Special Events Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Special Events Manager is responsible for leading the planning, coordination, and successful execution of special events hosted at BMO Stadium. This role serves as a primary contact between clients, event partners, and internal departments, ensuring seamless communication and coordination throughout the event planning and execution process.  The Special Events Manager will primarily manage non-sports programs, including special events, meetings, receptions/dinners, internal events and other special event programming.  This role works cross-collaboratively and cross-functionally across various departments to align event requirements, operational needs, and client expectations while delivering exceptional, world-class event experiences.  

The ideal candidate demonstrates the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, proactively resolve challenges, maintain a positive and solutions-oriented approach, and consistently uphold a high standard of service and execution.

This role reports to the Director, Events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serve as the primary contact for clients, event producers, planners, and stadium teams; overseeing overall event logistics and execution from planning through execution and breakdown as it relates to special events.
• Lead weekly internal meetings in collaboration with stadium departments (Operations, Guest Experience, Security, Food & Beverage, etc.) to ensure seamless planning and execution of special events.
• Lead client site visits, planning meetings, and event advances for assigned events, ensuring seamless coordination, clear communication, and successful execution.
• Develop comprehensive event plans and operational materials, including setup documents, event diagrams, room layouts, and other event-specific documentation.
• Ensure all event information is accurate, complete, and distributed to the appropriate departments in a timely manner to facilitate effective communication, cross-functional coordination, and successful event execution.
• Collaborate with venue departments and operational teams to develop event plans that meet client expectations, event requirements, and established venue standards as it relates to special events.
• Ensure all special events comply with stadium policies and procedures, fire department requirements, and applicable local, state, and other regulatory requirements.
• Prepare, communicate, and manage event estimates and final settlements, ensuring accuracy, timely completion, and appropriate supporting documentation.
• Manage one full-time Event Coordinator in support of the planning, coordination, and execution of special events.
• Cross-train and provide operational support for other stadium events, including concerts, soccer matches, and other major events, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor/Management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College/University required, preferably in Business, Hospitality, Sports and Entertainment Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in the events industry, preferably within stadiums, arenas, public assembly facilities, hospitality, tourism, or related environments.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple events, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment while working independently and taking ownership of assigned events from planning through execution.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and proactive, with a strong work ethic and commitment to delivering exceptional results.
• Prior experience coordinating with vendors and managing contracts, budgets, and event-related logistics.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic live-event environment while demonstrating a strong focus on hospitality and creating exceptional event experiences.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate information, expectations, and instructions to colleagues, clients, vendors, leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong working relationships across departments while remaining professional, composed, and solutions-oriented under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and situations with a high degree of professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion.
• Proficiency in Google Workplace and Microsoft Office Suite programs required.
• Flexible schedule with the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as the event calendar requires.
• Previous experience managing part-time and/or full-time staff is a plus. 
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.
• Experience working in AutoCAD is a plus.

SALARY RANGE 

At LAFC, we carefully consider a wide range of factors to determine a fair and equitable compensation package. The final offer amount will consider a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience and training. Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure guidelines, the compensation range for this role is $75,000 - $80,000 per year.