Senior Manager, Events

The World Surf League (WSL) is seeking a Senior Manager, Events to drive the successful production and operation of our world-class competitions and events in North America and Hawai‘i. Reporting to the VP, Tours & Events, this role is highly cross-functional, working within and beyond the WSL and our extensive networks of event vendors and contractors. The ideal candidate is exceptionally organized, detail oriented, self directed, and has impeccable communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and/or support all phases of event production and operations, from initial planning and permitting through onsite setup, delivery, breakdown, and debrief
• Maintain excellent fiscal oversight across all areas of responsibility, including and not limited to budget setting, actualization, and record keeping
• Create and maintain impeccable documentation and records, from event planners and calendars/timelines to accommodations grids, accreditation lists, catering plans, and post-event wrap reports
• Source, book, and coordinate accommodations for all traveling event staff
• Source, book, schedule, and liaise with event vendors and contractors, including and not limited to purchase orders, work-for-hire agreements, and onboarding
• Work cross-functionally and collaboratively with various WSL departments (Broadcast, Partnerships, Tours & Competition, Marketing) and stakeholders to ensure the successful integration and delivery of all aspects of a live surfing event and its ancillary programming
• Provide onsite managerial oversight throughout all event phases, including and not limited to setup/breakdown operations, venue management/compliance, and event staff oversight
• Support development of the annual North America and Hawai‘i tour calendars, including and not limited to event scheduling, licensing/sanctioning, and general administration
• Provide additional administrative support for invoice processing, expense reporting, and payroll processing

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant event planning experience; live sports and/or outdoor events experience is preferred
• Familiarity with surfing and surf culture is preferred, but not required
• Proven understanding of event planning, logistics, and operational optimization
• Proven ability to thrive under deadline in fast-paced environments
• Experience working across a variety of outdoor event venues is a plus
• Excellent proficiency with Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides) and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)

Personal Attributes

• Exceptionally organized, with a keen eye for detail in service of the big picture
• Self directed/self motivated; able to balance independent and collaborative work
• Impeccable written and verbal communication skills; interpersonal, highly responsive, accessible
• Unflappable work ethic and reliability; able to effectively prioritize large simultaneous projects and be flexible when required
• Proactive, resourceful, open-minded, and solutions-oriented
• Positive team mentality; driven to cultivate long-term relationships
• Passionate about culture, community, and holistic sustainability (people, planet, profit)

Working Conditions

• Full-time position based out of the WSL Headquarters in Los Angeles, CA, on a hybrid schedule (in office three days a week)
• Domestic and some international travel to events is required, and includes non-traditional work hours in a variety of weather conditions while on location

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: Equal opportunity employer M/F/D/V

Salary Range: $80,000.00-$90,000.00 based on relevant experience