ROLE

Serve as a key leader on the Events & Sponsorships team, with direct responsibility for all aspects of production, operations and execution. This position is responsible for managing producers through all aspects of the pre-production, on-site and post-production phases of projects to ensure events are flawlessly developed and executed. The position is responsible for all financial aspects of every event and sponsorship to ensure all events drive the highest profitability.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage production department, responsible for 200+ events annually, to ensure highest level of execution is attained for events across all brands.
• Establish standardized systems and procedures (databases, correspondence, workflows, production schedules etc…) with full accountability on maintenance and productivity.
• Manage the development and implementation of timelines from event inception to day-of, overseeing process and driving cross functional teams to meet deadlines.
• Develop comprehensive budgets for all events, sponsorships, promotions and projects managing overall profit margin.
• Participate in client meetings and pitches, often leading the discussion when the event concept is the campaign driver.
• Work directly with clients, setting event goals and expectations.
• Ensure events are produced efficiently to maintain goals and expectations of clients and brands.
• Oversee the negotiation and execution of contractual agreements (production vendors, freelance producers, production companies etc…) to achieve greatest benefit for the team and company.
• Uphold relationships with vendors, contractors, city officials and industry participants.
• Responsible for obtaining all necessary event permits, licenses, certificate of insurances, etc… safeguarding the production of all events.
• Monitor industry trends to keep events competitive and relative in the market

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 4-year undergraduate liberal arts or marketing degree or equivalent related event/media experience. Minimum 8+years of event production, marketing and promotion experience.
• Travel occasionally required up to 20%
• Requires understanding of marketing research techniques and ability to apply findings in a promotional context. Requires problem solving and interpersonal skills in order to reach compromises that all parties find acceptable during negotiation.
• Requires knowledge on promotional marketing strategies and tactics including, events, promotions and contests and sweepstakes legal parameters including skills in rule writing and prize fulfillment.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with key internal audiences, given close working relationships necessary across all products and channels. (ie Editorial, Advertising, Consumer Marketing)
• Proven team leader with results oriented focus.
• Excellent analytical, written and oral communication & presentation skills.
• Must be effective at multi-tasking and have exceptional time-management skills.
• Must have a positive attitude and be driven to optimize results for clients.
• Must be able to work non-traditional hours to facilitate on-site activation of sponsorships.
• Requires full understand and working knowledge of Chicago Tribune Media Group accounting procedures and budget management.