Director of Events

PURPOSE STATEMENT

To plan, design, and execute a diverse array of events that advance the Chamber’s mission, drive organizational goals, foster valuable connections, and create memorable experiences for all attendees. This role ensures seamless event delivery through expert management, collaboration, and creativity, enhancing stakeholder engagement and community-building to propel the success of the organization. 

JOB SUMMARY 

The Director of Events will brin expertise, vision and creativity to a year-long calendar of events (virtual and in-person), including signature events of more than 1,000 attendees. Most events have their own unique identity, audiences, goals, and are hosted using a variety of venues and event day logistics. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Project Management 
• Lead all aspects of event management, including (not limited to) budget monitoring, site selection, speaker commitments, and logistics. 
• Manage all event communication from potential and registered attendees.  
• Manage all event-related items in the organization’s CRM. 
• Build and maintain an extensive network of partnerships with sponsors, vendors, speakers, and other stakeholders. 
• Negotiate with third-party vendors (e.g., caterers, facilities, audiovisual providers, printers, promotional suppliers) to secure best rates, in-kind services, and special concessions. 
• Collaborate with the business experience and business development teams to engage current Chamber members and member prospects in event planning. 
• Manage staff participation in event planning and staffing efforts. 
• Leverage management to engage the board of directors and committees in event planning. 
• Contribute to event marketing efforts, including theme development, collateral creation, and registration processes in coordination with the marketing and communications team. 

On-site, Guest Experience, and Post-Event Follow-up 

• Oversee all event logistics, such as floor plans, seating charts, supplier coordination, food and beverage arrangements, registration, materials, and exhibitor booths. 
• Direct on-site event teams to ensure smooth setup, execution, and cleanup, recommending additional staffing when necessary. 
• Evaluate and report on event outcomes using attendee surveys, debrief sessions, and performance metrics. Provide actionable recommendations for future improvements. 

COMPETENCIES 

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: 

• Acute attention to detail, including guest experiences, budgets, deadlines, and more. 
• Deadline-driven with the ability and experience to adapt as needed. 
• Commitment to ensuring all aspects of the event, from logistics to guest experience, are executed flawlessly. 
• Working effectively with internal teams, volunteers, and external partners to achieve event objectives. 
• Articulating ideas, expectations, and event details clearly to stakeholders, team members, and vendors. 
• Managing shifting priorities, changing timelines, and evolving event requirements with ease. 
• Prioritizing the needs and satisfaction of event attendees, sponsors, and stakeholders. 
• Demonstrating the ability to plan, track, and manage event budgets effectively, ensuring cost-efficiency without sacrificing quality. 
• Comfortable with event-related software and platforms (e.g., CRM, virtual event tools) to streamline event management and engagement. 

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

To be successful in this role, an individual should meet these minimum education and experience requirements: 

• Associate's degree or higher 
• 5 years' experience in planning, managing and executing a wide range of events, including large scale to smaller meetings 
• Ability to manage multiple projects and events simultaneously from a variety of staff and departments 
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills 
• Exceptional time management skills and the flexibility to work outside normal business hours 
• Must be proactive and show a great level of creativity in carrying out assigned duties 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfortable learning new software applications 
• Working knowledge of CRM software and virtual event platforms (Zoom, Teams) 
• Membership or engagement with professional events organization(s) is preferred 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

To perform the job successfully, an individual should be able to meet the physical requirements of the position: 

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move around for extended periods during event setup, execution, and teardown. 
• Ability to work under pressure. 
• Capability to lift and carry event materials, equipment, or supplies weighing up to 25-50 pounds. 
• Ability to handle, set up, and adjust event-related equipment, such as audiovisual devices, registration materials, or promotional displays. 
• Comfortable working in a variety of environments, including indoor and outdoor venues, which may involve exposure to varying weather conditions. 
• Ability to travel locally for events, meetings, and other job-related responsibilities. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

This is a full-time position with a variable work schedule that averages 40 hours per week annually. The amount of work fluctuates, leading up to and culminating in the events themselves. Most work is conducted over email, phone, and videoconference. The only exceptions being onsite event coordination and venue site visits, as needed. These may involve weekend work. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

It is the policy of The Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, The Chamber of Commerce will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.  

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.