What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Special Events position at Gwinnett Stripers?
About the Gwinnett Stripers:
The Gwinnett Stripers, Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, deliver high-caliber baseball and vibrant game-day experiences at Gwinnett Field. Known for developing Major League talent and engaging the community, the Stripers create a dynamic and welcoming environment for fans. As part of Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), the Stripers are supported by a network of clubs focused on innovation, collaboration, and long-term success. DBH provides employees with opportunities for professional growth, development, and career advancement within a supportive and team-oriented environment.
About Diamond Baseball Holdings:
Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) is a one-of-a-kind sports and entertainment company that owns and operates an unmatched roster of Minor League Baseball clubs and premier venues in North America. We bring together baseball, must-see special events and community-driven experiences to create unforgettable moments for millions of fans each year. Across our stadiums and clubs, we're redefining what an amazing night out can be, from memorable outings built around America's pastime to immersive exhibition-style sporting events, innovative promotions, legendary concerts, cultural festivals, family entertainment and other unique experiences that bring people together.
With nearly 50 clubs and venues across the United States and Canada, DBH is home to some of the most beloved brands in MiLB, offering unique opportunities to build a career in sports, entertainment, hospitality and live events. Through our partnership with Major League Baseball, we help shape sponsorship, licensing and commercial opportunities that extend across all 120 MiLB markets, giving our teams the chance to make an impact on both a national and local level.
Whether you're joining one of our clubs or our back-office team, you'll be part of an organization that values creativity, collaboration and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional fan experiences while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.
Overview
The Gwinnett Stripers are seeking a driven, relationship-focused leader to head the execution, sales, and marketing of special events at Gwinnett Field. This role is responsible for growing non-baseball event revenue such as concerts, holiday events, conferences, weddings, company parties, and new signature public events, while also supporting event elements around Stripers games. The majority of this role's time is spent on hands-on event execution across the ballpark's 280 dark days, paired with a real outbound sales mandate as the Director will proactively build a pipeline of new business, not simply manage inbound requests, and will be expected to exceed monthly and yearly revenue targets. Success requires personal drive, sharp relationship-building instincts, and comfort operating in a fast-paced, all-hands environment.
Responsibilities:
Event Execution (primary focus)
- Serve as the primary on-site contact for special events, including holiday events, concerts, conferences, and other facility rentals
- Own events end-to-end: walkthroughs, rate and contract negotiations, pre-event planning, food and beverage coordination, staffing, load-in/out, execution, and post-event settlement
- Lead internal and external meetings, including client/vendor walkthroughs and tours, menu reviews, department meetings, and pre-shift meetings
- Schedule internal staffing and coordinate third-party vendors for event set-up, teardown, and execution
- Work with the stadium concessionaire on menu creation and customization, and catering/staffing needs for all events
- Provide superior customer service before, during, and after every event
- Compile and distribute event information accurately and on schedule
- Prepare post-event notes following every event
- Prepare reports for the Assistant General Manager, including proformas, special event revenue reports, profit and loss statements, and departmental projections
- Track event payments received and ensure all related invoices are managed
- Support select game-day needs as needed
Sales & Business Development
- Proactively drive new business through outbound sales calls, presentations, trade shows, and client prospecting, with clear accountability to monthly and yearly revenue targets
- Build and manage a sales pipeline for event space rentals, corporate events, and non-baseball programming
- Create leads and cultivate long-term relationships across the event planning, production, and promotion communities, including the CVB, City/County officials, and the local Sports Commission
- Partner with other departments to identify and develop new special-event revenue opportunities, both standalone and tied to existing Stripers properties
- Work with the marketing team to create "events within events" that drive fan engagement and incremental revenue during Stripers games
- Implement the marketing plan and strategy for outside events, including maintaining event-related content on the facility website, social media, and marketing materials
- Partner with the creative team to develop marketing materials for print, digital, and trade show use that showcase Gwinnett Field's event capabilities
Qualifications:
- Proven outbound sales experience with a track record of hitting or exceeding revenue targets
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong computer skills, including MS Office and TripleSeat
- Ability to work holidays, evenings, and weekends
- 2–4 years of related experience in venue operations, event sales, or event marketing, with working knowledge of local and regional markets
- Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality/facility/sport management, or a related field
- Ability to learn video board and sound equipment basics
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.