Event Manager

Event Manager
United States | Full Time | Exempt
Position Title: Event Manager – IMAGINE Dance Challenge (DanceOne)
Department: Events / Touring
Reports To: National Director – IMAGINE
Location: Remote when not on tour; extensive travel throughout the U.S. during event season (primarily weekends)
About DanceOne & IMAGINE
DanceOne is a family of leading dance competition and convention brands across North America. IMAGINE Dance Challenge is one of our premier tours, delivering high-energy, professionally executed events where dancers, parents, and studios feel supported, inspired, and celebrated.
The Event Manager – IMAGINE is a key operational leader responsible for ensuring consistent, high-quality execution of IMAGINE events nationwide.
Position Summary
The Event Manager supports and partners with the National Director and touring team in the planning, coordination, and execution of IMAGINE tour events. This role maintains direct involvement in on-site operations while exercising independent judgment, prioritization, and decision-making authority to ensure each event runs efficiently and aligns with IMAGINE brand standards.
This position also supports sales execution and brand initiatives for IMAGINE and requires extensive weekend travel and hands-on leadership at live events.
Key Responsibilities
1. Pre-Event Planning & Operational Coordination
Lead the preparation and maintenance of event timelines, operational checklists, and run-of-show documentation for IMAGINE tour stops.
Review studio registrations and event schedules, identifying conflicts, timing risks, and special considerations, and implementing appropriate adjustments.
Coordinate with the National Director on venue logistics, including room layouts, seating plans, dressing rooms, and load-in/load-out requirements.
Maintain accurate and timely event data within company systems and tracking tools (registration platforms, Monday.com, internal trackers, etc.).
Prepare and distribute weekly call sheets to support travel coordination and event execution across IMAGINE events.
2. On-Site Event Execution & Leadership
Serve as an on-site operational lead, overseeing load-in, event setup, front-of-house operations, backstage coordination, and awards execution.
Direct registration and check-in operations, addressing real-time schedule changes and participant needs.
Support stage and backstage operations, including dancer flow, music verification, and coordination with MCs and technical teams.
Monitor event pacing and schedules, making real-time operational decisions to minimize delays and disruptions.
Oversee awards ceremonies, including organization of materials, accuracy support, and participant flow management.
Lead or participate in event strike and load-out, ensuring venues are restored according to contractual and operational standards.
3. Customer Experience & Issue Resolution
Serve as a senior on-site point of contact for studios, dancers, parents, venue partners, and staff.
Address questions, concerns, and complaints professionally, exercising sound judgment to resolve issues effectively and maintain a positive event experience.
Uphold and model DanceOne’s and IMAGINE’s standards related to safety, professionalism, and inclusivity.
Escalate sensitive or complex matters to the National Director or Human Resources as appropriate.
4. Post-Event Reporting & Process Improvement
Compile and support post-event reporting, including attendance metrics, feedback, incident documentation, and operational notes.
Coordinate follow-up actions related to post-event issues, such as missing awards, corrections, or participant communications.
Provide structured feedback on event performance to inform continuous improvement efforts for future tour stops.
5. Sales Support & Brand Execution
Support IMAGINE sales execution through on-site studio engagement, relationship-building, and consistent brand representation.
Assist in implementing initiatives designed to strengthen studio retention, satisfaction, and overall brand performance.
Contribute operational insights to support sales planning and tour strategy discussions.
6. Team Collaboration & Tour Culture
Collaborate closely with the National Director, tour staff, production teams, and cross-brand partners as needed.
Support broader DanceOne initiatives and inter-brand collaboration when requested.
Contribute to a professional, collaborative, and positive tour culture, particularly during high-pressure events and long workdays.
Participate in pre-season trainings, planning sessions, rehearsals, and internal meetings as scheduled.
Qualifications
Required
Minimum 2+ years of experience in live event coordination or management.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and make real-time decisions in dynamic environments.
Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Willingness and ability to travel extensively on weekends during the tour season.
Ability to work extended on-site hours and perform physical tasks related to event execution (up to ~40–50 lbs).
Proficiency with standard office and collaboration tools (email, spreadsheets, Google Workspace / Microsoft Office).
Professional, dependable, and calm under pressure.
Preferred
Experience in the dance, cheer, or performing arts event industry.
Familiarity with event registration or scheduling platforms.
Prior touring or multi-city event experience.
Work Schedule & Travel
Heavy weekend travel during tour season (typically Friday–Sunday, with some Thursday/Monday travel).
Travel includes flights, long drives, and overnight hotel stays.
Off-season work focuses on planning, coordination, and administrative responsibilities.
Texting Privacy Policy and Information
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Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
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Texting Privacy Policy and Information:
- Message type: Informational; you will receive text messages regarding your application and potentially regarding interview scheduling.
- No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes.
- Message frequency will vary depending on the application process.
- Msg & data rates may apply.
- OPT out at any time by texting "Stop".
Texting Privacy Policy and Information:
- Message type: Informational; you will receive text messages regarding your application and potentially regarding interview scheduling.
- No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes.
- Message frequency will vary depending on the application process.
- Msg & data rates may apply.
- OPT out at any time by texting "Stop".