Venue Group Director

The Venue Group Director at LA28 is responsible for the operational planning and delivery across a designated group of competition venues. This includes negotiating venue use agreements, collaborating with various functional teams to create effective event operations plans, and managing strong relationships with venue partners. Additionally, the director will oversee venue teams, develop operating budgets, and ensure an inclusive environment that aligns with LA28's mission.

To qualify for the Venue Group Director position at LA28, candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the sports or event management field, with at least 4 years in a leadership capacity. A bachelor’s degree is required, and experience in negotiating contracts, managing event operations, and leading diverse teams is essential. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are also key for success in this role.

The Venue Group Director plays a crucial role in shaping the operational framework of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. By leading the planning and execution of venue-related operations, negotiating agreements, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, they ensure a smooth event experience. Their leadership directly impacts the quality of the Games and helps to build a community-centric environment that embraces diversity and inclusion.

Important skills for the Venue Group Director at LA28 include strong leadership and influencing abilities, excellent negotiation skills, and a knack for strategic thinking. The role requires detail-oriented organization, creative problem-solving capabilities, and effective communication skills to ensure all teams and partners are aligned and well-informed throughout the Games.

At LA28, the Venue Group Director should embody values such as optimism, integrity, excellence, and inclusion. They should encourage collaboration, promote diversity within teams, and demonstrate a commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all stakeholders associated with the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

When answering this question, focus on specific examples of large-scale events you've managed. Highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Be sure to mention your ability to coordinate multiple teams and stakeholders, as well as the outcomes of your efforts.

In your response, emphasize the importance of clear communication and relationship-building. Discuss how you would prepare for negotiations by understanding both parties' needs and finding common ground, which fosters a transparent and cooperative atmosphere.

Talk about your experience in promoting inclusivity and leveraging each team member's strengths. Be sure to mention specific leadership strategies you've implemented, such as regular feedback sessions, team-building exercises, and open communication channels that encourage diverse voices to be heard.

Highlight your conflict resolution process, focusing on maintaining open dialogue and understanding different viewpoints. Discuss a specific event where you successfully mediated a conflict, emphasizing your dedication to fostering a positive work environment.

Mention any event management tools or software you're adept at, like Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, or specialized event planning software. Discuss how you've utilized them to streamline processes, enhance communication, and improve overall efficiency in past roles.

Detail a successful event operation plan you've previously created, explaining your approach, the stakeholders involved, and the outcomes achieved. Emphasize the planning process, execution, and any adjustments made throughout the event delivery.

Discuss your method for ensuring effective communication and collaboration before the events. Share examples of checklists or status trackers you’ve created to assess readiness and coordinate with teams to address any issues before they escalate.

Talk about your detailed approach to budget management, including identifying risks and opportunities. Mention any specific examples of how you optimally allocated resources to maximize efficiency while staying within budget limits.

Emphasize the importance of communication and regular updates. Discuss how you would set up regular meetings and reporting structures to ensure all stakeholders are informed and have their voices heard throughout the planning process.

Express your commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) principles by discussing how you would actively seek input from diverse communities and ensure equitable opportunities within venue planning. Share your vision for creating an inclusive environment that reflects LA’s rich diversity.