Position Summary:

The Event Manager is responsible for overseeing the booking and seamless execution of all private events at Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa). This role involves actively pursuing potential clients and developing a strategic marketing plan to promote event spaces. The Event Manager ensures the growth and profitability of the department while maintaining a high level of client satisfaction. Working closely with the Assistant Event Manager, this position fosters strong relationships with clients, vendors, and internal departments to meet event needs and resolve booking conflicts. The ideal candidate will excel in communication and organization, offering creative solutions and logistical support tailored to each client’s needs. This role also involves leadership of the O-pa non-ticketed events department, collaborating with the Food and Beverage team on catering operations for private events, and adhering to O-pa’s Core Values of Team, Trust, Integrity, and Inclusion.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee catering operations for private events to ensure O-pa and client expectations are met.
• Collaborate with the Programming Department to schedule and coordinate event rentals.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies and materials to attract new clients and promote industry events.
• Proactively seek out potential clients and follow up on sales leads.
• Lead and assist the Assistant Event Manager in planning and executing private events from start to finish.
• Meet with clients to discuss event space options and help them visualize their event setup.
• Coordinate with O-pa staff to manage all food-service logistics for private events.
• Work with in-house catering team to plan menus and develop standardized options for rental events.
• Assist in the preparation of event contracts.
• Review vendor invoices to ensure accurate billing and timely payments.
• Approve customer estimates and final settlements as necessary.
• Maximize revenue potential for all rental spaces across O-pa venues.

• Maintain a flexible schedule to accommodate special events.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal and external vendors.
• Develop and update an annual business and operations plan to achieve revenue goals.
• Prepare and monitor annual budgets, comparing actual performance against targets.
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in the event and meeting sectors.
• Attend industry events and trade shows to promote O-pa (pre-approval required).
• Participate in and assist with O-pa events as needed.
• Build and maintain relationships with vendors, donors, and clients.
• Enforce facility use policies and ensure compliance with contractual terms, including payment collection.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Potential direct reports.
• Collaborate with other departments to plan and execute events.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Capable of standing or walking for extended periods.
• Ability to kneel, squat, or stand for prolonged periods.
• Frequent talking and listening required.
• Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Equipment/Machinery Used: Personal computer

• Copier/Scanner/Fax
• Telephone
• Various other general office equipment.

Minimum Experience and Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• 3 years of Event Management experience.
• Prior supervisory experience and the demonstrated ability to work well with other departments and external vendors/customers.

Minimum Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in retail and/or business management, food service management, merchandising or related field.