Assistant Director of Event Services

Position Summary

The role of Assistant Director of Event Services is integral to supporting the Director of Event Management in overseeing the daily functions of the Event Services Department. This leadership position is responsible for ensuring the flawless planning and execution of conventions, trade shows, meetings, consumer shows, and special events at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO). The Assistant Director guides Event Managers and support personnel, manages key client accounts, liaises between clients and internal teams, and champions operational excellence through strong leadership, teamwork, process enhancements, and outstanding customer service. Additionally, this role serves as the Director's delegate when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of the Event Services Department, ensuring the successful delivery of all assigned events including conventions and trade shows.
• Track event planning progress, timelines, and departmental objectives to maintain consistent, high-quality execution.
• Act as the main escalation point for resolving operational obstacles, handling client issues, and addressing event concerns with effective solutions.
• Conduct cross-departmental planning meetings to anticipate and resolve logistical and operational needs proactively.
• Supervise event operations during move-in, event days, and move-out to assure fulfillment of contracts and satisfaction of client expectations.
• Perform post-event assessments to identify areas for operational and service improvements.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with event organizers, exhibitors, vendors, and internal stakeholders throughout the event lifecycle.
• Serve as the primary liaison for assigned clients, facilitating meetings and coordinating operational requirements for smooth event delivery.
• Collaborate with clients to resolve operational challenges while upholding exemplary service standards, supporting high-profile events, and assisting with complex negotiation and unique requests.
• Ensure department service standards are consistently met and seek opportunities to enhance customer experience at MCCNO.
• Coordinate with various internal departments such as Operations, Engineering, Public Safety, Technology Services, Facility Operations, Food & Beverage, Campus Logistics, Finance, and Sales to enable seamless event execution.
• Promote ongoing communication and cooperation among departments to foster a unified client experience throughout each event.
• Validate accuracy and compliance of event financial documentation including estimates, orders, and invoices while monitoring revenue versus expenses and recommending corrective measures as needed.
• Oversee billing reconciliation processes, prepare operational and financial reports for the Director, and ensure thorough documentation within the Event Management System following policy guidelines.
• Lead the development and enforcement of departmental procedures and best practices, ensuring adherence to system standards and workflows.
• Identify and implement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, communications, and service delivery quality.
• Participate actively in strategic planning and continual improvement projects; support adoption of new technologies and organizational initiatives affecting Event Services.
• Support Director in departmental planning, resource management, and operational priorities; represent the department in leadership and cross-functional meetings.
• Serve as Acting Director during absences, managing special projects and strategic initiatives critical to organizational goals.
• Manage supervision responsibilities by contributing to personnel selection, promotions, transfers, pay actions, and disciplinary measures.
• Orient and train employees on MCCNO policies, duties, and performance expectations to ensure confident execution of responsibilities.
• Regularly monitor staff performance, conduct evaluations, and initiate corrective actions when necessary while fostering motivation and professional development.
• Enforce policies fairly regarding workplace discipline issues such as tardiness, absenteeism, or insubordination with full documentation.
• Flexible availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as necessitated by business demands.

Desired Skills and Abilities

• Proven leadership experience overseeing event operations and managing professional teams.
• Comprehensive understanding of convention center operations and established event planning methodologies.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and critical problem-solving capabilities.
• Capability to manage multiple complex events concurrently without compromising excellent customer service.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Aptitude for fostering collaborative relationships across departments.
• Solid financial management skills, including budgeting, invoice review, and generating operational reports.