Vice President of Events & Activations

Sojos Capital; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Sojos Capital in Lafayette, Louisiana, is seeking a Vice President of Events & Activations to lead efforts in transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant destinations. This executive role requires at least 7 years of experience in event production and cultural programming. Responsibilities include developing activation strategies, overseeing event logistics, and enhancing community engagement. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong leadership abilities and a knack for fostering collaboration in diverse communities. Join a forward-thinking team committed to enriching local communities.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in event production or commercial redevelopment.
• Proven ability to activate vacant spaces and drive community engagement.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic efforts to transform commercial spaces into engaging destinations.
• Develop and implement activation strategies for vacant spaces.
• Oversee event planning, execution, and logistics.
• Drive community engagement through cultural events.

Skills

Event production

Placemaking

Cultural programming

Project management

Contract negotiation

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Arts Management, Urban Planning, Marketing, Business, or related field

Job description

Job Title:Vice President of Events & Activations

Job Type:Executive

Reports to:Chief of Staff (COS)

Business Unit:All Sojos Affiliated Companies

About Us:Sojos Capital is a forward-thinking real-estate allocation company committed to making a meaningful impact on the communities surrounding our projects. Our diverse team of seasoned professionals brings extensive knowledge and innovative strategies to effectively utilize resources. United by a shared mission to grow wealth responsibly, we leverage our collective expertise to enrich lives and uplift communities. Through strategic investments and active community involvement, our leadership ensures that our initiatives yield lasting, positive benefits.oki

Role Summary:The Vice President of Events & Activations leads strategic efforts to transform underutilized commercial spaces into vibrant, engaging, and profitable destinations through art, events, and creative programming. With a primary focus on activating key anchor locations at the former Lafayette Square Mall, surrounding outlots, and designated land at 38th Street, this role is charged with curating experiences that drive community interest, improve neighborhood perception, and generate revenue. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the VP of Events & Activations oversees all aspects of activation strategy, including event scheduling, artist and vendor engagement, contract execution, and on-site coordination. The ideal candidate is a community-driven leader with deep experience in creative placemaking, cultural programming, and event operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Activation & Community Engagement:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive activation strategy for vacant commercial spaces, focused on cultural enrichment, visibility and profitability.
• Lead efforts to shift public perception of the Lafayette Square area through impactful, high-quality arts and cultural programming.
• Identify opportunities for short-term and long-term uses of space including pop-up events, installations, markets, exhibitions, performances, and community gatherings.
• Build relationships with local and regional artists, creatives, and cultural organizations to foster collaboration and drive creative activation.

Event Planning & Execution:

• Schedule and coordinate a calendar of events across key anchor sites and adjacent properties.
• Oversee contract creation, vendor coordination, permitting, and event compliance.
• Ensure smooth, professional execution of events and activations, including on-site leadership and post-event follow-up.
• Manage event logistics such as equipment rental, setup, tear-down, and facility management.

Business Development & Revenue Growth:

• Design activations with a dual focus on cultural relevance and revenue generation.
• Leverage activations to attract interest from future tenants, partners, and sponsors.
• Identify funding opportunities through grants, sponsorships, or partnerships to support programming.
• Track and analyze event profitability and community impact.
• Own the activation department’s annual budget and P&L, including forecasting, cost control and financial reporting to the Chief of Staff.

Collaboration & Internal Coordination:

• Work closely with property management, marketing and construction teams to align activation plans with broader redevelopment goals.
• Communicate activation timelines and space needs to internal departments for support and coordination.
• Serve as a neighborhood liaison, attending community meetings and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure programming reflects local needs and opportunities.
• Hire and grow the activation team, setting performance expectations, mentoring staff and managing contractors or part-time event staff.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Arts Management, Urban Planning, Marketing, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of experience in event production, placemaking, cultural programming, or commercial redevelopment.
• Proven ability to activate vacant spaces and drive foot traffic and community engagement.
• Strong project management and contract negotiation skills.
• Familiarity with permitting, risk management, and operational needs for public-facing events.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and leadership abilities.
• Experience working with diverse communities and fostering inclusive programming.
• Comfortable working in dynamic environments with a hands-on, problem-solving mindset.

Physical Requirements:Combination of office-based work and on-site presence at events and activations. Requires the ability to walk large properties, lift light equipment, and be physically present for day-of coordination, sometimes during evenings or weekends.

How Success is Measured:

• Number and quality of successful activations and events held across target properties.
• Increase in community engagement, foot traffic, and positive sentiment in the neighborhood.
• Demonstrates a positive return on investment (ROI) for major events through increased foot traffic and/or monetization through activations and partnerships.
• Successful recruitment and retention of artists, performers and vendors.
• Activation of key vacant spaces that drive long-term tenancy or redevelopment outcomes.
• Positive feedback from attendees, partners and internal leadership.