Activated Events

ZRG Partners, LLC.; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Activated Events is seeking an Operations Director to oversee end-to-end festival operations, from site management to vendor coordination and staff leadership. You will work with executive leadership to execute strategic plans and drive world-class live experiences across multiple events.

You will manage multi-million-dollar budgets, ensure safety compliance, and drive growth across markets, shaping the future of premier outdoor festivals.

Qualifications

• Proven track record managing multi-million-dollar festival budgets.
• Deep knowledge of live music production including sound, lighting, staging, and safety standards.
• Exceptional leadership and cross-functional team management.
• Strong analytical skills with data-driven decision making.
• Experience navigating city permitting, health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Extensive industry network with artists, agents, and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with General Manager and executive leadership to align festival/event operations with the organization's long-term vision and growth strategy.
• Oversee developing and managing comprehensive budgets from inception, ensuring effective oversight of multi-million-dollar financial plans.
• Lead the seamless execution of all logistical aspects for each festival/event, overseeing site operations, vendor coordination, transportation, security, and crowd management.
• Strategically develop, manage, and track festival/event budgets, ensuring expenditures meet financial objectives.
• Design and execute robust risk management protocols and crisis response plans for emergencies.
• Partner with local authorities to secure permits and ensure health, safety, and environmental regulations compliance.
• Attract, train, and lead a diverse, high-performing team of festival personnel.
• Manage financial reconciliation of festivals and events across revenue streams and ensure timely payments.
• Identify, negotiate, and manage high-impact sponsorship opportunities.
• Lead onsite event operations, resolving issues in real time for a flawless attendee experience.
• Collaborate with marketing/PR to drive promotion and attendance.
• Leverage data analytics to monitor performance and conduct post-event evaluations for improvements.
• Cultivate relationships with communities, government bodies, and vendors to drive successful events.

Skills

Budget management

Leadership / team management

Live music production

Stakeholder management

Analytical decision-making

Health & safety compliance

Communication skills

Event operations

Scheduling and logistics

Customer focus

Education

Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Business Administration, Music Industry Studies, or related field

Job description

Nashville, TN, Southern California, remote

Reports to CEO & General Manager

Background:

Activated Events stands as a distinguished leader in the outdoor events industry, renowned for its exceptional portfolio of high-impact festivals across the Southwest. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Activated Events specializes in transforming unique outdoor venues into dynamic spaces that resonate with local audiences. Spanning diverse genres, with a heavy focus on country music, the organization crafts unforgettable experiences that captivate trendsetters and tastemakers seeking extraordinary live events.

With over 15 years of expertise, Activated Events has built signature events such as the Coastal Country Jam, Boots In The Park, The Smoke Show, Party In The Park and Taco Fest which exemplify the company's dedication to creativity and quality, consistently attracting top-tier talent and enthusiastic crowds year after year.

Operating as an independently managed organization, Activated Events employs a comprehensive approach to event production, encompassing every aspect, from talent acquisition and strategic marketing to seamless operations and exceptional concession experiences. This meticulous attention to detail not only elevates the overall attendee experience but also fosters meaningful engagement opportunities for brands within the event context.

As the 2025 festival year concludes with the successful execution of 22 events, Activated Events is poised for an ambitious 2026 season, expanding their brands to new markets.

Position Summary:

The Operations Director will play a pivotal role with the festival team in executing the strategic vision for Activated Event’s premier outdoor festivals and events, ensuring flawless execution across all operational facets. This leadership position involves overseeing the end-to-end planning, execution, and daily management of large-scale, high-profile festivals, with responsibilities spanning vendor coordination, artist relations, venue management, and event staff oversight. They will serve as a visionary leader, collaborating closely with internal teams and external stakeholders—including city officials, regional partners, and key industry players to execute and drive the execution for many of Activated's premier events and festivals.

This role requires a leader with extensive experience in the live music industry, exceptional project management, and leadership skills. They must demonstrate a proven ability to navigate the complexities of large event logistics while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence. With a focus on delivering world-class musical experiences, the Operations Director will be adept at managing pressure, solving complex problems in real time, and driving seamless collaboration among diverse teams. This is a rare opportunity to participate in shaping the future of premier live music events and continue to establish Activated as a global leader in entertainment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work closely with General Manager and executive leadership to align festival/event operations with the organization's long-term vision and growth strategy. Drive innovation and ensure that events continue to evolve in line with industry trends and audience expectations.
• Oversee developing and managing comprehensive budgets from inception, ensuring effective oversight of multi-million-dollar financial plans to align with organizational goals and maximize profitability.
• Lead the seamless execution of all logistical aspects for each festival/event, overseeing site operations, vendor coordination, transportation, security, and crowd management to ensure an exceptional attendee experience.
• Strategically develop, manage, and track festival/event budgets, ensuring all expenditures are aligned with financial objectives. Collaborate with departmental leaders to maintain cost efficiency and maximize profitability.
• Design and execute robust risk management protocols and crisis response plans to effectively manage emergencies, including extreme weather, security risks, and unforeseen incidents, ensuring the safety of attendees and seamless event continuity.
• Partner closely with local authorities to secure all necessary permits and maintain rigorous compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, safeguarding the integrity and success of every event.
• Attract, train, and lead a diverse, high-performing team of festival personnel—such as volunteers, production crews, and customer service staff—to foster an inclusive culture that drives exceptional execution and delivers a world-class event experience.
• Manage the financial reconciliation of festivals and events by meticulously verifying income and expenses across all revenue streams, encompassing ticket sales, merchandise, and food and beverage. Ensure timely and accurate payments to all stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and maintaining financial integrity throughout the process.
• Assist in identifying, negotiating, and managing high-impact sponsorship opportunities, forging strategic partnerships that amplify brand visibility, deliver measurable value, and create mutually beneficial outcomes for both sponsors and the event.
• Lead onsite event operations, proactively resolving issues in real-time to ensure a flawless experience from attendee arrival to departure.
• Collaborate with marketing and PR teams to drive successful event promotion through targeted ticketing strategies, social media campaigns, and media outreach, maximizing visibility and attendance.
• Leverage advanced data analytics to monitor event performance, audience demographics, and operational efficiencies. Conduct thorough post-event evaluations to analyze financial results, operational achievements, and areas for enhancement, using these insights to inform strategic improvements that continuously elevate the quality and impact of future festivals and events.
• Cultivate and manage strong relationships with local communities, government bodies, key stakeholders, and vendors—including staging, sound, lighting, food & beverage, and security. Foster goodwill and collaboration, negotiate favorable contracts, and ensure top-tier service delivery, all while driving positive impact in surrounding areas.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrate expertise in developing and managing budgets from inception, including effective oversight of multi-million-dollar financial plans.
• In-depth knowledge of live music production processes, encompassing sound, lighting, staging, and technical specifications.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with experience leading cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, particularly in high-pressure situations, facilitating effective problem resolution.
• Familiarity with live event health and safety regulations, including crowd management and risk mitigation.
• Established network of professional relationships within the live music industry, including artist managers, agents, and talent representatives.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, adept at managing relationships with artists, vendors, staff, and local authorities.
• Willingness to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly during festival and event production periods.
• Genuine enthusiasm for music and a commitment to delivering exceptional live experiences.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role overseeing large-scale events or festival operations, ideally within the live music or entertainment sectors.
• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Business Administration, Music Industry Studies, or related field.
• Comprehensive benefits package included.

ZRG’s Commitment:

At ZRG, we do not just accept differences—we celebrate and support it. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital or partnership status, military or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. ZRG is an equal opportunity employer and workplace, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds & communities to apply.