Director of Operations

Position Overview

The Director of Operations will steer the planning, coordination, and delivery of all operational elements for a major pop culture convention. This position is accountable for venue logistics, safety planning, service providers, exhibitors, and on-site execution so that guests, exhibitors, partners, and attendees have a smooth, high-quality experience.

The right candidate will bring solid event operations experience, confident leadership, strong organization, and a history of handling complex live events with very large attendance. The role is primarily remote, but complete availability in Phoenix, AZ from May 31 through June 7, 2027 is required.

Key Responsibilities

You will oversee end-to-end event operations and ensure all moving parts are aligned before, during, and after the convention.

• Create and run detailed operational plans for convention-wide activities.
• Direct venue logistics such as load-in and load-out timing, floor layouts, storage planning, and process flow.
• Work closely with the convention center and outside partners to deliver a seamless event.
• Set and track operational timelines and production schedules.
• Manage several part-time Operations Managers covering Exhibitor, Gaming Hall Exhibitor, Logistics, Load In/Out, and Line Management functions.
• Handle vendor and service partner relationships, including security teams, decorators, parking providers, internal convention center partners, and other contractors.
• Negotiate service agreements and confirm that all contractual commitments are fulfilled.
• Track vendor performance throughout the pre-event, live-event, and post-event phases.
• Build and maintain emergency response plans and operating procedures.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, fire services, medical staff, and venue security as needed.
• Ensure operational compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.
• Assess operational risks and propose practical mitigation plans.
• Collaborate with Events & Activities, Talent Relations, Marketing, Technology, and Attendee Relations to meet cross-functional event needs.
• Support the operational requirements of other departments across the full event planning process.
• Monitor spending, look for efficiency gains, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Review and approve vendor invoices and service agreements.
• Support initiatives that improve operational scale and long-term growth.
• Act as a key member of the event command team during convention operations.
• Solve urgent operational issues quickly in a high-pressure environment.
• Oversee daily event operations, including opening and closing procedures.
• Lead post-event reviews and apply lessons learned to improve future events.

Qualifications

This role calls for a seasoned event operations professional with strong technical and leadership capabilities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Business Administration, Hospitality, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least 3 years of experience managing large live events such as conventions, festivals, trade shows, entertainment properties, or similar large-scale productions.
• At least 3 years of leadership experience supervising teams and operational budgets.
• Background working with venues, vendors, contractors, and public safety agencies.
• Working knowledge of Google Workspace.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Access to a Windows or Mac device that can run AutoCAD LT.

Preferred Experience

• Prior work in pop culture, comic convention, gaming, anime, or entertainment environments.
• Familiarity with crowd control, security planning, and emergency readiness.
• Experience managing events with attendance above 50,000.

Physical and Scheduling Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for long periods during the event.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event needs.
• Ability to travel for planning meetings, site visits, and convention operations.
• Full on-site availability in Phoenix, AZ from May 31 to June 7, 2027.

Compensation and Benefits

The pay rate begins at $25 per hour, depending on experience. The role also includes a complimentary hotel room, plus hotel parking or economy airfare.

Employment Details

This is a part-time, seasonal, hybrid position based in Phoenix, Arizona.

Additional Requirements

Selected candidates must complete W-4 and I-9 documentation. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Phoenix Fan Fusion, LLC and its parent company, Square Egg Entertainment, Inc., are equal opportunity employers.