Gemological Institute of America
Director of Event Operations
Gemological Institute of America, Carlsbad, California, United States, 92002
JOB OVERVIEW
The Director of Event Operations will lead and oversee GIA's corporate events globally, including trade shows, board meetings, executive trips, large-scale industry conferences, career fairs and other education events, and other highly visible, high-profile events. Working across the organization's business units and engaging with all levels of management, this role will be responsible for developing the strategies that drive each event and ladder up to the greater GIA brand and business strategic plans. This critical role requires exceptional leadership skills and the ability to deliver flawless events with precision and creativity.
What to expect: Hybrid role (3 days on-site) at our Carlsbad, CA headquarters We offer competitive medical, dental & vision Matching 401-K plans up to 8%, no vesting required Paid vacation, sick and holidays, tuition assistance, commuter benefits On-site café ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Event Planning and Management
Work directly with senior leadership across functional areas to lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of global corporate events. Develop detailed event strategy plans that will provide direction for events team, including logistics, budgeting, scheduling, and staffing. Industry Conferences and Trade Shows
Lead the organization, management and flawless operations of industry conferences and events. Oversee GIA's participation in industry trade shows globally, ensuring strategic alignment with Market Development and Brand Marketing goals, impeccable booth design, engaging on-site activations, development of content and other branded materials, and additional needs specific to each market. Board Meetings and Executive Trips
Responsible for the planning and production of high-level board meetings and executive trips, including venue selection, itinerary planning, and oversight of all logistical aspects that will combine to exceed attendees' expectations. GIA Education Career Fairs and Events
Collaborate with Education, Marketing and other functional areas as needed to develop, direct and manage career fairs, open houses and other education events, in the U.S. locations and globally as needed. Work with Alumni Collective leadership to support or lead the design, development and production of events globally. Team Leadership
Supervise and mentor a Sr. Manager, Trade Shows and Events, providing guidance and support to ensure successful event execution. As part of the Marketing Leadership Team, work seamlessly with other Directors to help foster a collaborative and innovative environment within and across the Brand Marketing team. Vendor and Stakeholder Management
Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with vendors, venues, and other external partners. Ensure all contracts and agreements are executed in accordance with company policies and standards. Budget Management
Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effective solutions while meeting high standards of quality. Track and report on financial performance, including expenses and ROI analysis. Post-Event Evaluation
Conduct post-event evaluations to assess success and gather feedback for continuous improvement. Prepare detailed reports and presentations on event outcomes and key metrics. TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan, organize, and execute complex events. Exceptional leadership and team management abilities. Communication Skills: Develops and delivers multi-mode communication that conveys a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences; uses clear and effective verbal and written communications delivered with confidence and the style of the receiver in mind. Uses persuasion, reason and negotiation to influence decisions and get results. Proficiency in budget management and financial planning. Strong computer skills utilizing software such as Microsoft Office Suite, email, and video conferencing tools (Teams, Zoom, etc). Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Excellent aesthetic judgment and impeccable attention to detail. Ability to develop innovative ideas and solutions to deliver unique events. Collaboration skills: Uses excellent 360 degree collaboration skills; develops and uses collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of short and long-term work goals. Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, transparency and authenticity. Maneuvers organizational dynamics to achieve objectives Adaptable to changing conditions and last-minute changes while maintaining a positive and calm attitude. Comfortable directing and guiding trade show and event initiatives in global regions outside of the U.S., either virtually or in-person as required. Ability to deal effectively with a variety of personalities to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to maintain and foster sensitivity and respect for a culturally diverse work environment Strong network within the industry for sourcing vendors, venues and other event-related resources. Time management: Approaches work in an organized and systematic manner; plans work and time effectively to manage conflicting or shifting priorities and achieve goals aligned with functional area and organization EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education and Certifications
Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus. Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) or Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) is highly desirable. Experience
Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in event planning and management, with a proven track record of overseeing large-scale and high-profile events. Minimum of 5 years' experience managing staff Demonstrated experience managing corporate events, industry conferences and executive Additional Requirements
Ability to travel as required (up to 50%) for event-related activities, with some international travel. Flexibility to work outside of standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed. Must possess a current and valid driver's license with a clean driving record. Must hold a valid, current and unexpired US passport. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT (if applicable)
Work is performed in a designated professional office workstation and environment. Extensive use of office equipment to include computer, calculator, copier, fax, and other business related machines and software. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit as well as move around, and regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Requires fine hand manipulation and eye-to-hand coordination. The use of other gemological instruments, such as, refractometer, polariscope, dichroscope, etc., may also be required. The employee may be required to travel domestically and/or internationally, utilizing commercial transportation resources. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Pay Range:
$120K-$170K
Disclaimer:
This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.
The Director of Event Operations will lead and oversee GIA's corporate events globally, including trade shows, board meetings, executive trips, large-scale industry conferences, career fairs and other education events, and other highly visible, high-profile events. Working across the organization's business units and engaging with all levels of management, this role will be responsible for developing the strategies that drive each event and ladder up to the greater GIA brand and business strategic plans. This critical role requires exceptional leadership skills and the ability to deliver flawless events with precision and creativity.
What to expect: Hybrid role (3 days on-site) at our Carlsbad, CA headquarters We offer competitive medical, dental & vision Matching 401-K plans up to 8%, no vesting required Paid vacation, sick and holidays, tuition assistance, commuter benefits On-site café ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Event Planning and Management
Work directly with senior leadership across functional areas to lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of global corporate events. Develop detailed event strategy plans that will provide direction for events team, including logistics, budgeting, scheduling, and staffing. Industry Conferences and Trade Shows
Lead the organization, management and flawless operations of industry conferences and events. Oversee GIA's participation in industry trade shows globally, ensuring strategic alignment with Market Development and Brand Marketing goals, impeccable booth design, engaging on-site activations, development of content and other branded materials, and additional needs specific to each market. Board Meetings and Executive Trips
Responsible for the planning and production of high-level board meetings and executive trips, including venue selection, itinerary planning, and oversight of all logistical aspects that will combine to exceed attendees' expectations. GIA Education Career Fairs and Events
Collaborate with Education, Marketing and other functional areas as needed to develop, direct and manage career fairs, open houses and other education events, in the U.S. locations and globally as needed. Work with Alumni Collective leadership to support or lead the design, development and production of events globally. Team Leadership
Supervise and mentor a Sr. Manager, Trade Shows and Events, providing guidance and support to ensure successful event execution. As part of the Marketing Leadership Team, work seamlessly with other Directors to help foster a collaborative and innovative environment within and across the Brand Marketing team. Vendor and Stakeholder Management
Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with vendors, venues, and other external partners. Ensure all contracts and agreements are executed in accordance with company policies and standards. Budget Management
Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effective solutions while meeting high standards of quality. Track and report on financial performance, including expenses and ROI analysis. Post-Event Evaluation
Conduct post-event evaluations to assess success and gather feedback for continuous improvement. Prepare detailed reports and presentations on event outcomes and key metrics. TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan, organize, and execute complex events. Exceptional leadership and team management abilities. Communication Skills: Develops and delivers multi-mode communication that conveys a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences; uses clear and effective verbal and written communications delivered with confidence and the style of the receiver in mind. Uses persuasion, reason and negotiation to influence decisions and get results. Proficiency in budget management and financial planning. Strong computer skills utilizing software such as Microsoft Office Suite, email, and video conferencing tools (Teams, Zoom, etc). Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Excellent aesthetic judgment and impeccable attention to detail. Ability to develop innovative ideas and solutions to deliver unique events. Collaboration skills: Uses excellent 360 degree collaboration skills; develops and uses collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of short and long-term work goals. Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, transparency and authenticity. Maneuvers organizational dynamics to achieve objectives Adaptable to changing conditions and last-minute changes while maintaining a positive and calm attitude. Comfortable directing and guiding trade show and event initiatives in global regions outside of the U.S., either virtually or in-person as required. Ability to deal effectively with a variety of personalities to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to maintain and foster sensitivity and respect for a culturally diverse work environment Strong network within the industry for sourcing vendors, venues and other event-related resources. Time management: Approaches work in an organized and systematic manner; plans work and time effectively to manage conflicting or shifting priorities and achieve goals aligned with functional area and organization EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education and Certifications
Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus. Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) or Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) is highly desirable. Experience
Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in event planning and management, with a proven track record of overseeing large-scale and high-profile events. Minimum of 5 years' experience managing staff Demonstrated experience managing corporate events, industry conferences and executive Additional Requirements
Ability to travel as required (up to 50%) for event-related activities, with some international travel. Flexibility to work outside of standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed. Must possess a current and valid driver's license with a clean driving record. Must hold a valid, current and unexpired US passport. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT (if applicable)
Work is performed in a designated professional office workstation and environment. Extensive use of office equipment to include computer, calculator, copier, fax, and other business related machines and software. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit as well as move around, and regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Requires fine hand manipulation and eye-to-hand coordination. The use of other gemological instruments, such as, refractometer, polariscope, dichroscope, etc., may also be required. The employee may be required to travel domestically and/or internationally, utilizing commercial transportation resources. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Pay Range:
$120K-$170K
Disclaimer:
This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.