Events Director

David Brower Center; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The David Brower Center seeks an experienced Events Director to lead Conference Center sales, operations, and events production, driving earned income and delivering high-quality events. You will supervise the Events department, develop policies and systems, and help shape Conference Center business strategies for growth while collaborating with leadership and community partners.

The role requires a proven track record in event venue sales and management, with the ability to work well with

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree or equivalent required.
• 5–7 years of professional experience in a similar role.
• Advanced understanding of in-person and hybrid event production.
• Nonprofit experience preferred; familiarity with environmental community ideal.

Responsibilities

• Lead Conference Center sales, operations, and events production.
• Supervise Events department staff and set policies.
• Develop and manage Conference Center budget.
• Cultivate client relationships and market opportunities.
• Ensure excellent customer service and contract management.

Skills

Event management

Leadership

Budgeting

Customer service

Communication

Staff supervision

Marketing strategy

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Hybrid event production

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Caterease

Sketchup

WordPress

Canva

Adobe Suite

QuickBooks

Job description

Status: Exempt, Full-time, Regular, At-Will

Salary Range: $95,000-$110,000

Position Summary

The Events Director leads the organization’s Conference Center sales and operations, as well as events production for all Brower Center sponsored events, to provide earned income and produce high-quality, well-regarded events.

The Events Director manages the day-to-day activities of the Events department, including supervision of all staff, development and implementation of effective events-related policies and systems, and development of Conference Center business strategies for growth.

This position works closely with the Executive Director and Exhibitions and Communications Manager on production for exhibition and community programming. The Events Director also works closely with the facility team regarding facility and equipment needs.

This position must collaborate effectively with the Executive Director on organizational management matters, including performance management within the events team, annual budget, mission/vision implementation, external community relations, and departmental issues of concern when they arise.

The position requires a proven track record of success in event venue sales and management. The Events Director must work well with teams and individuals and have the competency, temperament, and experience necessary to collaborate with the wide-ranging Conference Center clientele, resident organizations, and the diverse Brower Center community.

Essential Functions

Management:

• Serves as a key advisor to the organization’s Executive Director, demonstrating professionalism, accountability, strategic thinking, sound judgment, effective collaboration, and mutual support
• Recruits, hires and supervises all members of the Events department, including House Managers, AV Technicians, Layout Setup Assistant, Events Coordinator, and Events Administrative Coordinator
• Provides annual performance evaluations of direct reports, disciplinary processes, and other human resources functions as necessary
• Provides leadership to entire staff by modeling professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to mission
• Serves as a Brower Center spokesperson in public settings such as Brower Center community programs, meetings and events industry tradeshows, conferences, webinars, and other local and state industry events.

Conference Center and Events:

• Develops the proposed Conference Center budget for inclusion in the Executive Director’s full organization budget and manages the final Conference Center budget after being approved by the Board of Directors
• Recruits, trains, schedules and approves bi-weekly timesheets of Special Assignment employees (House Managers, AV Technicians, Layout Setup Assistant, and Events Administrative Assistant)
• Oversees events-related vendors, including authorizing and submitting accurately-coded invoices in a timely manner
• Recommends Conference Center sponsorship opportunities that align with the Brower Center mission
• Supports professional development for department staff by identifying relevant training opportunities
• Oversees all events production execution, ensuring that all events run smoothly and professionally
• Seeks and establishes mutually beneficial relationships with potential clients, partners and sponsors
• Determines rental policies and procedures, including evaluating and updating as needed, consulting the Executive Director where relevant
• Ensures that clients, vendors and event staff are aware of and comply with rental terms, policies, and procedures
• Ensures timely, excellent customer service to prospective and confirmed event rental clients
• Creates all event venue rental contracts, invoices, and other contract-supporting documents
• Oversees timely collection of all event venue rental fees, contracts, insurance and permits and ensures event venue rental payments are recorded in Caterease booking software
• Works with Brower Center accountant to reconcile event venue revenue in Quickbooks
• Maintains knowledge and inventory of audio/visual and other event-related equipment
• Provides thorough information to fellow staff about upcoming events

Business Development:

• Develops and implements marketing initiatives for Conference Center sales and new client relationships
• Maintains knowledge of meeting and events industry trends and Bay Area venues
• Conducts outside site visits for market research
• Identifies high value clients and develops strategies to engage them at the Brower Center
• Attends related tradeshows and networking events
• Maintains Brower Center listings on third-party websites such as Cvent, Eventective, Unique Venues, Spaces for Good, etc, and identifies new opportunities for fitting third party marketing support
• Creates copy for event venue rental pages on Brower Center website, event venue rental brochure(s), and other supporting documents

Other Duties

• Oversees fire/life safety planning related to conference center spaces
• Inclusion in after-hours emergency contact list for staff and tenants
• Attends staff meetings, leading meetings as needed
• Writes, augments and updates detailed documentation of events procedures when possible
• Additional responsibilities and tasks as necessary

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree or equivalent required
• Minimum of 5–7 years of professional experience in a similar role
• Advanced understanding of in-person and hybrid event production
• Nonprofit experience preferred; familiarity with the environmental community is ideal
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills; ability to communicate effectively with people of all backgrounds
• Experience building and leading cohesive teams, supervising employees and managing contractors
• Experience developing successful marketing and business development strategies
• Proactive approach to solving problems and creating solutions
• Experience creating and managing budgets
• Ability to thrive on a small team, take responsibility and meet deadlines
• Solid proficiency with Mac and PC computers and Microsoft Office Suite, Google Apps, and Zoom
• Familiarity with Caterease, Sketchup, WordPress, Canva, and Adobe Suite preferred
• Able to lift and move up to 30 lbs.