Director of Event Operations

Title

Director of Event Operations

About the Organization Thanksgiving Point is a nonprofit dedicated to sparking curiosity, inspiring confidence, and helping children and families discover something new every time they visit. Through our museums, gardens, and farm experiences, we create hands-on adventures that are centered around all things STEM.

Born from a spirit of gratitude, we are proud to be a community-centered organization where science, nature, and the arts come alive. Each year, thousands of guests walk through our doors to explore, play, and grow-and it takes a passionate, creative team to make that magic happen.

If you're looking for meaningful work in a place where ideas are welcomed, teamwork matters, and every day brings something different, we'd love to meet you. Description

Director of Event Operations Job Description

Wage: DOE, Salaried Role

Schedule: Full-Time (Flexible, event-driven; evenings, weekends, and holidays required)

Benefits: Free Thanksgiving Point Membership (for you and immediate family). Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. Paid time off & holidays. 401(k). Employee Assistance Program. Financial Assistance Program. Venue discounts and more

Summary: The Director of Event Operations serves as a senior leader within the Campus Events Department, responsible for the strategic direction, operational excellence, and financial performance of all private events and hospitality services across Thanksgiving Point. This role oversees and integrates the full event execution ecosystem-including Catering, Set Up, Audio Visual, and Floral Departments-to deliver seamless, high-quality, and memorable guest experiences.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute event operations strategy aligned with organizational goals
• Partner with executive leadership to position Thanksgiving Point as a premier destination
• Identify new revenue streams and innovations
• Lead long-term planning for growth and efficiency

Departmental Oversight & Integration

• For: Catering, Set Up, Audio Visual and Floral & Site Décor
• Oversee catering operations, menus, pricing, and service standards
• Ensure alignment between guest expectations and financial performance
• Direct event setup and breakdown operations
• Implement logistics systems and labor planning
• Oversee AV production including sound, lighting, and visuals
• Partner with vendors and teams for high-production events
• Lead creative direction for floral and décor
• Ensure alignment with brand and client expectations
• Integrate all departments into cohesive operations

Operations Management

• Oversee execution of all events
• Maintain quality control and service standards
• Develop SOPs and performance benchmarks
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulations

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop department managers
• Build a culture of accountability and collaboration
• Partner with HR on hiring and retention
• Oversee workforce planning

Financial Performance

• Manage P&L and budgets
• Drive profitability and cost controls
• Analyze data for improvements

Client Experience & Sales Collaboration

• Partner with sales and marketing teams
• Ensure seamless client experience
• Handle escalated concerns

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Collaborate across campus teams
• Support large-scale events
• Participate in planning meetings
• Exemplify Thanksgiving Point's Mission, Values and policies

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• 7+ years leadership experience
• Experience overseeing multi-department operations
• Strong financial and operational skills
• Physical abilities include: lift 50 lbs, stand and sit for long periods of time, bend, twist, walk, climb stairs, and manipulate small objects.
• Pass a background check
• At least 21 years old

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a company we do E-Verify on all potential candidates.

If you have questions about accommodations, please reach out to hr@thanksgivingpoint.org. We are an E-Verified Required Employer Position Senior Director - Events Shift Rotating Days and Nights Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt Category Hospitality Location Thanksgiving Point Number of Openings 1 Number Filled 0

This position is currently accepting applications.

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