Events Specialist

Job Title:         Event Specialist

Department:    Event Operations

Reports To:     Director of Event Operations

Level:               Specialist

Type:                Full-Time Regular

FLSA Status:   Non-exempt

Role Type:       Individual Contributor

SUMMARY

The Event Specialist oversees the planning and execution of events across various enterprises and venues, including the Providence-Swedish Performance Center and Clubhouse, The NINETY, and Lumen Field, as well as private and special club events. This role requires a creative, detail-oriented, and organized leader capable of innovative thinking to bring event plans to fruition.

The ideal candidate will adeptly handle both small-scale and large-scale events, ensuring they reflect the club’s brand, mission, and objectives. They will add value to the club by collaborating with cross-functional departments such as Marketing, Corporate Partnerships, RAVE, Social Impact, and People and Culture, to deliver successful events.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the organization and implementation of Tier-3 club events at The Providence Swedish Performance Center and Clubhouse, The NINETY, and various community events region-wide.
• Conduct venue walkthroughs with vendors, external clients, and internal teams to confirm venue suitability and establish a comprehensive event operational plan.
• Develop and maintain event operational playbooks, including event briefs, staffing matrices, CAD layouts, event run of shows, and post-event recaps in collaboration with the Director of Event Operations.
• Manage logistics by coordinating with approved agencies and vendors to establish load-in and load-out schedules, rental orders, and floorplans for all events.
• Support the Director of Event Operations in conceptualizing and executing Tier 1 & Tier 2 events and Tier 1 matchdays.
• Manage event budgets diligently to meet financial targets and maintain accountability for all events.
• Oversee the Sounders watch party and training viewing programs by developing operational plans, scouting event locations, fostering relationships with pub partners, and managing event setups and teardowns.
• Act as the primary contact on event days, handling vendor coordination, event setup and teardown, and supervising event staff including matchday and events assistants.
• Manage the inventory and storage facilities of the Operations department at the Providence-Swedish Performance Center and Clubhouse, and The NINETY.
• Coordinate the Sounders Street team program, handling inquiries, identifying community event opportunities, and scheduling part-time matchday and events assistants.
• Execute matchday events at Lumen Field, The NINETY, and nearby areas, including pre-match activities like happy hours, concerts, and meet & greets, ensuring alignment with the club’s brand, mission, vision, and values.
• Serve as the primary liaison for Tier 1 matchday and event performers, including musicians, DJs, emcees, and mascots.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience in organizing and leading events within the live entertainment or sports sectors.
• Meticulous and driven leader skilled in time and project management, adept at handling multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Innovative thinker capable of developing and implementing high-level event concepts.
• Proficient in multitasking and maintaining clarity of thought in high-pressure situations.
• Exceptional communicator, both in writing and verbally, with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Committed to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and to living club values and the Sounders FC Mission to Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, partners, vendors, and fans.
• A collaborative team player that is willing to step in and execute when called upon.
• Trusted Teammate who approaches challenges with a solution-oriented mindset.
• Excellent at organizing resources and managing inventories efficiently.
• Outstanding in leading teams and providing superior customer service.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• This is a hybrid position working from home and from offices in Renton.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must be able to facilitate own local travel to events in the greater Seattle region.
• Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
• Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Responsibilities include regular work outdoors and may require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as some lifting of up to 20 pounds.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

 We offer competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people.

The annual salary range for this position is $50,000 - $70,000. Base pay at time of offer will take into account job-related knowledge, skills and experience required for the role, internal equity and market.

Our Total Rewards package for full-time team members includes:

• Healthcare plans with 100% employer sponsored premiums for employees and dependents.
• Generous PTO plan that includes unlimited paid vacation, and offseason time off to support employee health and well-being.
• 401k retirement plan matching
• Gender-neutral parental leave program offering 12-16 weeks of paid leave for new parents.
• Discounts on Sounders FC products, merchandise and with Sounders FC Partners
• Complimentary tickets to Sounders FC and Tacoma Defiance matches
• Volunteer opportunities in the Seattle community offered in support of social impact and RAVE Foundation initiatives.
• Growth opportunities, employee learning and development programs to support professional and personal growth.