The Manager of Events and Experience is responsible for planning and executing highly visible, large-scale and small-scale events that drive positive guest, fan and employee experiences while maintaining alignment with the Buffalo Sabres organizational vision.

Duties & Responsibilities

Plan and execute events of varying size and complexity, including Sabres Fan Fest, Season Ticket Member and partner events, select fan engagement activations, etc.
Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure that events align with organizational goals and messaging
Determine appropriate venues, food & beverages options, budget projections, required technologies, equipment and materials needed to execute each event
Oversee event logistics, including event setup, registration, and on-site management
Negotiate agreements with outside vendors to ensure appropriate cost and quality is in alignment with organizational expectations

Work closely with internal marketing team to develop and implement event marketing plans to ensure maximum attendance and engagement

Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and industry partners
Work with the Manager of Fan Development to create a process for securing feedback post-event to evaluate overall effectiveness and address areas needing improvement
Create and communicate post-event briefings that provide an overview of each event as well as future recommendations
Consult and assist in the planning of events relating to game day activations (giveaways, theme nights, etc.)
Manage the Events & Experience Coordinator and any potential interns; responsible for scheduling, and approving timesheets
Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications for the Position:

Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, event management, marketing, or related field
5-10years of large-scale event planning experience required; event planning in an entertainment, sports, or a similar environment preferred
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays when necessary
Ability to multi-task and develop strong professional relationships in all aspects of the position
Knowledge negotiating contracts, procuring vendors, conceptualizing and implementing small and large scale events, and driving the overall success of an event
Ability to develop/implement budgets and manage expenses

Critical Competencies

Accurate, organized and detail oriented
Initiative – identifying what needs to be done and doing it before being asked to or required by the situation
Attention to Communication – ensuring information is passed onto others who should be kept informed
Customer Orientation – demonstrated concern for satisfying one’s external and/or internal customers
Flexibility – openness to different and new ways of doing things; willingness to modify one’s preferred way of doing things
Solid leadership and problem solving skills
Ability to thrive in a highly visible, high-pressure environment
Results Orientation – focusing on the desired end result of one’s own or one’s units work; setting challenging goals, focusing effort on the goals, and meeting or exceed them.

Manager of Events & Experience