Director, Event Operations

Overview

In this role you drive the operational planning and execution of Crain’s event portfolio, establishing scalable processes and best practices. You lead the Events operations team, ensuring flawless on-site delivery and growth-ready systems. You’ll manage budgets, vendor negotiations, and logistics across conferences and large events, partnering with leadership to align goals and timelines. This position combines strategic program design with hands-on execution to elevate attendee experience and operational efficiency. A strong hook is the chance to shape a growing events portfolio at a respected, multi-brand media company.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive benefits
• retirement plan contributions
• bonus opportunities
• salary range $120,000–$140,000 (disclosed)

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage event budgets with Events leadership
• Lead venue sourcing, vendor negotiations, and contract recommendations
• Oversee food & beverage, production schedules, registration, signage, A/V and all event logistics
• Create and maintain run-of-show documents, timelines, and operational playbooks
• Direct onsite operations and troubleshoot execution issues
• Manage relationships with production partners, venues, and vendors
• Mentor and develop the event operations team
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to align objectives and execution strategies
• Manage multiple events simultaneously with high execution standards
• Establish best practices to improve efficiency, scalability, and attendee experience
• Support post-event reviews and continuous process improvements
• Utilize event tech (Cvent preferred) and project management tools to enhance planning and attendee experience

Key requirements

• 8+ years of experience in event operations leadership
• Proven track record producing conferences, executive events, or large-scale business events
• Expertise in budgeting, venue management, production, logistics, and vendor negotiations
• Strong leadership abilities and experience building scalable operational processes
• Experience with Cvent and other event technology platforms (preferred)
• Ability to travel 30–50% both within US and internationally
• Exemption under FLSA not eligible for overtime

• leadership
• cross-functional collaboration
• problem-solving
• Cvent
• project management tools
• vendor negotiations

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