Event Operations Manager

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

4d•$65,000 - $80,000

About The Position

The University of Virginia's Department of Parking & Transportation is seeking an Event Operations Manager to lead the planning, coordination, execution, and evaluation of parking and transportation services for university events and operational initiatives. Events include athletic events, Final Exercises, student move-in and move-out, conferences, workshops, and student and alumni functions. The role provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and staff management to support exceptional customer service and successful event outcomes. The manager leads event operations staff, develops procedures and service standards, and oversees event parking and transportation logistics from planning through post-event assessment. The position collaborates with university departments, event organizers, and external partners; serves as a point of contact for complex operational matters; and responds to escalated customer concerns. It also evaluates parking and mobility solutions, researches technologies, presents business cases for initiatives, and oversees related billing, vendors, maintenance, and program administration. The position prepares reports and performance metrics, supports departmental strategic planning and special projects, and performs other duties as assigned. The role is primarily sedentary with extensive desktop computer use, though it occasionally requires travel some distance to attend meetings and programs. Work schedules may be flexible and change to include nights, weekends, and special events.

Requirements

Four years of experience in event operations, parking and transportation, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
Experience managing complex projects, events, or operational programs.
Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication abilities.
Ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and decision-making in dynamic environments.
Experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
Knowledge of parking management systems, transportation operations, and technology-based payment solutions.
Strong customer service orientation and commitment to operational excellence.
Ability to work flexible and changing schedules, including nights, weekends, and special events.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Event Management, Transportation, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
Two years of supervisory or management experience.
Virginia Commercial Driver's License Type A or B with Passenger and Air Brake endorsements and a positive point balance.

Responsibilities

Lead and supervise event operations staff, coordinate daily activities, assign responsibilities, and monitor performance.
Provide guidance, training, and professional development opportunities for team members.
Develop and implement operational procedures, best practices, and service standards for event parking and transportation operations.
Support workforce scheduling and staffing plans to ensure adequate event coverage, including evenings and weekends.
Manage event parking and transportation logistics from planning through post-event assessment.
Collaborate with university departments, event organizers, athletics, student affairs, facilities management, and external partners to develop and execute event transportation plans.
Oversee event setup, implementation, monitoring, and post-event evaluations to identify opportunities for improvement.
Serve as the primary point of contact for complex operational issues and event-related concerns.
Build positive relationships with university stakeholders, customers, and community members.
Respond to escalated customer inquiries, concerns, and service issues in a timely and professional manner.
Analyze operational challenges and recommend solutions to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Develop and maintain communication strategies for event parking and transportation services.
Evaluate, recommend, and implement alternative parking and mobility solutions that support evolving campus needs.
Research emerging parking technologies, payment systems, and transportation innovations.
Present business cases and implementation plans for new parking initiatives and technology enhancements.
Oversee associated billing, vendor coordination, maintenance, and ongoing program administration.
Monitor program effectiveness and recommend operational improvements based on data and customer feedback.
Prepare operational reports, performance metrics, and recommendations for leadership.
Assist with departmental strategic planning and special projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.