Director of Events

About the Role

TheLinkU is seeking a seasoned, results-oriented Director of Events to lead the full lifecycle of our events portfolio. This senior leadership role is responsible for the strategic creation, development, and flawless execution of high-impact events on behalf of TheLinkU and its clients. The ideal candidate brings a minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience managing multiple concurrent, large-scale events and thrives in a fast-paced, client-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Event Leadership
  • Develop and own the annual events strategy aligned with TheLinkU's business objectives and client commitments.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for clients on all event-related matters, from concept through post-event reporting.
  • Identify and evaluate new event opportunities, formats, and markets that expand TheLinkU's reach and revenue potential.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership, sales, and marketing teams to align event programming with brand priorities and growth goals.
• Event Planning & Execution
  • Oversee the end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of multiple simultaneous large-scale events across Houston and nationally.
  • Develop detailed event plans including timelines, run-of-show documents, staffing models, vendor matrices, and budget forecasts.
  • Manage and negotiate contracts with venues, vendors, caterers, AV providers, production companies, and talent agencies.
  • Lead on-site event operations, ensuring seamless delivery, exceptional guest experiences, and full compliance with client expectations.
  • Establish and enforce event standards, safety protocols, and quality benchmarks across all engagements.
• Team & Vendor Management
  • Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing events team including full-time staff, contractors, and event-day volunteers.
  • Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations for all team members.
  • Cultivate and maintain a robust network of preferred vendors, partners, and venues in our markets.
  • Lead post-event debriefs and implement continuous improvement processes across the team.
• Financial Management
  • Develop, manage, and reconcile event budgets ranging from $10K to $1M+, ensuring financial discipline and ROI accountability.
  • Track and report on event expenditures, identifying cost optimization opportunities without compromising quality.
  • Support the business development team in pricing events accurately and competitively for client proposals.
• Client & Stakeholder Relations
  • Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Proactively communicate event status updates, risks, and outcomes to internal stakeholders and clients.
  • Represent TheLinkU at industry events, conferences, and networking functions to elevate brand presence and generate new leads.

What Success Looks Like

• Events are delivered flawlessly, on time and within budget.
• Client and attendee satisfaction consistently meets or exceeds expectations.
• Event strategies successfully expand TheLinkU's reach and revenue potential.
• Event-related financial reporting is accurate and transparent.
• Strong, collaborative relationships are maintained with clients, vendors, and internal teams.
• The events team is well-managed, motivated, and operates efficiently.
• Post-event feedback is actively used for continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Minimum 8 years of progressive event management experience, with a strong track record of executing multiple large-scale, concurrent events.
• Demonstrated experience managing events with 500+ attendees, complex logistics, and multi-vendor coordination.
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams in dynamic, deadline-driven environments.
• Exceptional project management skills with mastery of event planning tools and software.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing multi-event budgets of varying scale.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed and work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends during event periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in sports, NIL, entertainment, or lifestyle event verticals.
• Prior experience working directly with brands, sponsors, or athletes in an events capacity.
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or equivalent professional certification.
• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Marketing, Hospitality, Communications, or a related field.

Why Join TheLinkU

• Be part of one of the fastest-growing sectors in sports and marketing.
• Play a direct role in supporting NIL operations across Power 5 and FBS institutions.
• Work in an entrepreneurial, high-growth environment.
• Make a real impact on student-athletes and athletic programs.
• A front-row seat to the fast-growing NIL and student-athlete ecosystem.
• Collaborative, mission-driven culture with direct leadership access and significant growth potential.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Performance-based bonus tied to event success metrics and client satisfaction.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Paid time off, holidays, and flexible scheduling during non-event periods.