Event Manager

ABOUT US:

The Lions, much like the city and community they represent, are built on a blue-collar work ethic that values hustle and conviction.

Ford Field, the home of the Lions since 2002 in the heart of Detroit, is part of a vibrant sports and entertainment district featuring all four major professional sports franchises. Ford Field is also home to a dedicated and passionate multi-generational fan base reflective of the innovation, creativity and drive synonymous with Detroit.

Under the leadership of Sheila Hamp, the great granddaughter of Henry Ford, the Lions have ushered in an era of rebirth focused on creating an inclusive and equitable experience for employees, partners and fans. Building off the rich and diverse history of the city, the Lions embrace transparency and value contribution from all areas of the organization. We believe in the power of a pride, and acknowledge winning together takes understanding, acceptance, and teamwork. We believe in our "we" culture and are committed to building a new tradition that Detroit and Michigan can be proud of.

One Pride. For All.

The Event Manager role will be responsible for managing the planning and operation of the Bowl Game and Events with services directly relating to Events. Work will include overseeing and managing event services with other departments, including but not limited to, operations, security, housekeeping, parking, concessions, police, medical, catering, ticketing, marketing, premium sales, partnerships, broadcasting, facility services, and IT.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Event Manager position will have responsibilities, including but not limited to, the following:

• Event Lead for designated events, to work directly with the client (pre-determined by employer) and delegate all client needs to the appropriate departments as necessary.

• Manage operational and logistical elements for the Soaring Eagle Power Hour on Lions home games. Includes coordinating arrival with outside vendors, preparing each pregame activation, and working with Detroit Lions Legends and Detroit Lions Cheerleaders and relaying their responsibilities to them for Power Hour.

• Work directly with airline screeners and accommodate their needs for NFL visiting team postgame TSA inspection. Manage setup and teardown of inspection area.

• Work with concert VIP contacts to ensure all aspects of the experience from the venue side are in proper order.

• Supervise and coordinate operational and logistical elements for street parties that are held the day of major stadium events, not including Lions games.

• Gather and distribute all upcoming event information to be placed on the Ford Field website, and frequently monitor Ford Field website to ensure all information is updated and functioning efficiently.

• Create all partner signage to be placed at the Bowl Game events.

• Create and distribute the Bowl Game partnership assets to be used on the Ford Field LED ribbon boards and video boards.

• Work directly with the game presentation team to create the Bowl Game run of show and ensure all partnership needs in-game are being fulfilled.

• Create ancillary event shuttle transportation schedule for the Bowl Game and be in constant communication with each school and the travel company for any complications that may arise.

• Manage the interview process and hiring of 10 Bowl Game interns each year and manage the responsibilities for the interns upon their arrival.

• Receive all team digital and creative assets to be used for Sticker Genius PhotoSlap gifts, social media, or during the Bowl Game itself.

• Work with the Detroit Sports Commission to secure and sign-up volunteers for the Bowl Game week-of events.

• Ensure that all necessary signage is created and displayed for all major stadium events to accommodate guests.

• Create and distribute digital signage throughout the stadium for each event.

• Game Management liaison for major sporting events. Assist with team bands, travel arrangements, equipment, practice, and game logistics.

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Create scaling and ticketing maps for upcoming concerts to be used internally, for the ticket sales office and on the Ford Field website.

• Coordinate presale offers with the ticket office and work to determine presale schedule, generate target groups, and develop content for e-blasts.

• Prepare for upcoming concerts by working with the client to receive event creative and distribute for implementation at Ford Field and online.

• Work with client and local radio stations to provide radio station presence outside Ford Field for concerts.

• Negotiate bids for equipment including carpet, pipe and drape, forklifts, cranes, golf carts, scissor lifts, portable restrooms, and all other items that are needed.

• Assemble proposals and deliver presentations on the venue side to sell clients on bringing major events to Ford Field.

• Travel when necessary to bid on major events and learn about the logistics of upcoming major events.

• Assemble profit/loss statements and break-even points to determine feasibility of potential events.

• Grassroots marketing including social media (Facebook, Instagram & X) implementation for the Bowl Game.

• Coordinate logistics with the Bowl Game and the community: Detroit PAL, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, and CFP Extra Yard for Teachers.

• Attend Big Ten/MAC football games and Bowl Season events to network and enhance the Bowl Game image and reputation.

• Manage marketing budget for events that require in-house marketing which includes but is not limited to certain concerts, MAC Championship, the Bowl Game, Supercross & Monster Jam.

• Respond to all inquiries that come through on the Events email address.

• Analyze and review ingress data from previous events to ensure upcoming events are properly staffed at the gates.

• Analyze post event feedback from each event and determine which operational items can be performed more efficiently in the future.

• Will adjust schedule as needed to meet department demands, work goals and time constraints, including working nights, weekends, and holidays as football schedule directs.

• Will accept other responsibilities and duties required by the supervisor consistent with the objectives and essential functions of this position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Sport Management, Event Management, Communications, or related field preferred.

• At least 5 years of experience in event management.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays required.

• Proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and SharePoint).

• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator and Photoshop).

• Experience in social media (Facebook, X, and Instagram).

• Strong customer service skills.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and guests.

• Ability to communicate effectively.

• Ability to work independently; to perform multiple, unrelated duties at the same time, and to organize work effectively and efficiently.

• Ability to use Social Tables to create update and distribute Ford Field rooms/spaces and event diagrams as needed.

• Ability to use Yodeck to design and place Ford Field Digital Signage.

• Ability to negotiate with clients and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to operate portable radios, telephones, fax machines, computers, and other office equipment associated with responsibilities.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and shift gears quickly.

• Ability to work with a flexible schedule to be available for scheduled events, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• May require work out of both the Ford Field Management Office and the Allen Park Training Facility.

TO APPLY:

To apply, please submit a copy of your resume along with a cover letter detailing your interest and related experience to the position.

Due to the high volume or resumes received, we regret that we are unable to update candidates on the status of their application. Those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Please no phone calls or emails.