Event Manager (Den or NYC)

Crush Studio•Denver, CO

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Event Manager is the engine of every Crush project, accountable from first briefing to final invoice. This role requires managing multiple projects, precisely tracking all moving parts from pre-production through close-out, and maintaining a broad view of client and project goals while addressing immediate questions and hurdles. Crush values creativity and precision, and this role is critical in shaping environments and experiences that captivate and inspire core audiences.

Requirements

Exceptional communication skills, able to manage needs across multiple stakeholders — clients, internal teams, and external partners.
5+ years of experience in event, experiential production, or design/production industries, including 1-2 years in a lead or senior capacity (owning budgets, mentoring staff, or serving as the primary escalation point on live events).
Demonstrated ownership of complex $250K+ project budgets from proposal through reconciliation, with strong financial literacy tracking actuals in real time.
Experience negotiating and managing vendor, fabricator, and rental house relationships and contracts.
Ability to calculate material orders using square footage, design measurements, and material sizing.
Ability to research and propose production solutions without firsthand experience, using historical references, critical thinking, and outreach research.
Experience working in physical labor-intensive environments.
Proficiency with Airtable, Monday.com, or comparable project tracking tools.
Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and vendor relationships without close oversight, and to serve as the primary on-site decision-maker during install, execution, and strike.
Disciplined, systematic approach with strong accountability for deadlines and budgets.
Strong emotional IQ and business acumen.
Professional appearance and demeanor with excellent interpersonal, verbal & written communication skills.
High-sense of responsibility, ability to self-manage and work autonomously.
Ability to utilize critical thinking skills and determine best solutions based on industry knowledge, Crush standards, and client expectations.
A team player: ability to collaborate with various levels of management, coworkers, clients - with the ability to process multiple streams of input and synthesize into action.
High energy, self-starter that contributes to the team while maintaining a “can-do,” solutions-oriented attitude.
Must be able to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 50 lbs.
Growth mindset with an eagerness to learn new methods and practices and engage in robust discussions in order to improve self and team performance.
Affinity for arts & crafts, hands-on, physical work, design and decor.
Affinity for creating meaningful moments of human connection within our spaces, with our clients, and with our team.

Nice To Haves

Solutions-oriented, energetic, positive and confident.
Determination, resourcefulness and fastidious attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Own client communication from kickoff through post-mortem, acting as the primary point of contact.
Serve as the day-to-day point of contact with clients via formal emails and informal messages to maintain project efficiency, transparency, and collaboration.
Share and present deliverable packages, including key project updates, timelines, and creative project development, and manage the formal approval process.
Manage clients and expectations through transparent scope and change communication.
Build and own the project timeline from kickoff through event close-out.
Maintain the client-facing deck and internal playbook on each project, along with other core project documents.
Lead weekly internal project meetings, managing agendas, facilitating program development, capturing and assigning action items, and identifying questions for leadership.
Create and assign all tasks via digital platforms; hold the team accountable to deadlines, identify potential issues, and help find solutions.
Conduct venue site checks and produce key updates for active projects, capturing detailed notes, measurements, and site photos to inform design, production, and budgeting.
Identify logistical considerations including access points, load-in paths, power availability, and venue restrictions.
Manage the project budget by tracking, forecasting, and monitoring costs against all project budget categories and internal targets.
Manage budget reconciliation and invoicing.
Maintain and update essential production documents including Run of Show, call sheets, COIs, inventory checklists, venue details, pack lists, tasks lists, strike plans, and related program documentation.
Partner with the design team and production teams to create build and production packages to document and guide the production process.
Ensure post-project closeout and wrap report, analyzing wins and key learnings.
Brief the creative and design teams at kickoff; relay client feedback and approvals immediately.
Coordinate with Operations/Finance on invoicing schedules, expense approvals, and reconciliation.
Participate in weekly Crush-wide project status meetings with clear updates on each active project.
Manage Production Coordinator or Event Coordinator when assigned.
Lead and manage the development of the guest experience, balancing setting and environment, client goals, on-site considerations, budget, and demographic research.
Develop creative programming ideas to spark engagement and interaction with guests.
Provide creative writing and concepting to support project development.
Write copy for presentations, creative treatments, and guest-facing signage.
Research and coordinate with small and local businesses across various US markets to execute personalized or interactive moments for events.
Determine project support needs.
Negotiate, contract, and manage production vendors as needed, including AV, florists, photographers, catering, trucking and shipping, and local labor.
Brief vendors on creative direction, logistics, and timelines; serve as their primary day-of contact during all on-site activities.
Manage project storage units and inventory.
Identify production needs to support the execution of experiential events and custom environments from concept through closeout.
Initiate project planning and build production approaches that align scope, timing, budget, and staffing needs.
Own production priorities across multiple concurrent projects, balancing deadlines, deliverables, resources, and team bandwidth.
Lead internal and external conversations related to production objectives, milestones, risks, and execution planning.
Identify labor and project needs for schlepping, moving, and production assistance.
Direct on-site vendors and labor crew, assigning tasks, managing call times, enforcing breaks, and resolving issues in real time.
Work some evenings and weekends, and occasional overnight installs.
Participate in studio collaboration and organization.
Provide general production hands-on work during production, including in-studio gifting projects and load-in/load-out of events, as well as on-site event management.
Assist with event packing, unloading and reloading, and the organization of event materials as needed during production, install, and strike processes.

Benefits

11 paid holidays, plus soft close during the holiday break (10 national holidays and 1 personal holiday e.g. birthday)
15 days per year to start, with a day added for each year of service (up to 20 days)
3 additional sick/mental health days per year
Shortened Friday work hours based on completion of job responsibilities for the week and dependent on event schedule
Flex time for installs and events when weekend days and any company holidays are worked
Up to 12 weeks paid medical or parental leave (Colorado residents only)
Up to 6 weeks paid medical or parental leave as applicable to supplement FAMLI leave to get to 12 total weeks paid
10 remote work days (in addition to some Mondays and most Fridays remote)
Retirement: Simple IRA with company match of 50%, up to 3% for employees
$250 towards participation in company-sponsored ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement) or $150 post-tax health care expense monthly stipend
$100 monthly phone reimbursement
Discretionary bonuses
Access to Trade Discounts for personal furniture and home decor purchases
TSA Pre or Global entry