KC2026 is seeking a Director of Events to take a senior leadership role in the organization. The primary responsibility will be the planning and tactical execution of live tentpole events outside of the competition venues, including Fan Festival. The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge and experience in planning and delivering greenfield events, mass attendance events and venue/event operations.  Additionally, the candidate must be able to convene, lead and manage supporting public and private entities.  Interested candidates should submit a resume to ewestering@sportkc.org with the subject line: Director of Fan Fest Applicant. Because of the high volume of responses, only candidates selected to continue in the process will be contacted. No phone calls, please. 

Essential Functions and Competencies 

Lead the operations and delivery of exceptional KC2026 event experiences that are distinctly Kansas City, including the Fan Festival. Work with other leaders to ensure the event experience delivers on KC2026 goal to unite, strengthen and elevate our region. Manage and coordinate all operational functions at KC2026 Fan Festival and other tentpole, non-competition events. 

Oversee all operational aspects of events including management of a multi-million dollar budget, contingency planning, partners and vendors. Maximize revenue streams embedded in tentpole event while identifying cost-cutting opportunities. 

Collaborate with other leaders and/or external vendors to ensure exceptional delivery of transportation, safety and security, food and beverage, sustainability, sanitation and other event operations. Oversee coordination and permitting with all city departments including but not limited to alcohol, food and beverage, sanitation, fire department. 

Manage the master planning/block planning process for events. Ensure adequate staffing, space, facilities and other services meet the needs of all audiences.  

Oversee the development of events including the design and build out of the event site and management and assignment of all necessary facilities used.  

Lead on all labor management at major events to help work with vendors, labor force and facilities to ensure all groups work together to build out necessary facilities and temporary structures in the most efficient manner possible; while adhering to all human rights and sustainability principles 

Create and manage scopes of work and any RFPs and processes to identify and fill key business needs in support of the events. 

Planning schedule design, implementation and management. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree 
• 10+ years of live event operations experience 
• 6+ years of large-scale event oversight 
• Successfully having managed multiple projects simultaneously in fast-paced high-pressure environment 
• Labor management oversight 
• Sustainability and human rights oversight for events 
• Proven accomplishments in organization and management of people and processes 
• Ability to convene and lead public and private teams 
• Strong organization, communication and presentation skills 

• Self starter able to work in startup environment and under compressed timelines 
• Team Player – willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. We all move boxes.  

This position will be devoted, full-time, to KC2026 activities.  However, the individual will be employed by the Kansas City Sports Commission.  This position generally operates in an office setting; however, there is some flexibility for remote work options. 

Benefits include:  

• Highly or fully subsidized, medical, dental, and vision insurance (depending on employee choice of plan) 
• Competitive base salary with potential performance-based bonus 
• 401K savings plans with employer contribution after one year of employment 
• Life insurance and disability coverage 
• Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays) 
• Paid parental leave and family-friendly policies 
• Although in person work preferred, some flexibility available 
• Access to conferences, workshops, and industry events 
• On-site gym with wellness classes including yoga, meditation, etc. 
• Travel expense reimbursement  
• Free parking  
• Subsidized mobile phone 

KC2026 is the 501(c)(4) non-profit entity that has been incorporated to lead the strategy for the planning and activation of the FIFA World Cup 26™ in Kansas City. KC2026 is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of elected/appointed officials, representatives from the local professional sports teams and key community leaders. The purpose of the entity is to maximize the positive momentum created by FIFA World Cup 26™ to unite, strengthen and elevate our region while propelling Kansas City to new heights in the nation and the world.