Special Events and Programming Director Job Opening

The Director of Special Events and Programming is responsible for the planning, coordination and execution of special events and programming initiatives that maximize the organization’s visibility, expose the parks to new audiences, and ensure revenue generation. Primary emphasis will be placed on events that generate both lodging and park revenue.

In addition, the Director of Special Events and Programming is responsible for identifying and securing sponsorship opportunities to financially support the events and programming; as well as, undertake a variety of daily tasks relating to supporting Oglebay and Wheeling Park staff including Wilson Lodge with their park and lodge events and programming. The purpose of this support is to assist the team with ideas for enhancing existing events, activities and programming plus achieving smooth and polished execution.

The position requires great attention to detail, including being able to plan and manage site logistics related to large and small-scale event design, permitting and public safety.

While the Director of Special Events and Programming will work across the organization, the individual will report to the Executive VP of Operations.

Essential Duties

• Provide leadership, expertise and direction by planning and executing quality special events and programming within Oglebay and Wheeling Park. Facilitate operational functions and ensure key internal stakeholders align to meet event goals.
• Source, secure and manage small and large-scale special events and event-based new business endeavors to drive revenue for the Park. Evaluate the effectiveness of such programs/events consistently and recommend plans for forward movement based on Wheeling Park Commission priorities.
• Expand opportunities for non-ticketed and ticketed events and the coordination of marketing efforts for them appropriately to new audiences, whether directly or through park partners and sponsors. Increase amount and range of revenue generation opportunities to support the Parks.
• Source, secure, manage and fulfill sponsorships and partnerships for a wide range of park programming properties in coordination with Oglebay Foundation.
• Oversee a comprehensive calendar of special events and programming. Work with internal teams to ensure that event dates are strategically selected.
• Partner with directors, managers, and other staff positions who are responsible for lodging, food & beverage, park operations, recreation, maintenance, permitting and internal programming in both parks in planning and execution of special events and programming.
• Work with the Marketing Department to ensure language, design and overall appearance of all event-related collateral is appropriate with Wheeling Park Commission’s brand and image for each audience and activity.
• Create and maintain productive working relationships with the greater Wheeling community including vendors, colleagues, donors, park staff and volunteers.
• Develop and administer events budgets. Prepare, manage and monitor event-specific revenue and expenses to ensure goals and objectives are met while monitoring spending.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, recreation, hospitality or related field
• 3 to 5 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Possesses a forward thinking, proactive mentality
• Ability to balance numerous demands while maintaining control and building a team focused environment
• Excellent verbal and nonverbal communication
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents
• Ability to write speeches and articles for publication
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts: such as; probability, fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations
• Work a standard work week, some evenings and weekends will be required to monitor activities and events

Work Environment

• Office environment
• Mission of the organization may sometimes take place in non standard workplaces

Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

• event planninig: 2 years (Preferred)
• business to business: 2 years (Preferred)

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

License:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work authorization:

• United States (Required)

Benefits offered:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Healthcare spending or reimbursement accounts such as HSAs or FSAs
• Other types of insurance
• Workplace perks such as food/coffee and flexible work schedules