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Event Operations Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

PathForward

Operations Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Handles the planning and logistics for internal events: monthly pizza parties, staff holiday ... operations, office management, or administrative management roles * Demonstrated experience ...

Sky Zone LLC

Operations Manager

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

Operations Reports to: General Manager FLSA: Exempt WHO WE ARE: At Sky Zone , our mission is to ... As the leader in active indoor entertainment, we host unforgettable birthdays, team events, and ...

Sky Zone LLC

Operations Manager

Glen Allen, VA

CircusTrix dba Sky Zone Operations Manager Full-time Onsite Department: Operations Reports to ... As the leader in active indoor entertainment, we host unforgettable birthdays, team events, and ...

Akima, LLC

Operations Manager

Herndon, VA · On-site

$154K - $194K/yr

The Operations Manager will serve as the senior operational leader for daily execution, ensuring ... mission-impacting events. * Coordinate cybersecurity-driven operational support, including ...

Lawelawe

Operations Manager

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Overview The Operations Manager will oversee the daily operations of enterprise level business ... Attendance at meetings or other events may necessitate a change in standard hours. Travel Travel is ...

Lawelawe

Operations Manager

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Overview The Operations Manager will oversee the daily operations of enterprise level business ... Attendance at meetings or other events may necessitate a change in standard hours. Travel Travel is ...

Lawelawe

Operations Manager

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Overview The Operations Manager will oversee the daily operations of enterprise level business ... Attendance at meetings or other events may necessitate a change in standard hours. Travel Travel is ...

Planned Companies

Operations Manager

Arlington, VA

$75K - $80K/yr

Planned Companies -Multi-Site-Operations Manager - Summary Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM ... Must be able to proactively learn about all events, happenings, restaurants, etc. in the local ...

Planned Companies

Operations Manager

Arlington, VA

Planned Companies -Multi-Site-Operations Manager - Summary Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM ... Must be able to proactively learn about all events, happenings, restaurants, etc. in the local ...

Raising Cane's

Operations Manager

Manassas, VA · On-site

$24.75/hr

Early closure for company events * Casual Work Attire * Perkspot Employee Discount Programs ... The Operations Manager (OM) is responsible for supporting the Restaurant Leader in leading ...

Raising Cane's

Operations Manager

Manassas, VA · On-site

$24.75/hr

Early closure for company events * Casual Work Attire * Perkspot Employee Discount Programs ... The Operations Manager (OM) is responsible for supporting the Restaurant Leader in leading ...

Planned Companies

Operations Manager

Arlington, VA

$75K - $80K/yr

Planned Companies -Multi-Site-Operations Manager - Summary Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM ... Must be able to proactively learn about all events, happenings, restaurants, etc. in the local ...

Planned Companies

Operations Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Description Position at Planned Companies Planned Companies -Multi-Site-Operations Manager ... Must be able to proactively learn about all events, happenings, restaurants, etc. in the local ...

PDS Health

Operations Manager

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$63K/yr

The role of the Operations Manager is to achieve or exceed the budgeted financial performance in ... events * Ensure office is following PDS standards in respect to facility cleanliness and ...

PDS Health

Operations Manager

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Overview The role of the Operations Manager is to achieve or exceed the budgeted financial ... events * Ensure office is following PDS standards in respect to facility cleanliness and ...

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All JobsEvent Operations JobsEvent Operations Manager JobsEvent Operations Manager Jobs in Virginia

Event Operations Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$20.8K

$59.5K

$90.7K

How much do event operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for event operations manager in Virginia is $59,543.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $69,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Event Operations Managers face during large-scale events, and how can they effectively address them?

Event Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as last-minute changes, vendor delays, and coordination of large teams during high-profile events. To address these, it's essential to maintain detailed contingency plans, foster clear communication with all stakeholders, and stay adaptable under pressure. Building strong relationships with vendors and ensuring regular briefings with the event team can help mitigate disruptions and keep the event running smoothly.

What is the difference between Event Operations Manager vs Event Coordinator?

AspectEvent Operations ManagerEvent Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall event logistics, manages teams, and ensures smooth executionAssists with planning, coordinates vendors, and manages event setup
Required SkillsLeadership, project management, problem-solvingCommunication, organization, multitasking
Work EnvironmentManagement level, often in office and on-sitePrimarily on-site during events
CertificationsEvent planning or management certifications preferredEntry-level certifications or experience often sufficient

The Event Operations Manager typically holds a higher-level role with responsibilities for overseeing entire events and managing teams, while the Event Coordinator focuses on assisting with planning and executing specific event tasks. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but the manager position involves more leadership and strategic oversight.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Event Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Event Operations Manager, you need strong organizational skills, event planning experience, and often a degree in hospitality, event management, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and logistics platforms is typically required. Outstanding communication, problem-solving abilities, and leadership are essential soft skills for managing teams and client relationships. These skills ensure smooth event execution, client satisfaction, and the ability to handle unexpected challenges effectively.

What does an Event Operations Manager do?

An Event Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of events to ensure everything runs smoothly. Their duties include managing logistics, supervising staff, coordinating with vendors, and addressing any issues that arise during the event. They work closely with clients to understand their needs and ensure that each event meets expectations and stays within budget. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Event Operations jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Event Operations jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Event Operations Manager jobs in Virginia? For Event Operations Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Event Operations Manager jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Event Operations Manager jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Event Operations Manager jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Event Operations Manager job openings:
Event Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Event Operations Manager job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,543 per year, or $28.6 per hour.
Executive Director of University Events and Operations

Executive Director of University Events and Operations

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 hours ago

George Mason University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department: Office of University Branding
Classification: Administrative Faculty
Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes
About the Department:
The Office of University Branding at George Mason University is responsible for telling the Mason story. Relying on a team of highly skilled communicators and marketing professionals, the department builds awareness and support for the university, develops and protects the brand, and shares important and timely information with the Mason community and its external partners.
About the Position:
The Executive Director of University Events and Operations provides senior operational, strategic, and policy leadership for University Events and Operations. Serves as the institutional authority for event systems, scheduling governance, operational standards, and cross-functional coordination. Ensures university events advance institutional priorities, comply with policies and regulatory requirements, mitigate risk, support leadership continuity and succession planning, and deliver a consistent, high-quality experience across all event types.
This position is open to current employees only. External applicants will not be considered.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Institutional Governance
  • Provides executive-level leadership and institutional oversight for university-wide event operations, including event scheduling and space management systems (25Live), operational standards, and service delivery models;
  • Serves as the institutional authority for event-related governance, policies, procedures, and practices impacting academic, administrative, and external-facing units; and
  • Develops and implements university-wide policies and strategic plans related to events, space utilization, operational readiness, and institutional preparedness.

Event Scheduling and Space Management
  • Provides executive oversight of university-wide event scheduling and space utilization systems, including institutional governance of 25Live; and
  • Establishes standards for space use, setup requirements, documentation, workflows, approval pathways, and utilization practices to ensure scheduling accuracy, effective space use, continuity of institutional knowledge, and a consistent client experience across all schools, departments, and recognized student organizations.

Operational Oversight, Systems Governance, and Analytics
  • Oversees the design, governance, and continuous improvement of systems and processes that support scalable, compliant, and consistent event operations;
  • Owns institutional governance of the event scheduling database (25Live), including system configuration standards, training models, user access protocols, data integrity, documentation, and reporting; and
  • Develops and manages performance metrics, analytics, and utilization reports used by senior leadership to evaluate effectiveness, inform planning, forecasting, policy decisions, and long-term operational sustainability.

Cross-Functional Coordination and Service Provider Oversight
  • Serves as the executive liaison between University Events and Operations and campus service providers, including facilities, public safety, parking, technology, catering, and Event Services;
  • Establishes coordination frameworks, escalation protocols, accountability standards, and continuity plans to ensure operational readiness for routine, high-profile, high-impact, and high-risk events; and
  • Ensures alignment between event operations, service providers, and institutional priorities.

Customer Service Standards and Institutional Representation
  • Defines and oversees the university's event service delivery model;
  • Establishes customer service standards, performance metrics, and training expectations to ensure a consistent, professional, scalable, and policy-compliant client experience that is not dependent on individual role holders; and
  • Represents the university professionally in internal and external event-related engagements.

Risk Management
  • Provides executive oversight and decision-making authority for complex, high-impact, or high-risk events, in coordination with public safety, risk management, facilities, and executive stakeholders; and
  • Establishes preparedness frameworks and response protocols to mitigate institutional, reputational, and operational risk.

Major Events, Special Projects, and Organizational Leadership
  • Provides leadership for major university events, initiatives, and signature institutional programs as assigned;
  • Leads organizational change efforts, process improvement initiatives, and special projects that strengthen operational resilience, institutional readiness, and long-term continuity; and
  • Participates in long-range planning and organizational development initiatives to ensure future-state readiness for university events and operations.

Personnel Management, Leadership Development, and Succession Planning
  • Provides leadership for staff development, performance management, and organizational capacity-building;
  • Supports institutional succession planning and leadership continuity within University Events and Operations;
  • Establishes delegation models, cross-training strategies, and leadership development frameworks to ensure continuity of operations during leadership transitions, extended absences, or organizational change; and
  • Documents and standardizes systems, decision frameworks, and institutional practices to preserve institutional knowledge and reduce reliance on individual contributors.

Executive Support and Organizational Alignment
  • Serves as operational leader in direct support of the Associate Vice President, enabling effective delegation, leadership continuity, and operational resilience;
  • Provides continuity of operational leadership while the AVP focuses on institutional strategy, executive engagement, and external relations; and
  • Ensures alignment of event operations with broader institutional goals, governance structures, and strategic priorities.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
  • Considerable demonstrated experience in events management (generally 5+ years);
  • Typically, 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in event management, operations, or a related field;
  • Extensive knowledge of organizational planning and resource management;
  • Knowledge of university event spaces and policies related to events;
  • Knowledge and expertise in software configuration and security;
  • Skill in effective and respectful verbal, written, and interpersonal communication;
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and outlook calendar system;
  • Proficiency and administration of the university scheduling software, 25live;
  • Ability to demonstrate significant attention to detail and perform work with a high degree of accuracy;
  • Ability to multi-ask and prioritize daily activities; ability to remain organized while working on multiple, simultaneous projects;
  • Ability to troubleshoot problems independently and perform duties with changing priorities;
  • Valid driver's license: must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator's license that meets all of GMU's requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason's Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver's licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review;
  • Resource 25 (25live) training required before hire (refresher training throughout the year); and
  • Mason 101.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field;
  • Typically, 3-5 years of leadership experience supervising staff and/or leading cross-functional teams;
  • Demonstrated experience developing or implementing policies, procedures, or operational frameworks;
  • Experience managing complex, high-profile events or programs within a large or decentralized organization;
  • Experience with risk management, compliance, and/or institutional policies related to events or space use;
  • Familiarity with using data, reporting, or analytics to support decision-making and improve operations; and
  • Proven ability to coordinate across multiple stakeholders and manage competing priorities.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Executive Director of University Events and Operations at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information and submit a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.
Posting Open Date: May 21, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: June 29, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.
George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/

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