Senior Event and Production Manager

Senior Event And Production Manager

The 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 events—ranging 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 Leadership
• Executive Event Management
• Employee Management
• Other related duties as assigned

Required qualifications include:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Supervision of full-time employees and significant practical experience (7+ years preferred) in the event management and production industry
• Experience with personnel recruitment, employee scheduling, timesheet approval, employee development planning, and training
• Significant experience with complex audiovisual systems, including live streaming technologies
• Demonstrated experience with vendor management
• Demonstrated knowledge of event production, AV, technical direction, staging, and venue management
• Demonstrated knowledge of audiovisual systems and live streaming technologies
• Demonstrated knowledge of equipment replacement cycles and industry trends for event innovation
• Demonstrated knowledge of permitting, crowd management, fire codes, health/safety regulations, and emergency response protocols, especially for VIP guests
• Demonstrated knowledge of logistics, timelines, budgeting, and coordination for various events
• Skill in planning and executing logistics across multiple locations with efficient onsite coordination and issue resolution
• Skill in supervising and mentoring professional and wage staff in event production and execution
• Skill in providing excellent customer service
• Skill in prioritizing and multitasking; managing multiple tasks and meeting competing deadlines
• Skill in ensuring flawless execution of logistics
• Skill in aligning event operations with organizational goals
• Skill in bringing fresh ideas to event formats and production techniques; evaluating industry trends for innovation
• Skill in working seamlessly across departments
• Skill in empowering others while maintaining accountability and oversight
• Ability to adapt quickly to changes and lead the team through last-minute adjustments
• Ability to be adaptable to changing circumstances
• Ability to engage confidently with senior leadership and VIP guests; and
• Ability to commit to creating exceptional guest experiences

Preferred qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Any audio/visual licenses and computer certifications preferred
• Significant experience in higher education, or related experience in an association, corporate, or industry-related environment
• Experience using 25-Live and Social Tables software
• Knowledge of the local market; and
• Ability 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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). 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, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:
March 13, 2026

Open Until Filled:
Yes

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse workforce. Equal Opportunity Employer