Director of Events

Great Parks is seeking a community-focused, strategic leader to fill the new Director of Events role within the Marketing & Brand Strategy division. This individual will lead Great Parks special events and external community events strategies, goals, and KPIs that align with the organization’s mission and brand. The ideal candidate will have expertise in driving event performance, managing budgets, and implementing operational improvements to enhance guest satisfaction, attendance, and revenue. They will also be skilled at leading teams, collaborating, and building strong stakeholder relationships to ensure successful, high-impact events.

At Great Parks, our team members work together to preserve and protect natural resources and to provide outdoor recreation and education in order to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.

Be a part of an inclusive organization that enriches the region by inspiring nature-based experiences, celebrating cultural heritage and building strong and healthy communities through our dedicated staff, volunteers, and friends.

The successful candidate will:

Promotes Great Parks’ mission, programs, events, and services through the development and application of communication and promotional programs and advertising campaigns.

Develops and oversees the strategic plan, goals, and KPIs for Great Parks events, aligning with the organizational mission and brand in collaboration with the Chief of Marketing & Brand Strategy.

Leads event performance analysis and post-event reporting based on established KPIs, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with agency goals.

Develops and implements event evaluation processes to measure success and provide actionable insights for future events.

Regularly reports on event metrics, including guest satisfaction, attendance, and budget performance.

Develop event concepts, including innovative ideas to drive attendance, guest satisfaction, and revenue with support from the events coordinator.

Implements streamlined operational improvements for ticketing, attendance tracking, merchandise sales, etc., in partnership with internal stakeholders such as IT and the merchandising manager.

Leads milestone events strategies, including groundbreakings, grand openings, and ribbon cuttings, with support from the community engagement coordinator.

Develops and manages the department’s budget, ensuring efficient event execution and adherence to revenue goals.

Creates and manages contracts with vendors, ensuring timely acquisition of necessary licenses, insurance, and documentation.

Leads external event sponsorship and event attendance strategy with support from the community engagement coordinator.

Works closely with internal departments, subject matter experts, and external vendors to build strategic relationships and support a collaborative working environment.

Builds and maintains relationships with industry peers and conducts market research to guide decision-making and avoid event duplication.

Collaborates with the marketing and brand strategy team and website manager to ensure effective events marketing strategies.

Provides exceptional customer service, resolving guest concerns and complaints promptly.

Collaborates with the philanthropy team in support of event sponsorship plans and strategies.

Performs job duties in accordance with Great Parks’ policies, procedures and performance expectations.

Maintains confidentiality of confidential and sensitive information.

Works assigned schedule, exhibits regular and punctual attendance and works outside of normal schedule as required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Performs other job duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in hospitality, event management, marketing, communications, business administration, or related field from an accredited university is required.

Minimum of 8 years of experience working in event planning, community engagement, customer relations, or related role, with at least 3 of which in a leadership role.

Experience in developing and executing large-scale events — from developing the vision and market research to executing the event, soliciting attendee feedback, and creating event performance reports.

Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements.

License or Certification Requirements

State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License that meets GPHC current carrier guidelines.

We offer an excellent benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance; paid vacation, 11 holidays and sick time; enrollment in Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and free or discounted use of many Great Parks of Hamilton County recreational activities.

Great Parks is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or any other classification protected under applicable law.