Experiential Operations Manager (HBCU Focus)

Wasserman operates at the epicenter of sports, music, entertainment and culture, serving talent, brands and properties on a global scale. Wasserman Live specializes in delivering branding and signage, custom fabrication, live event production and experiential operations across sports, music, entertainment and culture. Working with the world’s most iconic properties and brands, we elevate live events to make them unforgettable.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Wasserman's presence spans 28 countries and more than 68 cities, including New York, London, Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Madrid, Mexico City, Toronto, Paris and Sydney. For more information, please visit www.teamwass.com.

Job Description

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

Wasserman Live is seeking a creative, organized, and experienced Experiential Operations Manager with an HBCU focus to join our team of event professionals in delivering best-in-class experiences for our clients. The primary responsibility of this role is to focus on building and maintaining client relationships including managing expectations and ensuring their satisfaction. This position will plan, manage, and execute campus activations, cultural events, and community engagement programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Manager will also collaborate with colleagues to grow new and existing partnerships across all business units and company initiatives. Key responsibilities include conceptualizing, creating, and overseeing multi-campus tours and other engagement strategies, as well as managing all budgets and logistics associated with these activations.

Additionally, the Experiential Operations Manager will support other experiential programs and initiatives during the off-season.

Responsibilities

Account Management:

• Serve as primary point of contact between clients, vendors, and internal departments.
• Responsible for managing client expectations and ensuring their satisfaction.
• Lead team communications during the planning stages, including weekly status calls.
• Create and manage detailed timelines for team members, vendors, and clients.
• Develop and manage budgets for each event activation.
• Conduct venue and vendor research specific to HBCU needs.
• Develop event presentations and proposals, including layouts and program designs.
• Collaborate with creative teams to conceptualize and manage artwork design and production.
• Partner with internal departments to determine operational, logistical, and technical requirements for event activations based on client objectives.
• Prepare activation materials and coordinate with logistics teams for deployment.
• Oversee inventory and asset management for event materials.
• Attend site visits and perform venue evaluations.
  
  

On-site Event Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients to ensure goals and objectives are met.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of event activations.
• Manage and direct on-site staff, volunteers, and vendors.
• Oversee event setup, execution, and teardown processes.
• Implement operational logistics plans, including loading and unloading event assets.
• Plan and coordinate team travel to and from event sites.
• Address and resolve on-site challenges as they arise.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support event success.
  
  

The Skills And Experience You Need

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years in event production or event management required; 5 years preferred.
• Familiarity with HBCU culture, traditions, and community dynamics.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including administrators, students, and alumni networks.
• Skilled in active listening, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience managing teams of 10–20 people.
• Experience negotiating vendor contracts and managing budgets.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite and event management software.
• Willingness to travel up to 65% of the time, including weekends and evenings.
• Ability to adapt to new environments, challenges, and team dynamics.
• Comfortable using power tools and operating forklifts (training provided).
• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
• Familiarity with virtual event platforms and digital engagement strategies.
• Knowledge of power tools and forklift operation (training provided if needed).
  
  

Wasserman does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.