Special Events Manager

OVERVIEW

The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is an MLS soccer club serving the greater Los Angeles area. LAFC is dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. LAFC’s ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators of industry with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise, and success in the fields of entertainment, sports, technology, and media. LAFC is invested in the world’s game and Los Angeles, constructing, and developing the 22,000 seat BMO Stadium and a top-flight training center on the campus of Cal-State Los Angeles.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Special Events Manager is responsible for leading the planning, coordination, and successful execution of special events hosted at BMO Stadium. This role serves as a primary contact between clients, event partners, and internal departments, ensuring seamless communication and coordination throughout the event planning and execution process.  The Special Events Manager will primarily manage non-sports programs, including special events, meetings, receptions/dinners, internal events and other special event programming.  This role works cross-collaboratively and cross-functionally across various departments to align event requirements, operational needs, and client expectations while delivering exceptional, world-class event experiences.  

The ideal candidate demonstrates the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, proactively resolve challenges, maintain a positive and solutions-oriented approach, and consistently uphold a high standard of service and execution.

This role reports to the Director, Events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serve as the primary contact for clients, event producers, planners, and stadium teams; overseeing overall event logistics and execution from planning through execution and breakdown as it relates to special events.
• Lead weekly internal meetings in collaboration with stadium departments (Operations, Guest Experience, Security, Food & Beverage, etc.) to ensure seamless planning and execution of special events.
• Lead client site visits, planning meetings, and event advances for assigned events, ensuring seamless coordination, clear communication, and successful execution.
• Develop comprehensive event plans and operational materials, including setup documents, event diagrams, room layouts, and other event-specific documentation.
• Ensure all event information is accurate, complete, and distributed to the appropriate departments in a timely manner to facilitate effective communication, cross-functional coordination, and successful event execution.
• Collaborate with venue departments and operational teams to develop event plans that meet client expectations, event requirements, and established venue standards as it relates to special events.
• Ensure all special events comply with stadium policies and procedures, fire department requirements, and applicable local, state, and other regulatory requirements.
• Prepare, communicate, and manage event estimates and final settlements, ensuring accuracy, timely completion, and appropriate supporting documentation.
• Manage one full-time Event Coordinator in support of the planning, coordination, and execution of special events.
• Cross-train and provide operational support for other stadium events, including concerts, soccer matches, and other major events, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor/Management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College/University required, preferably in Business, Hospitality, Sports and Entertainment Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in the events industry, preferably within stadiums, arenas, public assembly facilities, hospitality, tourism, or related environments.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple events, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment while working independently and taking ownership of assigned events from planning through execution.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and proactive, with a strong work ethic and commitment to delivering exceptional results.
• Prior experience coordinating with vendors and managing contracts, budgets, and event-related logistics.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic live-event environment while demonstrating a strong focus on hospitality and creating exceptional event experiences.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate information, expectations, and instructions to colleagues, clients, vendors, leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong working relationships across departments while remaining professional, composed, and solutions-oriented under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and situations with a high degree of professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion.
• Proficiency in Google Workplace and Microsoft Office Suite programs required.
• Flexible schedule with the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as the event calendar requires.
• Previous experience managing part-time and/or full-time staff is a plus. 
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.
• Experience working in AutoCAD is a plus.

SALARY RANGE  

At LAFC, we carefully consider a wide range of factors to determine a fair and equitable compensation package. The final offer amount will consider a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience and training. Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure guidelines, the compensation range for this role is $75,000 - $80,000per year. 

HIRING PRACTICES

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.  

LAFC strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. 

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization, which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa.