Operations Manager - Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt Sports Properties is seeking an organized, proactive, and highly collaborative Operations & Events Manager to oversee key day-to-day property operations and lead the planning and execution of events and experiences for corporate partners and key stakeholders.

This position will serve as a central operational resource for Vanderbilt Sports Properties, working closely with Vanderbilt Athletics, Vanderbilt Enterprises, corporate partners, and other internal and external stakeholders. The Manager will have primary responsibility for coordinating property operations and events while also supporting partnership activation and fulfillment, stakeholder meetings, and broader team initiatives.

The ideal candidate is an experienced, highly organized self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can independently manage multiple priorities and stakeholder groups, and takes ownership of ensuring operational and event-related initiatives are executed at a high level.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Events & Partner Experiences

- Lead the planning and execution of corporate partner events, hospitality experiences, partner appreciation events, and other Vanderbilt Sports Properties initiatives.
- Manage event logistics including venue coordination, invitations and RSVPs, catering, parking, credentials, signage, run-of-show development, vendor coordination, guest communication, and on-site execution.
- Partner with the Partnership Services team to execute contractually obligated sponsor events, hospitality, and experiences.
- Develop and manage timelines, checklists, budgets, and communication plans to ensure events and partner experiences are executed accurately and professionally.
- Coordinate with Vanderbilt Athletics, Vanderbilt Enterprises, campus partners, facilities, vendors, and other stakeholders and drive execution across involved parties.
- Serve as a primary on-site point of contact for corporate partners, stakeholders, vendors, and guests when appropriate.
- Lead the planning and coordination of internal team events, meetings, retreats, and other property initiatives.
- Support gameday operations and partner activations, including hospitality, signage, promotional elements, and other on-site needs.
- Coordinate and provide direction to gameday and event staff as needed to ensure seamless execution.

Property Operations & Coordination

- Manage key aspects of the day-to-day operations of Vanderbilt Sports Properties, helping ensure the property operates efficiently and effectively.
- Serve as a primary operational coordination point between Vanderbilt Sports Properties, Vanderbilt Athletics, Vanderbilt Enterprises, and other campus and external stakeholders.
- Manage internal and external meeting coordination, including scheduling, agendas, meeting logistics, materials, and follow-up items as needed.
- Drive communication and information flow across key stakeholder groups and proactively identify gaps or upcoming needs.
- Oversee property calendars, office needs, team meetings, supplies, and other operational functions that support the broader Vanderbilt Sports Properties team.
- Manage invoice processing, expense reporting, budget tracking, vendor communication, purchasing, and other property-related financial administration.
- Maintain organized operational records, resources, processes, and documentation.
- Identify and implement process improvements that enhance organization, communication, and efficiency across the property.

Partnership Activation & Fulfillment

- Partner with the Partnership Services team to support the activation and fulfillment of corporate partnership agreements across traditional, digital, experiential, and in-venue platforms.
- Work closely with Partnership Services team members to coordinate and execute contracted partner assets and activation elements.
- Serve as an operational liaison between Vanderbilt Sports Properties, Vanderbilt Athletics, Vanderbilt Enterprises, internal Learfield teams, and brand partners to facilitate seamless execution of partnership assets.
- Assist in tracking partnership assets, deliverables, deadlines, and fulfillment activity to ensure contracted elements are executed accurately and on time.
- Help coordinate partner activation elements including events, hospitality, signage, gameday promotions, digital assets, and other contracted deliverables.
- Assist with proof-of-performance documentation and the collection of materials needed for partner recaps and internal reporting.
- Contribute to partner recap presentations, activation materials, meeting materials, and other partner-facing resources as needed.
- Build positive working relationships with corporate partners, Vanderbilt stakeholders, and internal teams while serving as a professional representative of Vanderbilt Sports Properties and Learfield.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Partnership Services, sales, digital, marketing, content, and other teams to support successful partnership execution.

Team Support

- Provide organizational and administrative support to the General Manager and Vanderbilt Sports Properties leadership.
- Assist with scheduling and meeting coordination involving internal and external stakeholders.
- Assist with calendar coordination, meeting preparation, and follow-up as needed.
- Support the organization and coordination of communications, including helping prioritize correspondence and track necessary follow-up items when appropriate.
- Prepare meeting materials, agendas, presentations, notes, and other resources as needed.
- Track key action items and deadlines resulting from leadership, partner, and stakeholder meetings.
- Anticipate upcoming scheduling, communication, and operational needs and proactively help address them.
- Handle sensitive business information and communications with professionalism and discretion.

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Minimum Qualifications

- 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in sports, events, hospitality, marketing, partnership services, operations, project management, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience independently managing events, operational initiatives, or complex projects from planning through execution.
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, meetings, events, and stakeholder groups simultaneously with limited oversight.
- Strong judgment and demonstrated ability to take initiative, anticipate needs, solve problems, and make decisions independently.
- Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to take ownership while supporting the broader needs of the property.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with corporate partners, senior leaders, colleagues, campus stakeholders, vendors, and guests.
- Ability to maintain professionalism and discretion when working with confidential or sensitive information.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability and willingness to work select evenings, weekends, Vanderbilt Athletics home games, and partner functions as required.

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Preferred Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Experience working in collegiate athletics, professional sports, sponsorship, hospitality, or live events.
- Experience managing events from initial planning through on-site execution.
- Experience supporting corporate partnerships, sponsorship activation, fulfillment, or client service.
- Experience with gameday or live-event operations.
- Experience coordinating across multiple organizations and senior-level stakeholder groups.
- Familiarity with Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt Athletics, or the collegiate athletics landscape.

Learfield offers a full spectrum of benefits for eligible employees including Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance and Other Insurance Plans, Flexible Paid Time Off (minimum 10+ days annually), including Parental Leave, 20 Paid Holidays, 401(k) + Match, and Short/Long Term Disability. Leave benefits are consistent with state and local laws, including the Colorado Health Families and Workplaces Act.

Learfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.