Private Events Manager

Description

Job Summary:

The Private Events Manager is responsible for generating private event revenue and managing the planning and coordination of private events across campus venues at the Hall of Fame Village. This role leads the event lifecycle from initial client inquiry and sales through event planning and operational handoff, ensuring events are well organized and positioned for successful execution.

The Private Events Manager focuses on event sales, client relationship management, and event planning, while partnering closely with the Operations Department which is responsible for event execution. This role collaborates with internal departments including food & beverage, guest services, security, technical production, and facilities to ensure event requirements are clearly defined and operationally feasible.  The role will report to the EVP of General Administration and Project Management. 

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities:

Event Sales & Business Development

• Generate new private event business through proactive outreach, networking, and responding to incoming inquiries.
• Manage the full sales cycle including lead qualification, proposal development, contract negotiation, and event booking.
• Conduct venue tours and client presentations showcasing campus event spaces and capabilities.
• Develop customized event proposals, packages, and pricing in collaboration with internal departments.
• Identify opportunities to maximize event revenue through premium offerings, upgraded packages, and additional services.
• Maintain relationships with repeat clients, corporate partners, and community organizations to generate recurring event business.
• Maintain accurate sales activity records and event pipeline tracking.

Event Planning & Client Management

• Manage private event planning from contract through event execution.
• Serve as the primary client contact throughout the planning process.
•  Conduct client meetings, site visits, and event walkthroughs.
• Develop event timelines and planning documentation.

Revenue & Event Growth

• Support the development and growth of private event revenue opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to increase event revenue through upgraded packages and services.
• Support campus asset utilization through event bookings.

Operational Coordination

• Coordinate with operations departments to ensure event readiness.
• Lead internal planning meetings for upcoming events.
• Ensure all operational requirements including staffing, security, parking, and F&B needs are communicated and executed.

Event Execution

• Oversee event execution onsite to ensure successful delivery.
• Address operational or client issues in real time.

Financial Oversight

• Monitor event budgets and financial performance.
• Ensure contracted services and minimums are met.
• Track event revenue and profitability.

Team Support 

• Provide guidance and direction to event coordinators and interns.
• Assist in training and mentoring team members.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide superior guest service to visitors, guests, clients, vendors, and staff. 
• Supervision of assigned staff, assuming day-to-day responsibilities for personnel- related matters.
• Assist during interview process, onboarding, and training new hires. 
• Complete annual performance reviews for all supervised staff. 
• Provide continuous feedback, supervision, and coaching to all supervised staff. 
• Formal discipline supervised staff in conjunction with Human Resources. 
• Create and maintain schedule, assignments, and attendance.
• Approve time clocks and make adjustments as needed. 
• Respond in a timely manner to calls, texts, inquiries, and emails.
• All other duties as assigned.

FULL-TIME/SALARY/EXEMPT 

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, event management, business, or a related field preferred.
• 5-7 years’ previous experience in event sales, planning, hospitality, or venue operations.
• Experience managing private events in venues, hotels, stadiums, or conventions centers is required.
• Strong organizational, financial, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. 
• Required to be able to communicate with employees, co-workers, volunteers, management staff and guests in a clear, business-like, and respectful manner which focuses on generating a positive, enthusiastic, and cooperative environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule (nights, weekends & holidays as necessary) is required. 
• Must be a flexible and reliable team player, both within own department and entire organization.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining a high level of performance, working quickly without compromising quality.
• Must have the ability to demonstrate uncompromised judgment and discretion regarding confidential matters while maintaining confidentiality.
• Proven ability in Microsoft Office Suite.

Physical Requirements for Position: 

• The ability to lift up to 25 pounds regularly.  
• The ability to work in various Ohio weather conditions, inside and outside. 
• The ability to work with hot, cold, and hazardous equipment as well as operate phones, computers, copiers/scanners, and other office equipment.  
• The ability to move safely over uneven terrain, steps, or in construction zones.  
• The ability to see and respond to hazardous situations.  
• The ability to sit, stand, squat, bend, stoop, twist, walk, and complete repetitive hand and write motions for periods of time as required for the position. 
• Must be able to hear, see, and speak.??? 
• Ability to comprehend instructions and retain information.?? 
• Must have manual dexterity necessary to complete all job duties.???? 
• Must be available to work in Canton, Ohio. 

Benefits:

• Paid leave
• Medical Insurance
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance
• STD/LTD
• 401K
• Supplemental Insurance

Core Competencies:

• Vision and Strategic Thinking: Addresses issues preemptively, thinks strategically, and anticipates needs and priorities.
• Entrepreneurship: Champions innovation and encourages new ideas. Builds momentum to get things done by communicating clearly and consistently. Acts decisively. Helps others to successfully manage organizational change. Recognizes successes and informed risk-taking.
• Integrity: Is ethical and honest in all dealings. Keeps confidences and is highly responsible in managing strictly confidential information. Treats others fairly and equitably. Delivers what is promised. Is respected by others.
• Accountability for Results: Sets goals and high standards to accomplish these goals. Follows through on all commitments. Has a sense of direction and keeps focused but knows when to be flexible and adapts accordingly. Maintains a positive attitude despite stress, frustration, and ambiguity; recovers quickly from disappointments and setbacks. Questions how things were done in order to develop ways to do things more efficiently. Encourages diverse thought and welcomes contributions.
• Relationship Management/Collaboration: Builds, maintains, and values positive relationships inside and outside the organization. Allocates effort to understanding and meeting needs of customers and targeted prospects, and community leaders. Assists others in accomplishing their goals. Communicates effectively and speaks and writes clearly. Listens and values contributions of others.
• Learning Agility: Learns technology, new systems, and processes to improve job proficiency. Inspires and encourages others to learn and grow in their careers.
• Coaching and Development: Encourages and inspires others’ development and growth while also working to improve themselves. Conveys high expectations both of themselves and for others. Regularly provides helpful guidance and advice and appreciates the opportunity to grow when receiving the same.
• Execution: Ability to take plans and successfully execute against them.

Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers.