Director, Event Operations

Description The Columbus Crew is looking for a Director, Event Operations, responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of events across the club's venue portfolio. This role serves as the central operational lead for event planning, ensuring alignment across departments and delivering consistent, high-quality execution across approximately 300 events annually. This role drives day-to-day operational discipline, proactive planning and cross-functional coordination and is a key bridge between strategy and execution. Responsible for ensuring that operational plans are clearly defined, communicated and executed at a high level across all events. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Event Planning and Execution Serve as the central coordinator for event planning, ensuring alignment across all departments involved in event execution. Lead the planning and execution of events, including sporting, and private events, as well as large-scale external events, including concerts and festivals. Develop and manage detailed event plans, timelines, and operational documents to ensure consistent execution. Team Leadership Lead and develop the Event Operations team, inclusive of full-time and part-time staff. Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations for event planning and execution. Provide leadership and direction to event-day staff and part-time personnel, ensuring alignment with operational standards. Operational Consistency and Process Execution Execute within established event systems and playbooks, ensuring consistency across all events. Identify opportunities to improve planning processes and contribute to the refinement of operational systems. Drive proactive planning and reduce last-minute execution through structured workflows and timelines. Ensure event plans are executed effectively, and issues are resolved in real time through coordination with department leaders. Cross-Functional Coordination Partner closely with internal departments-including guest experience, safety and security, ticketing, partnerships, and facility operations-to ensure seamless event execution. Ensure all stakeholders are aligned on event plans, timelines, and expectations. Act as the primary point of coordination for event-related communication across departments. Financial and Budget Oversight Manage the Event Operations budget, ensuring alignment with event needs and organizational priorities. Support efficient staffing models and resource allocation for events. Monitor event-related expenses and identify opportunities to improve efficiency. Minimum Qualifications 5+ years of experience in event operations, stadium, or large venue management Proven ability to manage complex event planning and execution Experience leading teams and coordinating across multiple departments Strong organizational and operational planning skills Ability to manage multiple events and priorities in a fast-paced environment Experience working within structured systems and processes, with the ability to improve them Professional sports or major entertainment venue experience preferred Preferred Qualifications Master's degree Events-related certifications (CVE, CVP or equivalent)