Assistant Director of Events at DeSoto County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Southaven, Mississippi, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

02 Jul, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

04 Apr, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Event management, Operational budgeting, Staff supervision, Vendor management, SOP development, Marketing strategy, Project management, Guest services, Budget control, Team leadership, Communication, Problem solving, Decision making, Cross-departmental coordination, Facility operations, Strategic planning

Industry

Description

Description The Assistant Director of Events is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing event operations, and related staff to ensure successful events and daily facility operations. This role provides leadership for in-house and contracted teams, manages operational budgets, develops and enforces standard operating procedures, supports client relations and organizational goals. The Assistant Director serves as a backup to the COO as assigned and acts as a key liaison across departments, clients, vendors, and external partners to ensure high-quality guest experience and operational efficiency. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES · Collaboration & Communication: Keep the COO informed of operational and marketing issues, client and staff comments/concerns/complaints; communicate consistently with inter-departmental staff, clients/event designees, and event personnel. Serve as substitute for the COO as assigned. · Operations Management: Prepare and administer the annual event operations budget; establish and maintain cost-efficient departmental operations; oversee development, review, and enforcement of standard operating procedures for event, marketing, and regular operations. · Policy & Process Improvement: Provide input for evaluating existing policies and procedures; recommend and implement improvements to better meet facility needs and increase operational efficiency. · Budget & Cost Control: Review, revise, and/or approve cost estimates and actual expenditures; monitor adherence to project/event budgets. · Staffing & Human Resources: Oversee in-house and contracted staffing networks; ensure appropriate staffing levels (including EVS, parking, and Operations) for events and regular operations; manage recruitment, training, and development of management who supervise hourly/non-exempt staff. · Event Planning & Execution: Ensure effective communications and coordination across teams for smooth operations; hold or assign management meetings; oversee event advances and onsite operational execution to meet or exceed guest expectations. · Marketing & Client Development: Initiate, review, and approve promotion/marketing, strategic planning, and guest/premium services; review and approve marketing collateral including digital, multimedia, AV, social media, website, and signage; assist with client development and on-site client relations to ensure expectations are met or exceeded. · Special Projects & Vendor Management: Plan and coordinate special projects; ensure adherence to bid processes, timely completion and compliance with third-party vendor scope and budgets; oversee project timelines and deliverables. Reporting & Documentation: Ensure accurate and timely reporting of event metrics, operational incidents, and post-event evaluations; provide updates and recommendations to leadership. Other Duties: Perform additional duties as assigned to support evolving operational and marketing needs of the of the organization. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS · Strong knowledge of event management practices, guest services, vendor coordination, and operational budgeting. · Proven ability to develop, implement, and enforce SOPs, event plans, and marketing initiatives. · Experience overseeing recruitment, training, and development of management and hourly staff. · Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with internal teams, clients, vendors, and external partners. · Strong organizational, planning, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. · Working knowledge of marketing channels and collateral production (digital, multimedia, AV, social media, signage). · Experience managing third-party vendors, bid processes, and project scopes/budgets. · Commitment to guest service while maintaining operational control and cost efficiency. · Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE · Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Event Management, Marketing, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education, training, and progressively responsible experience. · Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in event operations, venue management, or related field, including experience with marketing or client services. · At least two (2) years of supervisory or management experience overseeing staff, including part-time or contract personnel. · Experience preparing and managing departmental budgets and cost controls. · Prior experience with SOP development, vendor management, and event logistics preferred. SKILLS AND ABILITIESS · Leadership & Team Management: Ability to lead and develop staff, foster collaboration, and maintain accountability. · Operational Expertise: Strong event planning and operational execution skills across multiple functions. · Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication; effective cross-departmental coordination. · Marketing Acumen: Knowledge of promotional strategies and collateral production across channels. · Financial Management: Ability to develop, monitor, and manage budgets and staffing forecasts. · Problem Solving & Decision-Making: Sound judgment under pressure with effective resolution skills. · Customer Service Orientation: Balance guest experience with operational requirements. · Project & Vendor Management: Ability to manage projects, bids, scopes, timelines, and third-party vendors. · Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with event management tools, scheduling, and common office software. · Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing schedules and event-driven demands

Responsibilities

The Assistant Director of Events oversees event operations, facility management, and staff coordination to ensure high-quality guest experiences. They are responsible for managing operational budgets, enforcing standard operating procedures, and acting as a key liaison between departments, vendors, and clients.