Senior Director of Event Services

Senior Director Of Event Services

The Senior Director of Event Services provides strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight of the Event Services Department at the Toyota Arena and ONT Field, Legends Global-managed facilities. This role is responsible for ensuring all events are planned and executed to the highest professional, technical, and customer-service standards while maintaining compliance with contractual, safety, and financial requirements.

The Sr. Director serves as the primary liaison between tenants, promoters, clients, internal departments, and third-party partners throughout the full event lifecycle from pre-contract planning through event execution and final settlement. This position requires flexibility to work a non-traditional schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, extended hours, and consecutive event days.

Essential Functions :

• Leads the planning and execution of all events, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, tenant and sponsor / partner requirements.
• Oversight of all aspects of Event Services Department staff including Managers, Coordinators, Stagehands, Production Technicians and event related activities.
• Delegate event coordination responsibilities and communicate event assignment information to Toyota Arena and ONT Field staff.
• Work with the General Manager(s) / Event Sales Manager(s) and other staff to prepare pre-contract labor and equipment estimates, CADs and any other necessary information.
• Manage production equipment, schedule usage and maintenance of all production related equipment. Develop and train staff on proper transportation and use of production equipment. Maintain inventory of consumable production items.
• Develop recommendations and proposals for the purchase or replacement of production and technical equipment.
• Maintain and update the venue's technical specifications and production / tech riders.
• Develop monthly third-party labor schedules and adjust staffing plans based on event changes.
• Create and development Stagehand and Technical Production hiring needs, hiring procedures and training.
• Manage and produce in-house and venue-initiated events.
• Communicate with event promoters, event managers, and production managers throughout all stages of events; from pre-event planning throughout event execution and settlement, coordinate the requirements of each event based on the client contracts and production riders.
• Ensure Arena and Stadium Sponsors contractual amenities are met. Contact marketing in advance of any promoter requests that would be a conflict.
• Communicate with Premium Sales any luxury suite or club seat kills ASAP (Arena).
• Lead Production meetings weekly to review past shows / events and review upcoming shows / events.
• Coordinate and direct when needed, external contract equipment and labor including but not limited to audio, lighting, backline, heavy equipment, vehicles, gases, dcor, etc. and ensure timely delivery and set up.
• In-depth knowledge of event production, including technical aspects such as audio, lighting, staging, and production equipment.
• Serve as a facility representative at events; facilitate pre- and post-event walk through to assess facility condition; enforce facility policies and procedures throughout each event; identify and resolve event challenges; resolve public complaints.
• Supervise back of house operations and staff including stagehands, security and changeover crew directly or in directly through subordinate staff.
• Assist Front-of-House, Guest Services staffing and assure that it is adjusted to balance customer service, safety and security to meet the financial needs of the event.
• Manage event budgets and complete settlement documents for each event and promoter requirements.
• Communicate with the marketing team, event requirements for the scoreboard, auxiliary boards, marquee and video equipment.
• Prepare written details and requirements for each event; prepare floor plans and ensure compliance with applicable fire, building, and safety codes; communicate changes before and during events with staff.
• Collect and prepare settlements including labor, in-house and rental equipment etc.
• Provide excellent customer service to a wide variety of customers - internal and external.
• Ensure compliance with CBAs, labor laws, and venue policies.
• Drive seamless coordination across Operations, Security, Guest Services, IT, F&B, Sales, Marketing, Box Office, and Facilities.
• Lead event risk assessments and operational readiness reviews.
• Coordinate emergency response planning with Security, City agencies, and first responders.
• Ensure compliance with fire, life safety, ADA, and building codes.
• Partner with Facilities and IT on lifecycle planning and new technology deployment.
• Analyze post-event data and recaps to drive operational improvements.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Experience / Training :

Required :

Demonstrated progression of leadership and responsibility in live events or venue operations. A minimum of 7 years' experience managing events in a theater, arena, or similar live-event venue is required with at least 5 years in a senior director or executive-level leadership role. Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional teams and manage complex, high-profile events. Additional years of experience may be substituted for formal education Strong working knowledge of technical theater, audio, lighting, and production systems. Must demonstrate strong leadership skills

Education :

4-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Event Management, Theater Management, Business Management or related field is preferred Master's degree in a relevant field is preferred

Physical and Environmental Requirements :

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following :

Prolonged standing and walking Use of hands to finger / handle; Use of arms to reach; climb stoop kneel crouch or crawl This position requires ability to see and read names from lists, diagrams, computer work and colored schematics for event set-ups. (close vision, distance vision, and color vision) Ability to read and interpret documents such as written correspondence, safety rules, diagrams and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of clients or members of organization. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as settlements hours / dollars member payments, portions, and percentages. Ability to apply concepts of basic mathematics Ability to solve practical problems and deal with unique client related situations or staffing issues Strong interpersonal skills Lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously Ability to work under pressure

Work Environment :

Long hours during events Most of the Time moderate noise levels associated with office seating Occasional loud noise level when working a concert or louder events.

Tasks are performed with moderate supervision. Walking & standing occurs 95% of the time (4-8 hours per shift). pushing and pulling doors open, lifting, stooping, bending and lifting 25 lbs. This position may require work inside or outside, as needed by events. Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends and holidays, in addition to normal business hours.

Employee may be scheduled to work until 12 : 00am or later. Must be able to pass background. Employee should use precautions & follow safety guidelines.