Special Events Director

Special Events Director

Location: 2650 Washington Boulevard, Suite 202, Ogden, UT 84401

Job Type: Full-Time, Salary Exempt

Compensation: $55,000-65,000 (DOE)

About Us

The Ogden Downtown Alliance (ODA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to increasing economic vitality and community vibrancy throughout Ogden’s Central Business District. We support local commerce through placemaking, destination marketing, focused community programming, and events. We create and promote a dynamic epicenter for arts, entertainment, and cultural experiences in downtown Ogden.

The Ogden Downtown Alliance is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Special Events Director to join our leadership team. This new position plays a critical role in creating community impact by overseeing all aspects of event and festival management from planning through execution. This role will help shape the future of many of Ogden’s beloved and award-winning events, including Farmers Market Ogden, Historic 25th Street Car Show, Ogden Arts Festival, and Harvest Moon Celebration.

Position Summary

The Special Events Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for ODA’s full portfolio of community events and festivals. Working closely with the Executive Director, this role is responsible for setting long-term goals for downtown Ogden events and managing all aspects of event production, including planning, budgeting, logistics, staffing, and evaluation.

This position oversees approximately 30 large-scale public events annually, attracting more than 300,000 attendees. The role is instrumental in enhancing the public experience, ensuring safety, and increasing community engagement to support a vibrant and economically thriving downtown.

Key Responsibilities

1. Event Strategy, Planning & Production (50%)

– Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year strategy for ODA’s events aligned with organizational goals

– Oversee the full lifecycle of approximately 30 annual events, from concept development through execution and post-event evaluation

– Lead planning and production of signature events, including Farmers Market Ogden, Historic 25th Street Car Show, Ogden Arts Festival, and Harvest Moon Celebration

– Create detailed event plans, production schedules, and operational workflows

– Ensure high-quality, consistent, and engaging experiences across all events

– Identify opportunities to grow, enhance, and innovate programming to increase attendance and community impact

2. Operations, Logistics & Financial Management (30%)

– Direct all logistical elements including site planning, vendor coordination, permitting, licensing, insurance, and compliance

– Coordinate with city departments, public safety officials, and external partners to ensure safe and successful events

– Oversee on-site operations including setup, execution, and breakdown

– Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and cost control

– Track expenses, monitor financial performance, and support revenue strategies (vendor fees, ticketing, sponsorship integration)

– Implement risk management, safety protocols, and emergency preparedness plans

3. Team Leadership, Partnerships & Community Engagement (20%)

– Lead and supervise the event production team, including full-time staff, seasonal employees, and volunteers

– Recruit, train, and manage staff and volunteer teams

– Build and maintain strong relationships with local businesses, vendors, artists, sponsors, and community partners

– Collaborate with ODA staff, board members, and committees to support event planning and execution

– Partner with marketing and communications to promote events and increase public awareness and attendance

– Serve as a key representative of ODA within the community

Qualifications

– Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)

– 5+ years of experience managing large-scale events, festivals, or public gatherings

– Proven experience overseeing complex logistics and multiple concurrent events

– Strong leadership and team management skills

– Experience managing budgets, projects, and operational planning

– Experience working with municipalities, permitting, and public safety coordination

– Ability to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours, particularly during peak event seasons

Key Attributes

– Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail

– Strong communicator and relationship builder

– Strategic thinker with a creative and solutions-oriented mindset

– Self-motivated and adaptable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

– Passionate about community engagement and supporting local businesses

– Energetic leader who thrives in outdoor, high-impact event environments

Reporting Structure

– Reports to the Executive Director

– Supervises the event production team, including seasonal staff and volunteers

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

This role operates in a hybrid environment, including both office settings and outdoor event locations. The position requires adaptability in a fast-paced, public-facing environment.

– Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments, including large crowds, noise, and varying weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, precipitation)

– Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and move throughout event sites for prolonged durations

– Must be able to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment up to 50 pounds on a regular basis

– Requires frequent walking, bending, reaching, and physical activity during event setup, execution, and breakdown

– Must be comfortable interacting with large and diverse audiences, including managing high-energy or stressful situations

– Ability to use a computer and standard office technology, and communicate effectively in person, in writing, and by phone

– Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license

Schedule & Work Expectations

ODA supports a flexible and collaborative work environment; however, this role requires a non-traditional schedule:

– Regular evening and weekend work is required, especially during event season

– Expected to work most Saturdays during event season and attend other community events and meetings as needed

– Schedule will vary throughout the year based on event demands

– Extended hours, including early mornings and late evenings, will be required during major events

A flexible office hours schedule will be established in collaboration with the Executive Director and adjusted as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

– Employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance

– Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays

– Flexible work environment and scheduling

– Professional development opportunities

– Collaborative, mission-driven team culture

– Opportunity to work closely with local businesses, artists, vendors, and community leaders

The Ogden Downtown Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws. Ogden Downtown Alliance is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Executive Director, Reide Thompson, at reide@ogdendowntown.com.

How to Apply

To be considered for this role, please submit a cover letter with your resume as a single PDF. Your letter should specifically address the following:

– Why you are interested in this position and working for the Ogden Downtown Alliance

– Your previous experience that will allow you to succeed in this role

– Demonstrated experience in event production 

– Demonstrated leadership, management, and supervisory experience

– Demonstrated project management experience

Please email your application to director@ogdendowntown.com with the position title and your name in the subject line of the email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.