Director, Special Event Operations

DEPARTMENT: Special Events

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Special Events

STATUS: Full-Time; Exempt

San Diego Padres Commitment:

The San Diego Padres are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for our employees. We strive to create an environment for everyone by including perspectives from backgrounds that vary by race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, and national origin.

If you are not sure you’re 100% qualified but are up for the challenge - we want you to apply. We believe skills are transferable and passion for our mission goes a long way.

Your role as a Director, Special Event Operations:

Petco Park hosts a variety of events from corporate receptions to public concerts and sporting events. The special events department manages contracted events at Petco Park and The Rady Shell and EVE, welcoming over 250 events per year outside of Padres home games. The Director, Special Event Operations will lead the execution of special events across these premier venues, serving as a senior liaison among the event fulfillment team, vendors, venue partners and internal departments. This role ensures seamless event delivery with a focus on client satisfaction, operational excellence, and revenue growth. This individual will drive departmental standards, implement best-in-class processes, and lead a high-performing team to deliver exceptional service across all phases of event execution.

All the responsibilities we will trust you with:

• Oversee all special event operations across Petco Park, The Rady Shell, and EVE, ensuring a consistent standard of excellence
• Collaborate with the Operations Department to enhance processes related to planning, execution, staffing, and load-in/load-out, driving efficiency and service quality
• Develop and optimize event layouts, staffing models, and production templates to support operational success and resource efficiency
• Review and approve all event documentation, including Event Orders and Production Notes, to ensure requirements are accurately scoped, resourced, and executed to meet client expectations
• Oversee the strategic use and organization of event inventory and storage spaces, ensuring assets are properly maintained and accessible
• Ensure all event logistics outlined in planning documents are implemented flawlessly, from pre-event preparation through execution and breakdown
• Develop and manage the department’s event calendar and staff scheduling framework, ensuring adequate coverage, workload balance, and alignment with operational priorities
• Maintain the department budget, oversee invoicing, and ensure adherence to internal policies and standard operating procedures
• Responsible for event-day management of all events at Petco Park including but not limited to management of staff, facilities, load in, load out, vendors and catering
• Represents the Club in a positive and professional manner at all times
• Other duties as assigned
  
  
  

Your areas of knowledge and expertise that matter most:

• Proficient to advanced computer skills including experience with CAD and MS Office products such as Word, Excel, Outlook, etc., and general knowledge of office equipment use including copiers, laser printers, fax machine, and telephones
• Possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and effectively work well with others in a collaborative, respectful manner
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills with capacity to handle high volumes of detailed work, multi-task and manage projects on strict deadlines
• Maintain professional demeanor with a high degree of discretion, integrity, and accountability
• Maintain consistent, punctual, and reliable attendance
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus
  
  
  

You will be required to meet the following:

• Must be at least 18 years of age by the start of employment
• 4-year Bachelor’s Degree, or education equivalent in relevant field
• Minimum 7 years previous experience in Event Operations
• Able to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays, Padres home/road games, special events and extended hours as needed
• Able to travel as needed
• Must possess valid driver's license with clean driving record (subject to review)
• Minimum physical requirements: able to travel to and gain access to various areas of the ballpark for prolonged periods of time during games and events; able to lift and transport up to 50 pounds
• As a condition of employment, you must successfully complete all post-offer, pre-employment requirements, including but not limited to a background check
  
  
  

Pay and additional compensation:

Per the California pay transparency law, the base pay for this full-time position is $90,000 to $100,000. This position is also eligible for an Annual Compensation plan. As a candidate for this position, your pay and related elements of compensation will be contingent upon your work experience, education, job-related skills, and any other factors the San Diego Padres considers relevant to the hiring decision for this position.

In addition to the base pay, the Padres believe in providing a very competitive and generous compensation and benefits package for its employees. Benefits include, but are not limited to:, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with employer match automatic company Safe Harbor contribution, Basic Life Insurance (with option to purchase Supplemental Life Insurance), Pet Insurance, generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday program, paid employee parking, onsite barista service, employer provided game tickets to home games, onsite experiences, ballpark discounts on food and retail, work from home Fridays (during the off-season and when team is on the road), smart casual dress code and so much more! All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and the terms of official plan documents which may be modified or amended at any given time.

The San Diego Padres are an Equal Opportunity Employer.