Event Operations Manager

National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Washington, DC, is currently seeking an Event Operations Manager.

Company Description

The National Cherry Blossom Festival produces and promotes the nation’s greatest springtime celebration and is dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, and educational and entertainment initiatives that enhance our environment, showcase arts and culture, and build community spirit.

The Event Operations Manager is responsible for managing the production and logistical plans and timelines for all National Cherry Blossom Festival events. The Event Operations Manager manages vendors, supplies, and equipment for all events, and oversees load-in, load-out, and all on-site logistics. Reporting to the Director of Programming, the Event Operations Manager will collaborate with all teams to develop and implement production plans and curate programmatic elements of each event. They will also plan and implement all health, safety, transportation and traffic management plans.

Responsibilities

Provide primary support for the programming and operations functions of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Communicate with management staff, board members, clients and vendors using a high degree of tact, professionalism and discretion. Carry out directives and established policies and complete assignments with moderate supervision. Organize daily work within parameters set by the National Cherry Blossom Festival. This position reports to the Director of Programming and works in conjunction with the Vice President.

The Event Operations Manager is responsible for:

Event Production

• Develop and execute all production and logistical plans and timelines including programmatic elements, food and beverage, sponsorship activations, benefit fulfillment and event logistics.
• Manage vendors, supplies, and equipment including site/venue management, contingency planning, parking, health and safety, signage and collateral, sound, lighting and staging, staffing, traffic and waste management.
• Maintain inventory of equipment and supplies in storage
• Manage site plans and asset management documents
• Assist Festival staff in liaising with venue representatives and the local community
• Keep the Festival apprised of all financial, production and logistical issues

Event Management

• Work with event managers to curate the programmatic elements of events
• Be the liaison between the programming and business operations teams to process necessary paperwork including agreements, contracts, purchase orders, expense vouchers and COIs.

Event Operations

• Implement Health & Safety and Transportation & Traffic Management plans at events via coordination with vendors
• Acquire documentation and approvals for all required permits and applications via District of Columbia agencies and the National Park Service
• Make copies and hang permits and proper signage (parking, directional, health & safety)
• Communicate and work collaboratively across departments with responsibilities including, but not limited to:
  • Submitting and reviewing assets (Marketing)
  • Ensuring fulfillment of sponsorship deliverables (Sponsorship)
  • Submitting invoices (Business Operations)
  • Identify event volunteer needs (Volunteer Management)

On-Site Logistics and Management

• Oversee load-in and load out of each event, managing vendors, equipment and supplies
• Oversee the Operations crew to ensure production plans are implemented accurately.
• Establish and manage Event Operations Center in cooperation with Festival staff and volunteers
• Monitor and resolve any production and logistical issues that may arise
• Manage inventory pre- and post- for all festival events
• Manage the collection and distribution of event materials and supplies

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or other equivalent experience
• Minimum of three years of demonstrated experience working in event management and operations
• Strong experience in permit acquisition within the District of Columbia
• Excellent project coordination, time management, and organizational skills with the ability to juggle and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Strong creative, strategic and analytical skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Superior communication and writing skills
• Attention to detail, high productivity and concern for accuracy and excellence
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with Monday.com or Slack is a plus
• Must be a self-starter, proactive and driven with a strong work ethic, a high level of motivation, a strong sense of urgency when needed, with the ability to work without direct supervision and consistently meet deadlines
• Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams
• Ability to work non-traditional hours
• Ability to foster positive, productive relationships, collaboration and teamwork, internally and externally, among staff, board members, volunteers, partners and other Festival stakeholders

As an integral part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival team, this salaried exempt position participates fully in the production and execution of all Festival events. This requires flexibility to be available evenings and weekends and to work additional hours during peak periods.

TARGET START DATE: August 25 – September 3, 2025

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

Salary range: $60,000 - $65,000/year. Benefits package includes health insurance with prescription drug, dental, and eye plans (substantially underwritten by NCBF); annual and sick leave; short-term and long-term disability; life insurance; flexible spending account; 401K plan with safe harbor contributions eligible 6 months after hire; parking/transit subsidy.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an Equal Opportunity Employer.