Senior Event and Production Manager

Senior Event And Production ManagerThe Senior Event and Production Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all event production and execution services at George Mason University's Mason Square campus. This role is responsible for elevating the quality, consistency, and impact of eventsranging from academic conferences to high-profile executive and presidential-level engagements. As a senior member of the campus administration team, the position partners closely with university leadership, sponsors, and external stakeholders to align event experiences with institutional objectives and brand standards. The Senior Event and Production Manager leads a team of professional and part-time staff, ensuring excellence in event design, audiovisual execution, and logistical coordination. This role serves as the primary production lead for high-stakes and VIP events, cultivating key relationships across internal departments and external partners to deliver seamless, mission-aligned outcomes. The role also supports long-range planning, evaluates emerging technologies, and establishes protocols and performance benchmarks to continuously improve production operations and event delivery. The Senior Event and Production Manager plays a vital role in positioning Mason Square as a premier destination for academic, governmental, and industry convenings, contributing to institutional goals related to engagement, visibility, and strategic growth.Responsibilities include:Strategic Event Production LeadershipExecutive Event ManagementEmployee ManagementOther related duties as assignedRequired qualifications include:High school diploma or equivalentSupervision of full-time employees and significant practical experience (7+ years preferred) in the event management and production industryExperience with personnel recruitment, employee scheduling, timesheet approval, employee development planning, and trainingSignificant experience with complex audiovisual systems, including live streaming technologiesDemonstrated experience with vendor managementDemonstrated knowledge of event production, AV, technical direction, staging, and venue managementDemonstrated knowledge of audiovisual systems and live streaming technologiesDemonstrated knowledge of equipment replacement cycles and industry trends for event innovationDemonstrated knowledge of permitting, crowd management, fire codes, health/safety regulations, and emergency response protocols, especially for VIP guestsDemonstrated knowledge of logistics, timelines, budgeting, and coordination for various eventsSkill in planning and executing logistics across multiple locations with efficient onsite coordination and issue resolutionSkill in supervising and mentoring professional and wage staff in event production and executionSkill in providing excellent customer serviceSkill in prioritizing and multitasking; managing multiple tasks and meeting competing deadlinesSkill in ensuring flawless execution of logisticsSkill in aligning event operations with organizational goalsSkill in bringing fresh ideas to event formats and production techniques; evaluating industry trends for innovationSkill in working seamlessly across departmentsSkill in empowering others while maintaining accountability and oversightAbility to adapt quickly to changes and lead the team through last-minute adjustmentsAbility to be adaptable to changing circumstancesAbility to engage confidently with senior leadership and VIP guests; andAbility to commit to creating exceptional guest experiencesPreferred qualifications include:Bachelor's degree in a related fieldAny audio/visual licenses and computer certifications preferredSignificant experience in higher education, or related experience in an association, corporate, or industry-related environmentExperience using 25-Live and Social Tables softwareKnowledge of the local market; andAbility to work with multiple units in a higher education setting.Instructions to applicants:For full consideration, applicants must apply for Senior Event and Production Manager at Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.Posting Open Date: February 27, 2026For Full Consideration, Apply by: March 13, 2026Open Until Filled: YesEach agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse workforce. Equal Opportunity Employer