Events Operations Manager

Job Title: Events Operations Manager

Department/Division: Events / Marketing

Status: Regular, Full Time, Exempt

Pay: $60,000 Annual Salary (bi-weekly pay)

Reports to: Director of Marketing & Communications

Benefits: Full Benefits eligible including health insurance, flex benefits, 10 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave accrual, amenities and parking pass.
Retirement: State Employee Retirement System - GSEPS (Pension plus matching 401k)
Closing date: 4:00pm April 16, 2025 Note: Only fully completed applications with required accompanying documents will be considered.

To Apply: Fill out the application completely and attach your resume AND a cover letter. Incomplete applications or applications without accompanying documents when required will not be considered. Applicants are highly encouraged to include and communicate their relevant skills and experiences for this role.

Jekyll Island is dedicated to maintaining the delicate balance between nature and humankind through conservation, education, and preservation. Surrounded by salt marshes, expansive oceanfront, and ancient maritime forests, it is situated within the chain of the Golden Isles, and just a few miles from St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Brunswick. As a State Park, Jekyll Island is a coastal haven where nature and humans peacefully co-exist.

Job Summary:
Under limited supervision of the Director of Marketing & Communications and utilizing defined objectives and guidelines, the Events Operations Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of events on Jekyll Island. The Events Operations Manager strategizes, coordinates, develops, plans and advises and produces JIA signature events and island activities including supporting third-party public events for the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA), JIA's signature events, and sponsored events. The Events Operations Manager is the strategic leader for event plans, budgets and building internal and external relationships for events. Additionally, the Events Operations Manager is responsible for implementing all procedures and protocols for Authority events. Ideal candidate must be a proven leader, manager, team player, innovator, and solid communicator as well as be detail-oriented with a creative eye and strategic mind.

Job Responsibilities:

• Must be a strategic thinker, able to collaborate with all JIA departments regarding events.
• Uncover new opportunities for growth, gather and implement feedback on all events.
• Be organized, resourceful and a self-starter who can shine in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Must have a great attitude and bring positive, creative energy to the team.
• Supervise and train the Events Specialist to ensure successful alignment and execution of events.
• Identify, select, negotiate and oversee contracts with vendors.
• Advise, coordinate, and assist with the execution of all events produced by JIA departments and third-party public events for the JIA on Jekyll Island.
• Develop and manage budgets; oversee recruitment and supervision of volunteers and vendors; procure sponsors; book talent/entertainment; schedule events; coordinate involvement of other JIA departments and staff; and conduct event critiques.
• Secure third-party services for designated events not directly sponsored by the JIA. Encourage third parties to conduct Jekyll Island events.
• Work alongside the marketing department to publicize, promote, and advertise events; provide recommendations regarding publicity releases, advertising schedules, and promotional opportunities.
• Develop sponsorship programs and recruit sponsors as needed for various events.
• Serve as JIA liaison for working with third party event producers and event committees to produce other public events.
• Oversee coordination of all event logistics including vendor registration, space assignments and setup.
• Provide exceptional service to clients, patrons, and vendors.
• Oversee creation of technical diagrams such as event maps and floor plans and other layouts and needed.
• Prepare detailed production timelines, task lists and day-of-event program sheets.
• Oversee and coordinate activities and experiences within events.
• Work with other members of the marketing team and JIA staff for overall planning of events to develop and maintain harmonious working relationships.
• Respond to crowd control and/or crowd management situations in a prompt and decisive, professional and diplomatic manner when necessary.
• Coordinates, compiles and solicits information for the calendar of events among all JIA departments, third party events, and JIA signature events, including updating the web site and island publications.
• Maintain proper image and generate positive interactions with sponsors, clients, patrons and staff.
• Work extended and/or irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays as needed.
• Oversee, and participate as necessary, in the set-up of event exhibits and displays.
• Patrol event sites, evaluating all aspects of conduct of events and make decisions to adjust as necessary.
• Continuously be looking for strategic enhancements of events to grow or evolve our events model and standard on Jekyll Island.
• Supervise assigned staff, contractors, volunteers and interns as applicable.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, sales and marketing, public relations or related required.
• Five to eight years' events management experience.
• Must be familiar with promotional programs and have experience with coordination of volunteers, vendors and sponsors, ticketing and booking talent.
• Positive, outgoing attitude and flexibility are a must.
• Flexible availability including evenings, weekends and extra time preceding and during events.
• Must have exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to manage several priorities at once, be a creative problem solver, ability to work independently and have an aptitude for planning and following budgets.
• Be organized, resourceful and a self-starter who can shine in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to collaborate well with others and bring creative energy to the team.
• Proficient computer skills, Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

• Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• More than 50% of the typical workday may be spent walking, sitting, standing and using repetitive motions of the wrists, hands or fingers.
• Between 25% and 50% of the typical workday may be spent climbing stairs, pushing and pulling.
• Less than 25% of the typical day is spent balancing, stooping and/or crouching, kneeling, reaching.
• Sensory abilities required are feeling, grasping and touching with more than 50% of the time spent talking and hearing.
• Visual abilities to perform tasks required are to operate motor vehicles or heavy equipment and determine the accuracy, neatness, thoroughness of work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.
• The majority of the work is conducted within an inside, office setting, however, on occasion work is performed outside with exposure to extreme heat, high humidity and occasionally adverse weather conditions as well occasional extreme cold.
• Will be exposed to hazards such as moving mechanical parts and moving vehicles.
• May be subject to atmospheric conditions such as fumes, oils, odors, dusts, mists, or poor ventilation.
• Will be subject to close quarters, such as narrow aisles or passageways/hallways.
• Noise levels are generally considered normal.

This description of job responsibilities is intended to reflect the major responsibilities and duties of the job but is not intended to describe minor duties or other responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. Applicants who complete the online application process will receive an email receipt of submission to the email address provided. If the email confirmation is not received, the applicant may contact Human Resources at for confirmation, however, due to the volume of applicants received, we are unable to provide information on application status after receipt. Applicants who need assistance to accommodate a disability may request an accommodation by contacting Human Resources at .

All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Incomplete applications or applications without accompanying documents when required will not be considered. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the selection process. Successful completion of background checks is required including credit when applicable to the position. Relocation expenses are not authorized, applicants should consider this when applying.

Jekyll Island Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Authority supports equal employment opportunities for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Drug-free workplace.