Events Director

Description

The Opportunity

• Lead IGN Entertainment’s events from both a strategic and execution perspective, working cross-departmentally to do so:
• You will work on IGN Entertainment’s custom and tentpole events including IGN’s Fan Fest, Summer of Gaming, IGN LIVE, gamescom latam/cologne, San Diego Comic Con, Red Carpets, GamesIndustry’s Best Place to Work Awards, and more
• Work with Pricing & Packaging/ Creative Solutions/ Sales to provide weekly reports to the President/Finance on event sales, partnerships, event recaps and department productivity
• Lead weekly meetings to keep departments/employees informed, assess/ set goals, establish a taskforce, provide project updates manage and create and discuss strategies, and where needed establish and lead cross-departmental taskforces for big events 
• Provide a positive and productive working environment - amongst your team of direct reports and cross functional teams.
• Assist the Sales team with RFP responses by working closely with Creative Solutions & Sponsorships teams to  provide accurate pricing to execute and implement successful event activations that achieve client KPIs
• Act as the main point of contact on-site at IGN Entertainment-led events and client events
• Clearly communicate deadlines and hold internal/external teams accountable in order to activate and execute successful events
• Work closely with Content teams including editorial, video, and social to promote IGN Events and also work externally with PR to drive as much awareness and press as possible
• Manage budgets, associated administration, and reporting:
• Responsible for overall budget management and profitability involved in planning and executing IGN Entertainment and bespoke client events/ activations
• Create and implement reports to forecast, track, and reconcile the marketing events budget
• Submit monthly reports to President/Finance and SVP Sales including, but not limited to: Event Revenue Report, Forecast, Revenue Pipeline, Vendor Costs, etc.
• Oversee and track all Marketing Events accounting paperwork and associated events revenue
• Develop and maintain relationships with third parties, venues, and vendors:
• Negotiate and close contracts to ensure we are working with the best vendors and external partners.
• Research and identify venues and external vendors; meet with these partners on a regular basis to ensure IGN has a good understanding of available options in market
• Keep external vendors informed and accountable - so they are producing mocks, sales materials, and responses to client questions in a timely manner
• Oversee and coordinate vendors to fulfill client proposal and event needs
• This position is based in Los Angeles, CA.   

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent Experience
• 8+ years of experience including managing a small team of direct reports
• Ability to delegate, follow up, provide excellent customer service and relate to employees and partners in a positive effective manner
• Experience with PR/ press functions
• Knowledge of video production is a plus; most of our IRL events also include digital video components and require coordination with our video production teams
• Passion for the gaming and entertainment industry is a plus but not required
• Strong relationships with external vendors/ production companies is a plus
• Must be willing to travel for work as needed (including international travel)
• Portfolio of past work/ experiential projects is required.

• Work Schedule: Full time, M-F. Due to the nature of the role, there is an expectation for this role to work hours outside of typical business hours based on the needs of clients and events management.
• Travel Requirements: Travel to events, event locations, as needed.  International travel as needed.  May be required to work weekends due to events and load in/ load out schedules.
• Physical Requirements: This role involves standard office-based activities, including extended periods of sitting, standing, and working at a computer. Event planning and related activities require the ability to bend and lift up to 25 lbs. 
• Work Model: This role will be required to go into our Los Angeles office on a hybrid basis, Tuesday - Thursday. 

Our Culture and Values

Here’s the good stuff about us…

• You’ll make an impact. We reach 490MM monthly unique users. We’re big time, but we’re not afraid to give you real opportunities to be epic and make a difference immediately.
• We’ve got a big presence, but a small team.
• We have fun. It’s all about games and games are fun. Anyone can offer a casual work environment, flexible hours, and benefits. We can offer that and a place where you can squad up with your coworkers in the arcade/game room.
• We’re passionate about what we do. IGN employees understand our users, because they are our users. We have a personal interest in providing the best possible product.