Director, Events and Booking

Organization: Circuit of the AmericasTM

Position Title: Director, Events and Booking

Reports to: Chief Revenue Officer

Location: Austin, TX

Search Contact: Prodigy Search

BACKGROUND

Circuit of The Americas is the premier destination for world-class motorsports and entertainment in the United States. Set on 1,500 acres in the rolling hills just outside downtown Austin, TX, Circuit of The Americas has hosted the biggest names in racing, action sports and music since 2012. At its heart is a 3.41-mile racetrack that was designed to challenge the world's most exacting competitors while providing a thrilling spectacle for audiences.

The 20-turn, counterclockwise circuit takes advantage of the naturally undulating landscape, including an intimidating 133-foot hill at Turn 1 that must be seen in person to be believed. It is home to the only Formula 1 and MotoGP races in the country — the UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX and Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas — and has played host to ESPN's X Games, the FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Pirelli World Challenge and more. Also nestled within the track is Germania Insurance Amphitheater, the largest permanent outdoor amphitheater in Central Texas, and its 251-foot signature observation tower. This unique treasure in the Live Music Capital of the World has hosted some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, including Texas icon Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, KISS, Nine Inch Nails, Kanye West, Kenny Chesney, Drake, Maroon 5, Muse, Kelly Clarkson and dozens more. Between the Germania Insurance Amphitheater and the Grand Plaza, which boasts 20 acres of space including a reflection pool, various concession facilities and two pedestrian bridges over turns 16 and 3, sits the two-year-old, 5,036-seat soccer-specific Bold Stadium. Bold Stadium is home to Austin Bold FC, founded in 2018. Led by head coach, Marcelo Serano, Austin Bold FC competes in the USL Championship, a Division II sanctioned league in the U.S. Soccer Federation hierarchy comprised 36 teams in the United States and Canada. Austin Bold FC play an exciting, up-tempo style of soccer, delivering a matchday atmosphere as dynamic as the city of Austin itself.

SUMMARY

The Director/Vice President of Events and Booking’s primary focus includes the maximization of Circuit of the America’s event calendar by booking, negotiating, contracting and scheduling all COTA, Germania Insurance Amphitheater, Bold Stadium and adjacent 170,000 square foot conference center events. The new hire will be responsible for assisting in and placing first rate, sports, entertainment, corporate and various other high-profile events and performances.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Work with senior leadership team to set strategic plan for event booking and scheduling at all COTA venues, resulting in calendar maximization and high-yielding events
  • Assist in leading the strategic direction of the events organization, responsible for planning, booking and scheduling of all events at COTA venues, providing unique experiences for COTA guests
  • Negotiate deals with agents and create offers for talent, as well as, communicate with artists and artist management
  • Work with marketing and ticketing for build of show, advice on flow for announce and on sale
  • Coordinate security activities to promote and maintain standards for security conscious awareness and behavior during all events
  • Oversee the P&L for all concerts, family shows, special events and sporting events producing highest yield for COTA
  • Innovate and maintain best practices in events, booking and ticketing, identifying unique trends and making adjustments to department’s strategic plan accordingly
  • Build and cultivate new and existing relationships with sponsors, venues, co-promoters, artists, agents, managers and corporate leaders
  • Maintain and evaluate budget, creating budgets both annually and on a per show basis
  • Make recommendations for new and future opportunities

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required, MBA Preferred
  • 5-10 years’ experience booking/scheduling in the sports and entertainment industry
  • Familiarity with a major sports and entertainment venue
  • Experience working with artists, managers, promoters and event producers
  • Must have an understanding of local market to maximize event performance
  • Experience overseeing a P&L with a proven track record of growth and profitability
  • Adept at foreseeing strategic opportunities due to industry changes
  • Ability to create and execute a strategic vision to guide the organization forward
  • Generates long-range plans and programs while delivering short-term business results
  • Proven ability to engage and motivate an operational team, providing direction and guidance where necessary
  • Must model a spirit of creativity, fostering innovation in others to inspire continual improvement
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and superior verbal and written communication skills

CONTACT INFORMATION

Founded in 2007, Prodigy Search, located in the New York City suburb of Freehold, NJ, boasts over 80 years of experience in the sports and entertainment business. As a renowned nationwide leader in senior-level executive search, Prodigy Search has honed its business principles and expertise, establishing itself as the largest boutique recruiting agency in North America. Simply, Prodigy Search is Where the Best Brands Come for the Best Talent.