Operations Manager - Vanderbilt University

About the Role

Vanderbilt Sports Properties is seeking an organized, proactive, and highly collaborative Operations & Events Manager to oversee key day-to-day property operations and lead the planning and execution of events and experiences for corporate partners and key stakeholders. This position will serve as a central operational resource for Vanderbilt Sports Properties, working closely with Vanderbilt Athletics, Vanderbilt Enterprises, corporate partners, and other internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Events & Partner Experiences:
  • Lead the planning and execution of corporate partner events, hospitality experiences, partner appreciation events, and other Vanderbilt Sports Properties initiatives.
  • Manage event logistics including venue coordination, invitations and RSVPs, catering, parking, credentials, signage, run-of-show development, vendor coordination, guest communication, and on-site execution.
  • Partner with the Partnership Services team to execute contractually obligated sponsor events, hospitality, and experiences.
  • Develop and manage timelines, checklists, budgets, and communication plans to ensure events and partner experiences are executed accurately and professionally.
  • Coordinate with Vanderbilt Athletics, Vanderbilt Enterprises, campus partners, facilities, vendors, and other stakeholders and drive execution across involved parties.
  • Serve as a primary on-site point of contact for corporate partners, stakeholders, vendors, and guests when appropriate.
  • Lead the planning and coordination of internal team events, meetings, retreats, and other property initiatives.
  • Support gameday operations and partner activations, including hospitality, signage, promotional elements, and other on-site needs.
  • Coordinate and provide direction to gameday and event staff as needed to ensure seamless execution.
• Property Operations & Coordination:
  • Manage key aspects of the day-to-day operations of Vanderbilt Sports Properties, helping ensure the property operates efficiently and effectively.
  • Serve as a primary operational coordination point between Vanderbilt Sports Properties, Vanderbilt Athletics, Vanderbilt Enterprises, and other campus and external stakeholders.
  • Manage internal and external meeting coordination, including scheduling, agendas, meeting logistics, materials, and follow-up items as needed.
  • Drive communication and information flow across key stakeholder groups and proactively identify gaps or upcoming needs.
  • Oversee property calendars, office needs, team meetings, supplies, and other operational functions that support the broader Vanderbilt Sports Properties team.
  • Manage invoice processing, expense reporting, budget tracking, vendor communication, purchasing, and other property-related financial administration.
  • Maintain organized operational records, resources, processes, and documentation.
  • Identify and implement process improvements that enhance organization, communication, and efficiency across the property.
• Partnership Activation & Fulfillment:
  • Partner with the Partnership Services team to support the activation and fulfillment of corporate partnership agreements across traditional, digital, experiential, and in-venue platforms.
  • Work closely with Partnership Services team members to coordinate and execute contracted partner assets and activation elements.
  • Serve as an operational liaison between Vanderbilt Sports Properties, Vanderbilt Athletics, Vanderbilt Enterprises, internal Learfield teams, and brand partners to facilitate seamless execution of partnership assets.
  • Assist in tracking partnership assets, deliverables, deadlines, and fulfillment activity to ensure contracted elements are executed accurately and on time.
  • Help coordinate partner activation elements including events, hospitality, signage, gameday promotions, digital assets, and other contracted deliverables.
  • Assist with proof-of-performance documentation and the collection of materials needed for partner recaps and internal reporting.
  • Contribute to partner recap presentations, activation materials, meeting materials, and other partner-facing resources as needed.
  • Build positive working relationships with corporate partners, Vanderbilt stakeholders, and internal teams while serving as a professional representative of Vanderbilt Sports Properties and Learfield.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Partnership Services, sales, digital, marketing, content, and other teams to support successful partnership execution.
• Team Support:
  • Provide organizational and administrative support to the General Manager and Vanderbilt Sports Properties leadership.
  • Assist with scheduling and meeting coordination involving internal and external stakeholders.
  • Support the organization and coordination of communications, including helping prioritize correspondence and track necessary follow-up items when appropriate.
  • Prepare meeting materials, agendas, presentations, notes, and other resources as needed.
  • Track key action items and deadlines resulting from leadership, partner, and stakeholder meetings.
  • Anticipate upcoming scheduling, communication, and operational needs and proactively help address them.
  • Handle sensitive business information and communications with professionalism and discretion.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in sports, events, hospitality, marketing, partnership services, operations, project management, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience independently managing events, operational initiatives, or complex projects from planning through execution.
  • Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, meetings, events, and stakeholder groups simultaneously with limited oversight.
  • Strong judgment and demonstrated ability to take initiative, anticipate needs, solve problems, and make decisions independently.
  • Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to take ownership while supporting the broader needs of the property.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with corporate partners, senior leaders, colleagues, campus stakeholders, vendors, and guests.
  • Ability to maintain professionalism and discretion when working with confidential or sensitive information.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability and willingness to work select evenings, weekends, Vanderbilt Athletics home games, and partner functions as required.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • Experience working in collegiate athletics, professional sports, sponsorship, hospitality, or live events.
  • Experience managing events from initial planning through on-site execution.
  • Experience supporting corporate partnerships, sponsorship activation, fulfillment, or client service.
  • Experience with gameday or live-event operations.
  • Experience coordinating across multiple organizations and senior-level stakeholder groups.
  • Familiarity with Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt Athletics, or the collegiate athletics landscape.

Learfield offers a full spectrum of benefits for eligible employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance and Other Insurance Plans, Flexible Paid Time Off (minimum 10+ days annually), including Parental Leave, 20 Paid Holidays, 401(k) + Match, and Short/Long Term Disability. Leave benefits are consistent with state and local laws, including the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.