Director of Events

Access Your Potential.Join us to create and deliver experiences that inspire people, spark connection, and bring imagination to life—while having a lot of fun doing it.We’re hiring a Director of Events in San Diego, CA!Join us in shaping and delivering shared experiences that inspire people while leading a high-performing Events team across the West territory. At Access, you’ll collaborate, innovate, and drive operational excellence while building a culture of creativity, accountability, and exceptional client service.This is a high impact leadership role responsible for guiding a team of event professionals who deliver complex corporate meetings, incentives, and large-scale programs across the region.About The JobThe Director of Events (DOE) is responsible for setting the strategic direction and leading the overall management of the Events team to ensure operational excellence across all programs within the West territory.In this role, you will lead a team responsible for delivering complex corporate meetings, incentives, and large-scale programs across the West territory, ensuring programs meet Access standards for quality, profitability, and client satisfaction.You will oversee team structure, performance, and program assignment while ensuring exceptional client delivery, strong financial outcomes, and seamless collaboration across departments. The DOE partners closely with Sales, Creative, and executive leadership to drive innovation, support territory growth, and cultivate a strong, solutions-oriented team culture.This position plays a critical role in ensuring programs are executed at the highest level while meeting revenue, profitability, and client satisfaction goals.What You'll Be DoingTeam Leadership & DevelopmentLead and mentor Senior Managers, Event Managers, and Event Associates while fostering professional growth and long-term engagementChampion a culture of creative excellence, accountability, and continuous learning through coaching and regular team alignmentPartner with Talent Operations and executive leadership to recruit, onboard, and develop a diverse pipeline of future leadersLeverage KPIs and performance data to guide coaching, development planning, and succession strategyProgram & Operational OversightProvide strategic oversight of event execution across the West territory, ensuring operational excellence and consistency across all programsReview program strategies and event plans prior to execution to ensure alignment with client objectives and Access standardsProvide leadership on complex or high-profile programs, including executive-level client engagement when neededOversee event staff readiness, ensuring clear communication, strong documentation, and seamless on-site executionIdentify opportunities to improve operational processes, scalability, and program efficiencyClient & Vendor RelationshipsServe as an executive-level point of contact for high-value or strategic client relationships, ensuring exceptional service delivery and program outcomesOversee client experience quality across all programs within the territory, ensuring alignment with Access standards and brand expectationsBuild and maintain strong relationships with hotels, venues, and key vendor partners across the marketPartner with the Supplier Partnerships team to strengthen vendor strategy, sourcing, and procurement practicesSupport sustainability and responsible sourcing initiatives in collaboration with vendors and internal teamsFinancial Performance & Budget OwnershipOwn overall team financial performance, including revenue growth, gross profit targets, and KPI achievementOversee Statements of Work (SOWs), program budgets, and financial reporting for strategic programsReview program budgets and costing strategies to ensure events meet profitability targets while maintaining client experience standardsProvide leadership on pricing strategy, upselling opportunities, and resource allocation Partner with leadership to improve forecasting accuracy and financial accountabilityProductivity & Operational ScalabilityLead department-wide capacity planning through forecasting, workload balancing, and program assignmentImplement scalable processes that increase operational efficiency while maintaining event qualityAlign team resources with territory demand and seasonal program fluctuationsDrive a culture of sustainable performance and operational disciplineRisk Management & Contingency PlanningEstablish and maintain risk management standards across event operationsApprove contingency budgets and response protocols for operational risksPartner with Sales, Creative, and Operations leadership to align mitigation strategiesProvide executive leadership during program escalations or client incidentsEnsure learnings from operational challenges are translated into improved processes and SOPsWhat Success Looks LikeTerritory consistently meeting or exceeding revenue targetsHigh client satisfaction scores across all programs within the territoryStrong program profitability and consistent achievement of gross profit goalsEvents team performance meeting or exceeding established KPIsRecognized as a trusted mentor and leader within the Events departmentConsistent demonstration of Access values and leadership principlesAbout AccessAccess is a women-owned and women-led destination management company that collaborates with clients to design and execute corporate events and programs. Our expert teams operate in destinations coast-to-coast, designing and producing ultimate experiences for our clients.About YouWe know that there’s no one in the world like you. And we know that you have a lot to offer the next company you work with. Below is a list of “nice-to-haves”, but don’t let those deter you from applying. Access believes that an inclusive team and culture is important. We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.Nice-to-haves7+ years of experience in event management, ideally within hospitality or destination managementProven experience leading and developing event teams, including direct management of Event Managers or senior event professionalsDeep knowledge of the events market and strong vendor/hotel connectionsExperience overseeing multiple concurrent programs and managing event team performance against revenue or profitability targetsExcellent time management, communication, and organizational skillsPassion for creating exceptional event experiencesWhy Access? CULTURE & EXTRASCertified as a Great Place to Work – 3 years in a row and counting!50+ years in the industry!Women-owned and women-ledFun, creative, and supportive cultureFocus on recognition and employee value – including annual and quarterly awardsPaid day off to serve your local communityAnnual all-company retreat to connect, learn, and have fun togetherAnnual qualifier-based incentive trip for top performers (certain departments eligible)Regional team outingsMonthly companywide meetings to connect, learn, and celebrate winsCompensationHighly competitive total compensation, including strong base salary and quarterly bonusesVery strong performance-based quarterly commission plans401k with company match (eligible after 1 year – up to 4% of salary matched, vested immediately)Monthly cell phone stipendWORK LIFE BALANCEWork from home opportunities and flexibility (including full home office setup)Flexible schedule opportunitiesGenerous PTOSick days9 full holidays5 half days off prior to holidays to unplug early2 floating holidays off to be used on holidays of your choice½ day Fridays in July & August (based on achievement of goals)HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND FAMILYExtensive menu of health plans to choose fromPaid parental leavePet insurance programEmployee Assistance Plan (EAP)PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTMentorship program“Masterclasses” in industry/department-specific topicsState-of-the-art technology platforms and tools – including trainingAnnual and monthly meeting content that focuses on professional developmentWhat are you waiting for? Scroll back to the top and apply!Access is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at careers@accessdmc.com.