THE OPPORTUNITY

Addison is renowned on a national level for its highly successful events and presents an opportunity for top event managers to be its next Director of Special Events. This opportunity occurs during a unique period of reimagination and creativity.

SPECIAL EVENTS DEPARTMENT

With an annual department budget of $6.1 million and a staff of 6 employees, Addison makes a significant investment in special events, which very successfully attract tourism and enhance the spirit and brand of Addison. Signature events include:

• Taste Addison: A celebration of Addison, Taste Addison features national music artists, top restaurants, family-friendly activities, wine sampling, shopping and more. A North Texas legend since 1993, Taste Addison is the region’s original food & music festival.

• Kaboom Town! (R): Rated one of the Top 10 Independence Day fireworks displays by USA Today, Wall Street Journal, CNN and more, the aerial entertainment also features the Addison Airport Airshow. Approximately 500,000 people head to Addison each year to enjoy the show, including thousands who celebrate at the official watch party in Addison Circle Park.

• Addison Oktoberfest: This authentic recreation of Munich Oktoberfest celebrates German food, music and culture with multiple music stages, interactive games, family-friendly activities, the classic Dachshund Dash, delicious food, and great German bier.

• Addison After Dark: This popular entertainment series features free admission with a different theme, offering a variety of activities, live music, food trucks, and unique experiences.

THE POSITION

The Director of Special Events is an exempt, at-will position that reports to a Deputy City Manager. The position directs all activities, staff, budgets and operations of the Special Events Department and the Conference and Theatre Centre. Additionally, the Director provides vision and oversees the execution of all festivals and events produced by, or associated with, the Town of Addison. Key responsibilities include managing full-cycle event planning for high-profile Town events, including but not limited to identifying event goals, objectives and requirements, vendor selection and management, promotion and marketing strategies, event implementation, and post-event evaluation. In addition, the Director develops the annual budgets for the Special Events Department and the Conference and Theatre Centre, oversees the permit process for third-party events, and reviews sponsorship proposals submitted by third-party event producers.

The ideal candidate should have a penchant for planning, foster attention to detail, prior experience planning events with significant attendance and a contemporary understanding of popular attractions and performers in order to create events that build upon Addison’s past successes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that is likely to provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. The following is a typical way to qualify.

Education: A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Tourism, or a related field is required.

Experience: A minimum of five years of directly related supervisory experience in producing large-scale festivals and special events, preferably in a municipal or non-profit organization.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary for the Director of Special Events is up to $157,850, depending upon qualifications. The Town of Addison offers an excellent benefits package including retirement through the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) with a 7% employee contribution and a 2:1 match by the Town of Addison upon retirement, a Town match of up to 4% of salary at a 2/3 rate in a 457 Deferred Compensation plan, excellent insurance benefits including two health plan options, dental and vision coverage, and competitive paid leave. Interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed candidate brochure for additional benefit information.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter online at mosaicpublic.com/careers no later than Tuesday, January 17, 2023. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

Due to the public nature of searches in the State of Texas, confidential inquiries are recommended to Greg Nelson or Bryan Noblett at (916) 550-4100 before submission of materials.

This recruitment incorporates existing rules and regulations that govern public sector recruitments in the State of Texas. In accordance with public disclosure/open record laws, information submitted for consideration may be made available to the public upon request by interested parties.

The Town of Addison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.