Senior Manager, Special Events

NASCAR•Kansas City, KS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Kansas Speedway is seeking a Senior Manager, Special Events to lead the planning and execution of assigned race-weekend and non-race events. This role serves as a key point of contact for clients, vendors, and internal teams, coordinating event details from initial planning through on-site execution. The Senior Manager, Special Events will oversee event logistics, operational planning, hospitality areas, vendor coordination, and client service while partnering across departments to deliver seamless events and exceptional guest experiences.

Requirements

Five or more years of experience in event management, event operations, motorsports, project management, marketing, or a related field.
Demonstrated ability to manage events and projects from planning through execution while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interpret and communicate information contained in contracts, event documents, business correspondence, and operational materials.
Ability to effectively communicate and build relationships with clients, vendors, internal departments, leadership, customers, and external partners.
Strong decision-making, organizational, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced event environment.
Exceptional attention to detail, time management, follow-through, and accountability.
Understanding of event marketing and the ability to collaborate with marketing teams to support event objectives.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Self-motivated and collaborative, with a commitment to delivering a high level of client and guest service.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during race weekends and special events.
Ability to travel occasionally as business needs require.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning and execution of assigned non-race and race-weekend events from initial planning through event completion.
Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned events, maintaining timely communication with clients, vendors, and internal partners and ensuring contractual requirements are fulfilled.
Respond to event inquiries, conduct site visits, assess event requirements, and determine appropriate facility and operational needs.
Develop and maintain event schedules, site plans, checklists, and other materials to clearly communicate event requirements across internal teams.
Manage event invoicing and billbacks, including tracking expenses, preparing final event charges, and ensuring accurate and timely client billing.
Coordinate pre-event planning, physical setup, on-site execution, and post-event breakdown.
Partner with vendors and internal departments to coordinate staffing, facility needs, and operational support.
Identify opportunities to improve event processes, service standards, and the overall client and guest experience.
Partner with the Marketing team to coordinate logistics for community and track events, including Season Ticket Holder Track Laps, in-market driver appearances, and other special events.
Oversee operational needs for designated race-weekend hospitality areas, ensuring spaces are prepared and executed according to event requirements.
Serve as a liaison between the Event Experience and Operations teams to coordinate race-weekend needs and support effective execution.
Coordinate race-weekend signage needs in partnership with Marketing, including ordering, inventory, placement, and removal.
Serve as the primary event manager for race-weekend special events, including STEM Day, Camper Welcome Party, internally hosted receptions, and other assigned events.
Serve as the primary liaison with Levy for race-weekend event menus, setup, and execution.
Perform other duties as assigned.