DIRECTOR – DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

ORGANIZATION:

The Arc Los Angeles and Orange Counties is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving adults from age 19 to seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The Arc has a proven record of providing high quality, engaging, community-based programs since 1956.

Our Mission: We empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to build person-centered life skills, access opportunities, and belong.

Our Vision: We envision a community where people with disabilities truly belong and thrive.

POSITION:

The Director of Events oversees the Reagan Event Center rentals for community events. S/he is responsible for the strategic planning, leadership, providing tours and execution of all center events. This role oversees event logistics, hospitality and customer service with the support of event staff. S/he will leverage relationships to enhance event offerings, increase rentals, improve profitability, and ensure a positive experience for clients. Key responsibilities include contract negotiation, vendor management, budgets, and the implementation of strategic branding initiatives. Reports to the Chief Compliance and Operations Officer.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Lead and manage a center events team of 7 or more staff. 
2. Align client’s objectives, budget and preferences for their event with Center offerings.
3. Work with other Directors to facilitate communication, teambuilding and leadership expectations and standards for special events.   
4. Provides feedback and/or advice about menus, decor and entertainment.
5. Ensures the safety and well-being of all by following organizational policies, procedures, actively monitoring environments. 
6. Develops and implements detailed event timelines and staff schedules to ensure smooth and efficient event execution. 
7. Serves as the primary point of contact for vendors and suppliers, coordinating services and maintaining strong working relationships. 
8. Proactively identifies and resolves issues that arise before and during events to ensure a high-quality guest experience. 
9. Collaborates with the Executive Chef to coordinate staffing needs, ensuring adequate coverage of servers, kitchen staff, and cleaning crews. 
10. Prepares, reviews, and manages event-related contracts in alignment with organizational policies and standards. 
11. Develops, updates, and oversees event marketing materials to effectively promote services and enhance brand visibility. 
12. Manages petty cash and oversees credit card usage, ensuring all expenditures are appropriate, accurately documented, and aligned with program needs. 
13. Collaborate with other Arc Directors to help support organizational goals. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree and 5 years’ experience working with special events, bilingual English/Spanish preferred. Additional experience may be substituted for educational requirements.
• Excellence in organizational leadership with the ability to coach staff, oversee and develop high-performance teams, and set and achieve strategic objectives. 
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, including the ability to resolve disputes and observe confidentiality, exercising tact in dealing with sensitive, nuanced, and confidential issues and situations.
• An adaptable multi-tasker with the ability to control and move forward on several priorities simultaneously.
• Experience with evaluating staff, creating staff growth/development plans.
• Able to successfully complete organizational provided Red Cross First Aid and CPR Training.
• Adept at leading team and supervisory meetings and engaging staff to achieve high levels of performance. 
• Strong computer skills and able to navigate programs for data entry and recording.

KEY COMPETENCIES NEEDED:

• Communication and Influence -The skill of conveying ideas clearly and effectively while inspiring, persuading, and building trust with others. It includes active listening, tailoring messages to different audiences, and motivating stakeholders into action.
• Critical Thinking and Decision Making - The capacity to analyze information objectively, evaluate options, and make sound, timely decisions. It involves problem-solving, assessing risks and impacts, and using logic and data to drive effective outcomes.
• Teambuilding and Development - The skill of creating, strengthening, and developing high-performing teams by fostering collaboration, trust, and accountability. It involves coaching individuals, leveraging strengths, and supporting professional growth to achieve shared goals.
• Time Management and Organization - The ability to effectively prioritize tasks, maximize time, and maintain organized systems to meet deadlines. It includes balancing multiple responsibilities while maintaining productivity and quality.
• Integrity and Ethical Judgment - A commitment to honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all actions and decisions. It involves doing the right thing even in difficult situations and building trust with others.
• Accountability - The willingness to take ownership of responsibilities, actions, and outcomes. It includes following through on commitments, being answerable for results, and proactively addressing challenges or mistakes.
• Quality Assurance - The ability to establish, monitor, and continuously improve program standards to ensure high-quality outcomes. Involves implementing evaluation processes, identifying gaps, and driving ongoing enhancements to ensure quality services.

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION:

• Compensation: $24.50 - $31 p/h. Based on experience and education.
• Time varies based on events scheduled. Some weekends or evenings as needed for special events/community events.
• 403B available with employer 4% provided after employee contributes 6%.
• Health, Vision, Dental and more benefits available.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree and 5 years’ experience working with special events, bilingual English/Spanish preferred. Additional experience may be substituted for educational requirements.
• Excellence in organizational leadership with the ability to coach staff, oversee and develop high-performance teams, and set and achieve strategic objectives. 
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, including the ability to resolve disputes and observe confidentiality, exercising tact in dealing with sensitive, nuanced, and confidential issues and situations.
• An adaptable multi-tasker with the ability to control and move forward on several priorities simultaneously.
• Experience with evaluating staff, creating staff growth/development plans.
• Able to successfully complete organizational provided Red Cross First Aid and CPR Training.
• Adept at leading team and supervisory meetings and engaging staff to achieve high levels of performance. 
• Strong computer skills and able to navigate programs for data entry and recording.