Events Manager, Client Services

Reports to: Director of Events

Status: Full Time (40+ hours)

FSLA: Exempt

Location: Columbus (hybrid Arena District Office and home)

Travel: Local event sites and venues within a 30-mile radius; approximately 20%, regional and national as needed.

Greater Columbus Sports Commission Overview

The Greater Columbus Sports Commission is the only organization 100% focused on bringing sports events to Columbus, which is the 15th largest city in the United States and one of the fastest growing cities in the Midwest. Our team is comprised of passionate, smart staff members who are proud to amplify Columbus and elevate its position as a top sports event host city. Just like the community we serve, Sports Commission team members are open-minded, creative, hard-working, and welcoming. Beyond our forward-thinking professional development and flexible policies, we’re proud to be a progressive, vibrant and uplifting workplace.

Every day, the team strives to live out each of the organization’s core values: Value the Voices, Take It On, Live Your Passion, Create Moments, and Think Forward. We incorporate these into daily responsibilities and meetings, and they’re crucial to our organization’s interactions with partners and community members — we honor our past and are always looking to the future.

Job Overview:

The Events Manager is responsible for providing the highest quality service to all clients, including event rights holders, visitors, participants, and all others associated with the successful functioning of events and tournaments. The Events Manager will interact with clients to provide an enhanced event experience that is unique to Columbus and sets the city apart from other sports tourism destinations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Account and Client Management:

• Manage services to event accounts (national, regional, and local groups) across all market segments to customize a service plan unique to each client and to ensure a successful event in Columbus.

• Determine and execute the servicing and promotional support requirements of each organization with its respective rights holder.

• Coordinate welcome programs, signage, street pole banners, info tables, staff, and onsite services.

• Partner with sports groups and represent the Greater Columbus Sports Commission on local planning committees.

• Communicate issues and updates on client accounts to the Business Development Team.

• Update and maintain service activity in Client Relationship Management (CRM) database.

• Develop and measure goals of each event, track recurring business to service the groups, record attendance of each event, and evaluate post event surveys for organizational reporting

• Manage and track inventory of client giveaways, gifts, and assets such as the mobile trailer and event equipment.

Event Bidding, Site Inspections, and pre-planning:

• Assist Business Development Team with analyzing bid specs and providing support during site inspections for prospective business
• Prepare event requirements in major bids (ex. food & beverage, permits, budget, supplies, staffing).
• Coordinate and lead pre-planning client visits and entertainment of event representatives.
• Attend client events in years leading up to their visit to Columbus to showcase the Columbus brand and build excitement, increase awareness, and maximize event attendance.

Manage and coordinate the following programs and events:

• Manage the Sports Volunteer Program and staffing events; Recruit and train volunteers and track their community impact.
• Recruit and train supplemental support staff including Camp Leaders for Community Youth Camp and Community Cup events team members; Develop policies and best practices for the events.
• Manage the Downtown Hospitality Banner Program, in conjunction with the Experience Columbus Events Manager.

• Events/Marketing Internship Program (develop programming, work with college and universities, and lead recruitment)
• Organize the OHSAA student-athlete recognition events.

Experienced in the following areas (either through education, work experience or a combination of both) typically 5+ years:

• Event planning partnership, development or fundraising functions of a for profit or non-profit
• Developing relationships and working with corporate partners, professional and/or community associations, volunteer groups, nonprofits
• Recruiting, training, and supervising of volunteers and part-time personnel
• Managing project timelines and budget (being creative with limited budgets at times)
• Translate innovative experiential concepts based on client needs and execute to create a memorable experience for attendees

Community and Hospitality Relations:

• Attend and speak at community district meetings to educate local businesses on Greater Columbus Sports Commission for business initiatives and objectives.

• Distribute information directly to local hospitality community to educate them on sporting events coming to Columbus.

• Build and maintain relationships with Greater Columbus Sports Commission and Experience Columbus partners and understand the services they provide in the hospitality industry.
• Actively participate and contribute to special event industry associations by attending educational sessions, conferences, and luncheons.

Greater Columbus Sports Commission Competencies

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Viewing computer monitors
• Frequent talking and/or listening with team or external people
• Regular sitting at a desk
• Standing during events
• Lifting up to 25 lbs. during events, only as needed, with or without assistance

The duties of this position may change from time to time Greater Columbus Sports Commission reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the Sports Commission or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

The Greater Columbus Sports Commission is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability, or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the The Greater Columbus Sports Commission Careers website because of your disability. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis. If you need accommodation or assistance in using the The Greater Columbus Sports Commission Careers website, please call 614-221-6060