Event Services Manager

Salary: $85,000.00 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 25-02631
Agency: Iowa State Fair
Opening Date: 03/18/2025
Closing Date: 4/1/2025 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP
Point of Contact: sjorgensen@iowastatefair.org
To Apply: Please submit a current resume and cover letter to frobey@iowastatefair.org, Frank Robey, Chief Mission Officer, no later than Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
Job Description
This is a courtesy posting for the Iowa State Fair. Applicants should follow instructions in the "To Apply" section.

Work Duties: Under general direction from the Chief Mission Officer, is responsible for leading the strategic direction and execution of the Event Services Department. This role includes overseeing budgeting, strategic planning, vendor relationships, and ensuring a seamless event experience for clients. The manager will supervise the Event Services Coordinators, drive improvements in processes, and maintain strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Strategic Planning and Leadership:

• Develop and execute the strategic direction of the Event Sales Department to meet organizational goals and client needs.
• Identify program efficiencies and opportunities to better reach underserved clients and events.
• Lead inter- and intra-departmental meetings to discuss past and future events, ensuring collaboration across teams.
• Stay current on event planning standards, trends, and best practices to keep events innovative and effective.

Team Management and Supervision:

• Supervise, direct, and coordinate the activities of Event Services Coordinators to ensure successful execution of department objectives.
• Oversee and support a team of Event Services Coordinators, providing guidance and leadership to ensure smooth operations.
• Address and intervene in problematic situations with promoters, clients, or lessees to ensure positive resolutions.
• Establish communication protocols and operating procedures to improve event management processes and enhance team efficiency.

Event Operations and Execution:

• Determine fiscal requirements and prepare budgetary recommendations for events.
• Develop and conduct post-event surveys to gather feedback and share findings with relevant departments for improvements.
• Oversee post-event analysis, budget recaps, and participant feedback, incorporating learning into future event action plans.

Client and Stakeholder Relations:

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with organizations such as CVBs, Iowa Tourism, and other community leaders to evaluate needs and enhance event opportunities.
• Work with the marketing team to develop and design promotional materials that support event goals.

Innovation and Process Improvement:

• Conduct studies and develop feasibility studies to identify new and profitable event opportunities.
• Explore and implement new technologies and industry best practices to improve event planning and execution.

• Maintain an event calendar and implement systems to anticipate long-term planning needs for efficient event management.
• Prepare, maintain, and analyze contact database reports to create metrics, strategies, and tactics for program delivery and assessment.

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., will also include evening, weekend, and some Holiday work. Extended hours during summer months
Minimum Qualification Requirements
EXPERIENCE

Minimum of five (5) years of professional level management in event management, event planning/hospitality, ideally with a convention center, performing arts facility or other multi- purpose assembly facility is desirable.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Event Management, Hospitality, or other related fields.
• Event management certification preferred; CMP, CMM etc.

OR

• an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting the equivalent of one year of full-time work experience for each year (thirty semester or equivalent hours equals one year) of the required