Event Operations Manager

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia's Department of Parking & Transportation is seeking an Event Operations Manager to lead the planning, coordination, execution, and evaluation of parking and transportation services for university events and initiatives.

This role provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and staff management to ensure exceptional customer service and successful event outcomes, coordinating with athletics, student affairs, facilities management, and external partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Event Management, Transportation or related field.
• Four years of event operations, parking and transportation, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Two years of supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Experience managing complex projects, events, or operational programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise event operations staff and coordinate daily activities.
• Develop procedures, best practices, and service standards for event parking and transportation.
• Collaborate with university departments, athletics, facilities, and external partners to execute plans.
• Oversee event setup, monitoring, and post-event evaluations.
• Serve as primary contact for complex operational issues and concerns.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The University of Virginia's Department of Parking & Transportation is seeking an Event Operations Manager to lead the planning, coordination, execution, and evaluation of parking and transportation services for university events and operational initiatives. University events encompass a wide range of programs, including athletic events, Final Exercises, student move-in and move-out, conferences, workshops, and student and alumni functions. This position provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and staff management to ensure exceptional customer service and successful event outcomes.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead and supervise event operations staff, including coordinating daily activities, assigning responsibilities, and monitoring performance.
• Provide guidance, training, and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Develop and implement operational procedures, best practices, and service standards for event parking and transportation operations.
• Support workforce scheduling and staffing plans to ensure adequate coverage for events, including evenings and weekends.

Event Planning & Operations

• Manage all aspects of event parking and transportation logistics from planning through post-event assessment.
• Collaborate with university departments, event organizers, athletics, student affairs, facilities management, and external partners to develop and execute event transportation plans.
• Oversee event setup, implementation, monitoring, and post-event evaluations to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for complex operational issues and event-related concerns.

Customer Service & Stakeholder Relations

• Foster positive relationships with university stakeholders, customers, and community members.
• Respond to escalated customer inquiries, concerns, and service issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Analyze operational challenges and recommend solutions to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Develop and maintain effective communication strategies related to event parking and transportation services.

Parking Programs & Technology Management

• Evaluate, recommend, and implement alternative parking and mobility solutions that support evolving campus needs.
• Research emerging parking technologies, payment systems, and transportation innovations.
• Present business cases and implementation plans for new parking initiatives and technology enhancements.
• Oversee associated billing, vendor coordination, maintenance, and ongoing program administration.
• Monitor program effectiveness and recommend operational improvements based on data and customer feedback.

Additional Responsibilities

• Prepare operational reports, performance metrics, and recommendations for leadership.
• Assist with departmental strategic planning and special projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Event Management, Transportation, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred.
• Four years of event operations, parking and transportation, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Two years of supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Experience managing complex projects, events, or operational programs.
• Licensure: VA Commercial Driver's License Type A or B with Passenger and Air Brake endorsements and positive point balance is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication abilities.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and decision-making in dynamic environments.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Knowledge of parking management systems, transportation operations, and technology-based payment solutions.
• Strong customer service orientation and commitment to operational excellence.
• Ability to work flexible and changing schedules, including nights, weekends, and special events.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $65,000 - 80,000 annually

THIS JOB POSTING IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.