Director of Event Services

International Association of Venue Managers; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Metro is seeking a Director of Event Services to lead a unified team across the Oregon Convention Center and Portland Expo Center. The role focuses on strategic direction, staff development, and ensuring exceptional event delivery aligned with client expectations and safety standards.

You will oversee budgeting, staffing, and cross-venue collaboration while advancing technology and best practices in event services. hybrid telework available; reside in Oregon/Washington preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Operations Management, or Organizational Leadership.
• Three (3) years leading or supervising people, and
• Two (2) years project management experience in event management, venue management, or operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a unified Event Services team serving both venues, fostering a shared identity and continuous improvement.
• Align event services operations across venues with consistent procedures and service standards.
• Provide strategic oversight of event planning and execution meeting client expectations and safety standards.
• Guide staff in managing complex client relationships and high-profile events.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and resources.
• Oversee staffing, training, and succession planning.
• Collaborate with operations and partners to improve coordination for events.
• Advance technology, workflows, and tools to increase efficiency (Momentus, AutoCAD).
• Represent the department on the Venues Leadership Team.

Skills

Event management

Team leadership

Client relationships

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Change management

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Momentus

AutoCAD

Education

Bachelor's degree in Event Management or related field

Tools

Momentus

AutoCAD

Project management software

Job description

Hello, we’re Metro ! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

Are you a strategic, collaborative leader passionate about developing high-performing teams and delivering exceptional event experiences?

We’re seeking a forward-thinking Director of Event Services to lead a unified Event Services Department serving both the Oregon Convention Center (OCC) and Portland Expo Center, strengthening client relationships, operational consistency, and continuous improvement across two of the region’s premier event facilities.

In this dual-venue leadership role, you’ll oversee the teams responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing diverse events, from national conventions and trade shows to consumer shows, meetings, and community events. You’ll provide strategic direction, develop staff, manage departmental resources, and align event execution with organizational standards and client expectations.

This is an important time for our venues as we continue integrating operations across OCC and Expo and prepare for the Expo Center’s future transition toward a sports complex model. The Director of Event Services will strengthen collaboration, align service standards, and position the department for long-term success.

As a member of the Venues Leadership Team, you’ll contribute to organizational strategy and decision-making, provide insight into client and event needs, and partner with leaders across departments to advance shared goals.

If you’re ready to develop people, strengthen operations, and help shape the future of event services across Portland’s venues, we invite you to apply.

As the Director of Event Services you will:

• Lead and develop a unified Event Services team serving both the Oregon Convention Center and Portland Expo Center, fostering a shared team identity, accountability, collaboration, professional growth, and continuous improvement across both venues.
• Align event services operations across venues by establishing consistent expectations, procedures, workflows, and service standards while recognizing the unique operational needs of each facility.
• Provide strategic oversight of event planning and execution, ensuring event plans meet client expectations, organizational policies, operational requirements, and applicable safety and regulatory standards.
• Guide and support staff in managing complex client relationships, resolving escalated issues, and balancing client needs with organizational priorities, facility capabilities, and financial considerations. Provide direct leadership and operational support for complex or high-profile events as needed.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and resources, including personnel and operating expenses, to support financial goals and effective service delivery.
• Oversee departmental staffing, workload distribution, performance management, training, and succession planning to ensure the team is equipped to meet current and future operational needs.
• Collaborate with operational departments and business partners to resolve challenges, improve coordination, and support successful event execution across both venues.
• Lead the advancement of departmental technology, procedures, and workflows to improve efficiency, streamline operations, enhance service delivery, and support evolving industry practices.
• Represent the Event Services Department on the Venues Leadership Team, contributing to organizational strategy, operational decision-making, and cross-functional initiatives.

Attributes for success:

• Deep knowledge of event and venue management, including event planning, operational coordination, safety requirements, crowd management, and industry best practices.
• Proven leadership in developing high-performing teams, managing performance, coaching employees, and supporting professional growth and succession planning.
• Strong client relationship management skills, balancing exceptional service with organizational policies, operational limitations, and protection of venue resources.
• Strong financial acumen in budgeting, resource allocation, expense management, and operational planning.
• Skilled in strategic planning, change management, and leading initiatives that improve operations and advance organizational goals.
• Effective communicator and collaborative leader who builds relationships, navigates challenging conversations, resolves conflicts, and fosters accountability and inclusion.
• Adaptable leader who can unify teams across venues, navigate competing priorities, and guide employees through organizational change.
• Sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and effective problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to make timely decisions and manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Technologically proficient, with the ability to evaluate and adopt tools that improve operations, including developing proficiency in Momentus and AutoCAD.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At Metro, we striveto cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

• Bachelor's degree in the assigned program area or a related field (for example: Event Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Operations Management, or Organizational Leadership), and
• Three (3) years leading or supervising people, and
• Two (2) years project management experience in area of responsibility, could be:
  • Event management and coordination
  • Venue management and operations
  • Planning and execution of large-scale events

Or, any combination of experience, education and training which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential job duties.

Work environment and schedule:

This position typically works Monday through Friday during daytime hours, with the option for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexibility is required to support event and operational needs, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays. Extended hours and workweeks exceeding 40 hours may be necessary based on operational demands.

Hybrid Telework :

This position is designated as “hybrid telework.” You will be required to work onsite and at times have the option to work away from your assigned work location. The specific schedule and balance of onsite and telework will be discussed with the hiring manager at the time of offer. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington to work at Metro. Please note, the designation of hybrid telework may be subject to change at a future time.

Like to have qualifications:

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Extensive experience managing or planning complex events in convention centers, expo centers, arenas, or similar large venues.
• Experience leading and developing event management teams, including coaching, performance management, and staff development.
• Experience managing complex client relationships, resolving escalations, and balancing client needs with organizational requirements.
• Experience leading organizational change and improving technology, processes, and workflows to increase operational efficiency.
• Experience managing budgets, staffing resources, and operational priorities.