship, and team development.
• Floor plan development and management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with emphasis on Excel.
• Willingness to adapt to changing circumstances, troubleshoot issues, and ensure successful event execution.
• Prior experience with Map Your Show, EXPOCAD, a2z or a similar platform.
• Prior experience with sponsorship fulfillment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to negotiate, persuade, and build relationships.
• A genuine passion for sports and the ability to translate that passion into memorable event experiences.
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A dynamic and innovative work environment.
• Access to premium sporting events and exclusive experiences.
  
  

If you are a dynamic and experienced Event Director with a passion for the sports industry, we invite you to apply for this role. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you're the right fit.

The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $180,000, which represents base pay only and does not include short-term or long-term incentive compensation. When determining base pay, as part of a final compensation package, we consider several factors such as location, experience, qualifications, and training.