Chief of Events & Facilities

Lake-County-Convention-and-Visitors-Burea; Hammond (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority (SSCVA) seeks a Chief of Events & Facilities to lead event strategy, planning, and execution at the Indiana Welcome Center and related venues.

The role focuses on securing sponsorships, developing partnerships, managing budgets, and delivering high-impact events that boost tourism and organizational revenue. Strong leadership, communication, and project management are essential.

Qualifications

• Ideal candidates have strong experience in event management and sponsorship development.
• Demonstrated leadership, budgeting, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee booking and management of events at the Indiana Welcome Center and offsite locations.
• Develop innovative event concepts and partnerships to attract visitors and revenue.
• Identify sponsorships and funding opportunities for events.
• Set pricing, contracts, and policies for facility rentals.
• Coordinate with marketing for event promotion and attendance.
• Lead planning, logistics, and execution of SSCVA signature events.
• Work with CFO on budgets, revenue tracking, and financial reporting.
• Ensure safety, accessibility, and SSCVA brand standards.

Skills

Event management

Sponsorship development

Leadership

Budgeting

Project management

Communication

Negotiation

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree (Marketing / Hospitality / Tourism / Event Management / Business)

Job description

BASIC FUNCTIONS

The Chief of Events & Facilities leads and manages all aspects of event strategy, booking, planning, and execution for the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority (SSCVA). This role oversees events hosted at the Indiana Welcome Center as well as off-site activations and programs that support tourism, community engagement, and organizational revenue.

This position is responsible for securing sponsorships, developing partnerships, and ensuring the successful execution of events from concept through completion.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Strategy, Sales & Booking

• Oversees all aspects of booking and managing events at the Indiana Welcome Center and offsite locations.
• Develops, proposes, and leads the creation of new and innovative event concepts, programs, and experiences that attract visitors, engage the community, generate revenue, and enhance the SSCVA's tourism mission.
• Continuously identifies emerging event trends, opportunities, and community interests and develops creative programming ideas that can expand SSCVA's event offerings and visitor experiences.
• Identifies and secures sponsorships, partnerships, and funding opportunities to support events and programs.
• Establishes event pricing, policies, contracts, and procedures for internal and external facility rentals.
• Cultivates relationships with community partners, vendors, municipalities, and tourism stakeholders to expand event opportunities.
• Serves as the primary contact for event clients and partners from inquiry through post-event evaluation.
• Oversees event marketing collaboration with the marketing team to maximize attendance and visibility.

Event Planning & Execution

• Leads planning, logistics, and execution of SSCVA signature events, partner events, and community programs.
• Develops timelines, run-of-show documents, staffing plans, and vendor coordination for all events.
• Works with CFO on event budgets, revenue tracking, and financial reporting to ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance.
• Oversees on-site event operations including setup, teardown, staffing coordination, and vendor management.
• Ensures all events meet SSCVA brand standards, safety requirements, and customer service expectations.
• Conducts post-event evaluations and implements improvements for future programming.

Facilities Oversight & Coordination

• Works with the Facility Manager and collaborates on event setup and capital improvement projects.
• Coordinates facility scheduling to ensure alignment between events and maintenance.
• Ensures compliance with safety, security, and accessibility standards for all public and event spaces.
• Assists with long-term facility planning and budgeting related to event growth and operational needs.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Ideal candidate possesses strong experience in event management and sponsorship development. Demonstrated leadership, budgeting, and project management skills required. Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills essential.

Bachelor's degree in marketing, hospitality, tourism, event management, business, or related field preferred. Five or more years of progressive experience in event planning, venue management, or related field required.

DISCLAIMER

Job descriptions are not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with a job; they are intended to be reflections of the principal job elements essential for this position.