Event Manager

Frontwave Arena; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Frontwave Arena is seeking an experienced Event Manager to lead the planning and execution of events and own the technical side of production. You will collaborate with sport tenants and their game-day teams, ensuring safety and high-quality delivery.

The role requires hands-on experience with concerts, sporting events, and live productions, plus strong communication and organizational skills. Elevating venue operations and maintaining ADA and NFPA standards are essential.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of hands-on event management and technical production experience in arenas or similar venues.
• Strong knowledge of NFPA life safety codes and OSHA guidelines.
• Proficient with sound, lighting, AV equipment and CAD drawings.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clients to gather technical requirements and plan event execution.
• Work with tenants' production teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Review rider requirements and manage communications with tour managers.
• Create CAD drawings of event layouts and setups.
• Oversee labor calls and equipment orders for concerts and sports events.
• Serve as liaison to ensure ADA compliance, life safety codes, and OSHA guidelines.
• Supervise part-time staff and contractors.
• Act as Manager on Duty for events when required.

Skills

Event management

Technical production

Communication

Organizational skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Office

Windows

Adobe software

Job description

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Title: Event Manager

Location: Frontwave Arena, Oceanside, CA

Department: Facility Operations

Reports To: General Manager

Pay Range: $70,000 – $90,000

Overview

Frontwave Arena is looking for an experienced Event Manager to lead the planning and execution of events while owning the technical side of production. You'll work hand-in-hand with our sports tenants and their game-day production teams, so strong communication and organizational skills are a must. We're especially looking for someone with a solid technical services background who has hands-on experience advancing concerts, sporting events, and other live productions — someone who's comfortable rolling up their sleeves and learning the many moving parts of running a venue.

Major Duties And Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clients to gather technical requirements, develop event execution plans, create layout diagrams, fulfill riders, conduct event advances, schedule labor calls, and manage equipment orders.
• Work closely with the technical teams of all sports tenants and their game-day production teams to ensure seamless integration and execution of events.
• Review artist riders and maintain weekly communication with artist tour managers to ensure all requirements are understood and met.
• Create and manage CAD drawings of event layouts and setups, ensuring optimal use of venue space.
• Serve as the liaison between the facility and clients, ensuring adherence to facility policies, ADA compliance, NFPA life safety codes, and OSHA guidelines.
• Supervise part-time production staff and third-party contractors working within the venue to ensure event production standards are met.
• Advance and execute plans to fulfill rider requests, coordinate labor calls, and secure the equipment needed for concerts, sporting events, and other live productions.
• Facilitate scheduling, training, and evaluation of part-time production employees.
• Produce events while maintaining a high degree of public safety and compliance with all life safety standards.
• Oversee setup completion, ensuring the proper equipment is available and functioning for events.
• Collaborate with all departments to maintain technical and event-related equipment in the venue.
• Provide quality service and execution during daily operations and event production.
• Supervise and assist labor crews during venue readiness, conversions, load-ins, shows, and load-outs.
• Participate in securing the venue during daily operations and events, including emergency situations.
• Maintain comprehensive records for assigned events and ensure consistency across internal documentation.
• Serve as "Manager on Duty" for events as required.
• Learn to work with and assist other operational roles within the venue as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Oversee part-time production employees and third-party contractors during conversions, show calls, and daily operations, collaborating with assistant managers or leads as necessary.
• Demonstrate supervisory responsibilities in line with Frontwave Arena policies and applicable laws.
• Collaborate with the Operations Director to interview, hire, train, and evaluate employees, assign work, and address any complaints or issues.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree in a related field (event management, technical production) is preferred.
• Minimum of four (4) years of hands-on professional event management and technical production experience in arenas, theaters, stadiums, or convention centers; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong technical services background required, with demonstrated experience advancing and executing concerts, sporting events, and other live productions from initial planning through load-out.
• Knowledge of industry terminology, NFPA life safety codes, operational procedures, OSHA guidelines, and event production services.
• General understanding of theatrical rigging, stage construction, carpentry, electrical work, and audio-visual equipment.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects with limited supervision while exercising sound judgment and initiative.
• Proficient in operating sound, lighting, audio-visual, and other industry-related equipment.
• Spanish-speaking skills a plus.

Computer Skills

• Proficient in Windows, MS Office, AutoCAD, and Adobe software.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Possession of any licenses, certificates, or training required by local, state, or national authorities for equipment operation is preferred (e.g., rigging, carpentry, electrical).
• Valid driver's license and insurance required for motor vehicle operation in the U.S.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to walk/stand extensively, kneel, climb, and navigate various surfaces and areas at the venue.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more with assistance.
• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to various weather conditions.
• Fluency in English is required for effective communication.

Work Schedule

• Flexible hours are required, including nights, weekends, holidays, and possibly overnight shifts.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.