Director of Event Operations

Director of Event Operations & Experiences

Administration Full Time Draper, UT, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1165

Position: Director of Event Operations and Experiences

Reports to: Senior Director of Operations Direct Reports: Event sales and event operations personnel

Compensation: Based on experience, with eligibility for the department’s approved incentive program

Position Summary

The Director of Event Operations & Experiences leads Loveland Living Planet Aquarium’s entire events function, with accountability for event operations, sales team performance, revenue growth, profitability, and guest experience. This director oversees both the Event Sales Team and event operations personnel, bringing sales, planning, staffing, production, and execution together under one department.

This position requires substantial experience leading event operations, combined with demonstrated ability to manage sales performance and grow a successful events business. The director must understand how to sell and price events, assess operational requirements, allocate resources, lead teams, and deliver the experience promised to the client.

The director oversees a multi-million-dollar portfolio spanning the MACU Event Center and venues throughout the Aquarium campus. Events include corporate gatherings, weddings, conferences, private celebrations, community programs, festivals, and signature public experiences.

As the department leader, the director sets strategy, develops managers and staff, establishes standards, manages financial performance, and coordinates resources across the Aquarium. The role also requires hands‑on leadership during major events and complex operational situations. Success means a department that consistently meets its financial goals, delivers exceptional events, and supports the Aquarium’s mission.

About Loveland Living Planet Aquarium:

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) is a mission‑driven institution dedicated to inspiring people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems. Founded in 1997, the Aquarium provides impactful educational experiences for guests of all ages and backgrounds.

Since opening its Draper, Utah facility in 2014, LLPA has welcomed more than 10 million visitors and delivered over 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to over 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the Aquarium features immersive habitats from around the world, including coral reefs, kelp forests, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, tropical rainforests, Asian cloud forests, and Utah’s freshwater ecosystems.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019, LLPA is in an exciting phase of growth. With the opening of the Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center, the Aquarium became the largest in the Mountain West and the fifth largest aquarium in the continental United States, offering expanded opportunities for education, research, and professional impact.

Department Leadership & Strategy

Lead the event sales and event operations teams, establishing shared priorities, clear responsibilities, and accountability for departmental results.

Develop and execute an annual department plan covering revenue growth, profitability, venue utilization, signature events, staffing, and operational improvement.

Establish a coordinated process from initial inquiry and proposal through contracting, planning, execution, billing, and client follow‑up.

Build and manage the department’s budget, staffing structure, and resource plans.

Hire, coach, develop, and evaluate department personnel; address performance concerns promptly and consistently.

Develop managers and team leads who can direct daily work and execute events within established expectations and authority.

Event Operations & Venue Management

Direct operational planning and execution for private events, public experiences, and signature events across the Aquarium campus.

Oversee staffing, scheduling, production timelines, room configurations, equipment, vendors, setup, transitions, and breakdown.

Ensure the department can execute multiple simultaneous events while maintaining service standards and appropriate staffing.

Establish and maintain operating procedures, event plans, checklists, pre‑event briefings, and post‑event reviews.

Maintain event venues in Show Ready condition through coordinated preparation, maintenance reporting, and presentation standards.

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