Event Division Manager

Position Summary

The Event Division Leader will oversee the planning, production, and execution of high-impact entertainment events for Japanese, U.S., and global clients.

Requirements

• Strategic Leadership & Event Division Management:
  • Define division goals, service standards, and resource allocation in alignment with company strategy.
  • Manage P&L, annual budgets, and project financial performance.
  • Establish department workflows, documentation templates, and best practice guidelines.
  • Oversee staffing plans and vendor rosters to ensure scalability for peak event seasons.
  • Provide direction and performance reviews for producers and coordinators.
  • Represent the division in client presentations and inter-department planning meetings.
• Event Planning & Creative Development:
  • Translate client objectives into strategic event plans that maximize fan engagement and brand impact.
  • Lead creative concept development for panels, booths, premieres, and launch events.
  • Supervise proposal creation, budget estimation, and timeline planning.
  • Align event strategy with PR and digital campaigns to ensure cross-channel integration.
• Panel / Stage Event Production (Execution Leadership):
  • Direct run-of-show, stage direction, and technical coordination (A/V, lighting, FX).
  • Oversee rehearsals, talent coordination (voice actors, creators, influencers, MCs), and on-site operations.
  • Manage interpreter assignments and press access with the PR Div.
  • Partner with the Social Media Marketing Div for real-time coverage and fan interaction.
  • Ensure brand consistency, safety, and schedule precision throughout live execution.
• Booth Planning & Production:
  • Lead creative concepting, spatial and traffic flow design, and fabrication oversight.
  • Supervise booth construction, installation, and teardown with fabricators and logistics vendors.
  • Integrate interactive elements (photo ops, AR stations, giveaway booths, demo areas) to enhance fan engagement.
  • Collaborate with the Creative Div on visual design and motion assets.
  • Coordinate on-site PR and social activation with the PR Div and Social Media Marketing Div.
  • Manage safety protocols, staff briefings, and daily on-site operations.
• Launch / Premiere Event Management:
  • Plan and execute screenings, premieres, and collaboration activations.
  • Manage venue selection, permits, guest logistics, red-carpet setup, and press coverage.
  • Ensure cohesive storytelling through event theme, staging, and visual identity.
• Team & Vendor Management:
  • Recruit, train, and mentor event team members and freelancers.
  • Develop vendor networks (domestic and international) and negotiate contracts and costs.
  • Monitor vendor performance and evaluate quality, budget efficiency, and timeline adherence.
  • Lead weekly project status meetings and cross-functional syncs with internal divisions.
• Cross-Department Collaboration & Client Relations:
  • Partner with PR Div for press relations and earned media integration.
  • Coordinate with Social Media Marketing Div on content plans and live coverage.
  • Work with Creative Div on design direction and asset production.
  • Support Business Development Div in pitching, budgeting, and scope definition.
  • Maintain transparent and proactive communication with clients throughout each project phase.
• Post-Event Analysis & Continuous Improvement:
  • Deliver comprehensive event recap reports including attendance, media reach, social metrics, and ROI.
  • Lead internal post-mortem sessions to identify learnings and improve future processes.
  • Manage archive of creative assets, event photos/videos, and operational documentation.
  • Track industry trends and emerging technologies to enhance future event experiences.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Required:
  • Experience in planning, producing, and managing panels and booths at convention events.
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. event logistics, vendor management, permits, and safety regulations.
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and on-site execution.
  • Solid financial acumen in budget creation, cost control, and profitability tracking.
  • Exceptional organization and communication skills with a client-service mindset.
  • Business-level English fluency (required); Japanese proficiency preferred.
  • Able to travel domestically and internationally as projects require.
• PREFERRED:
  • Someone who is eager to build and expand a new division within a growing international agency.
  • A strong passion for anime, games, film, and pop culture.
  • The ability to stay calm under high pressure and lead a team effectively.
  • A combination of leadership and flexible problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication skills to work smoothly across US, Japanese, and international teams.
  • A high creative thinking ability to conceptualize attention-grabbing events.
  • Experience in stage production, spatial design, or video production is a plus.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Hybrid Work Model