Special Events Development & Recruitment Specialist

OWA Parks & Resort; Foley (AL); Remote; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

OWA Parks & Resort in Foley, AL is seeking a remote-friendly Senior Manager of Special Events to expand the venue's event portfolio through innovative programming and strategic partnerships. You will research national and international touring exhibits, recruit vendors, develop festivals, and manage projects from concept to proposals, budgets, and attendance forecasts.

The role requires strong research, networking, and negotiation skills; travel to conferences is expected and you will

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in Special Events or Event Development, Tourism, Entertainment Booking, or related fields.
• Experience sourcing entertainment, exhibits, or attractions and building vendor networks.
• Strong written and verbal communication, research, and networking abilities.
• Highly organized with exceptional follow-up skills and ability to work independently in a remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Research national, regional, and international touring exhibits.
• Identify and recruit vendors for festivals and special events.
• Develop relationships with exhibitors, performers, and attractions.
• Present new event opportunities with budgets, attendance potential, and revenue projections.
• Coordinate site visits and manage proposals, contracts, and supporting documentation.
• Attend industry trade shows and conferences as assigned.

Skills

Networking

Research skills

Communication

Time management

Organization

Negotiation

Remote work

Self-motivated

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Job description

This position is ideal for someone with extensive industry connections, exceptional research skills, and a passion for discovering new concepts that drive attendance and create memorable guest experiences. The successful candidate will work remotely while collaborating closely with the Special Events Manager to continually expand OWA's event portfolio through innovative programming and strategic partnerships.

(Remote with monthly meetings on property)

Key Responsibilities

Event & Exhibit Development

• Research national, regional, and international touring exhibits
• Identify unique entertainment concepts suitable for OWA
• Source seasonal attractions and immersive experiences
• Develop ideas for annual festivals and signature events
• Research emerging entertainment trends
• Present new event opportunities with estimated budgets, attendance potential, and revenue projections

Vendor Recruitment

• Identify and recruit vendors for festivals and special events
• Develop relationships with exhibitors, performers, and attractions
• Contact businesses to determine availability, pricing, and scheduling
• Maintain an active database of potential vendors and event partners
• Obtain proposals, contracts, marketing materials, and pricing

Business Development

• Network with entertainment agencies and production companies
• Develop relationships with museums, traveling exhibits, touring productions, and specialty attractions
• Research and identify new business opportunities that align with OWA's strategic goals
• Attend industry trade shows and conferences (as assigned)
• Represent OWA professionally during vendor meetings and industry events

Research & Planning

• Conduct ongoing market research of successful events nationwide
• Analyze attendance trends and event performance
• Research competing destinations and entertainment offerings
• Recommend new concepts based on guest demographics and seasonal demand
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for management

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain vendor and exhibit databases
• Track communication with prospective vendors and attractions
• Organize proposals, contracts, and supporting documentation
• Assist in long-range event planning
• Coordinate site visits when needed with potential client/vendor and Special Events Manager

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 3 years of experience in at least three or more of the following:
• Special Events
• Event Development
• Tourism
• Entertainment Booking
• Attractions
• Exhibit Procurement
• Vendor Relations
• Festival Planning
• Experience sourcing entertainment, exhibits, or attractions
• Proven ability to build professional relationships
• Strong research and networking abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized with exceptional follow‑up skills
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
• Willingness to travel to OWA and industry conferences as needed

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Existing network within the entertainment or event industry
• Experience with amusement parks, attractions, museums, or destination marketing organizations
• Knowledge of traveling exhibits and touring productions
• Experience negotiating vendor agreements
• Experience maintaining vendor databases and tracking communications with prospective vendors, exhibitors, and entertainment partners
• Experience working with festivals attracting 10,000+ attendees

Desired Skills

• Creative thinker with an eye for unique guest experiences
• Exceptional networking and relationship‑building skills
• Strong negotiation abilities
• Excellent time management
• Detail‑oriented
• Self‑motivated and results‑driven
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Professional and polished communication style

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel occasionally
• Ability to attend trade shows and industry conferences
• Ability to visit OWA property for planning meetings and event execution when required

Behaviors

Required

• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.