Grandstand Operations Coordinator

TIME FRAME: This is a short term, seasonal position.

April 1 to May 9, 2025

POSITION SUMMARY: The Grandstand Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all logistical aspects of the Grandstand area, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for attendees while maintaining compliance with venue regulations. This role involves setup coordination, crowd flow management, vendor oversight, safety protocol implementation, and overall event execution. The Grandstand Operations Manager will work closely with internal departments and Fairgrounds Race Course staff to meet all facility, security, and production needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Event Operations & Logistics

• Oversee and monitor the setup and breakdown of festival activations in the Grandstand area.
• Manage all logistical aspects of Grandstand events to ensure smooth execution.
• Monitor crowd flow and implement strategies for safe and efficient movement of attendees.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Fire Marshal regarding Grandstand operations.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Oversee departmental communications and scheduling.
• Attend production meetings, vendor meetings, and site visits as needed.
• Facilitate contractor relations and manage documentation, including purchase orders, work orders, and check requests.
• Be available for vendor and festival team site visits to ensure successful execution of Grandstand logistics.

Collaborate with departments on event preparation, including:

• Load-in and load-out schedules
• Build-out and installation coordination
• Equipment and supply management
• Rental equipment coordination
• Ensure all setup and activities comply with venue regulations.
• Serve as a liaison between Heritage Stage staff, Fair Grounds personnel, L&R Security, and NOPD within the Grandstand facility.
• Work with the Festival Foundation to set up and manage festival hospitality areas.

Safety & Security

• Work closely with festival security and operations to enforce safety protocols.
• Supervise and direct Grandstand security sweeps at the conclusion of each event day.
• Ensure the well-being of attendees, staff, and performers.

Quality Assurance

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all Grandstand-related inquiries.
• Provide timely updates to staff and attendees.
• Identify and resolve operational issues during events.
• Conduct post-event evaluations to assess operations and identify areas for improvement.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Using the Absentee Request Form, it is the responsibility of each employee and their supervisor to accurately report their absenteeism to the Festival Finance Office.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive issues.
• Give any document, computer program, design, or other intellectual property created for the Jazz Festival (and, therefore, belonging to the Jazz Festival) to the Festival through your
• supervisor or department head at the end of each production year, or upon request.
• Attend and complete any required training.
• Complete all required Feedback Forms and Final Reports.
• Must attend and complete any required training.
• Perform all other work-related duties, as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Prior experience in event management, particularly in large-scale outdoor events.
• Familiarity with venue operations and logistics.
• Experience managing staff and coordinating large groups.

Since 1970, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell has annually celebrated the unique culture and heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana, alongside unforgettable special guest performances by the musical icons of our era and performances by nationally and internationally renowned artists. Jazz Fest features one of the world’s most diverse music festival lineups with over 650 bands on fourteen stages performing virtually every style of music plus an extensive food fair, hundreds of artisans, second line parades and much more. Spread out over two long weekends in late April and early May, Jazz Fest takes place at the New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Track, located just minutes from the French Quarter.
Apply to be part of the Jazz Fest Team that annually welcomes almost 500,000 people to the Festival. Happy Jazz Fest!