Director of Event Operations

Arizona Athletic Grounds•Mesa, AZ

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Arizona Athletic Grounds (“AAG”) is one of the largest youth-oriented sports facilities in the United States, serving millions of visitors per year and providing athletic programming and a variety of special events. AAG’s operational footprint includes a 2,500+ seat outdoor stadium, 24 multi-purpose fields, 62 indoor/beach volleyball courts, 41 pickleball courts, 16 basketball courts, 8 baseball/softball diamonds, and more! As AAG continues to expand its event portfolio and attendance, operational excellence has become a strategic priority. This leadership role will oversee the planning, coordination, and flawless execution of all events while ensuring exceptional guest experiences through strong cross-functional leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Sports Management, Event Management, or related field preferred.
8–10 years of progressive operations leadership experience in sports, entertainment, hospitality, or other event-driven environments.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and large-scale operations.
Strong financial, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and operational management systems.
Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to direct, motivate, and manage a diverse team in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Ability to make sound, rapid decisions under pressure and handle high-stress situations with a calm and professional demeanor.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with staff, guests, vendors, and law enforcement.
Valid Arizona driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

Lead the operational execution of all AAG events (including but not limited to basketball, volleyball, baseball/softball, pickleball, soccer, concerts, festivals, corporate functions, and special events).
Serve as the primary point of contact for operational execution from planning through post-event review.
Direct event-day operations, anticipate challenges, and make informed real-time decisions.
Ensure all fieldhouses and complexes are event-ready and operating at the highest standards.
Work with internal directors, clients, vendors and local entities to anticipate needs including, but not limited to, staging, seating, audio/visual, electrical, signage, and load-in & out.
Identify and solve operational gaps to ensure coverage, smooth event operations, and strong financial performance.
Coordinate with internal departments (Event Services, Facilities, Custodial, Guest Relations, Security, Food & Beverage, Sports Revenue, Business Development, Marketing, and IT) and external tenants and partners to ensure cohesive, coordinated execution.
Lead internal operational planning meetings to ensure alignment and accountability across departments.
Develop staffing plans, schedules, SOPs, event playbooks, forecasts, and contingency plans.
Partner with executive leadership on strategic initiatives, venue utilization, and capital improvements.
Champion a 'White Glove' guest experience and culture of hospitality.
Think proactively, pivot quickly, and present creative solutions to operational challenges.
Drive continuous improvement through analytics, post-event reviews, and process enhancements.
Build collaborative relationships with tournament directors, partners, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
Prepare operational reports, dashboards, budgets, forecasts, labor analytics, and after-action reviews.
Monitor operational performance metrics and recommend improvements.
Partner with Finance and applicable department leads to optimize labor planning and operational resources.
Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Assist in additional duties, special projects, and events as needed.