Operations and Events Manager

Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year, commensurate to experience
Job description:
About Us
Varna International is a leading organizer of international music academies and large-scale classical music festivals in South Carolina and across Europe. Our headquarters in Columbia, SC, serves as the planning and operational hub for all our programs. While we collaborate closely with university music professors and students, this role does not require a background in music, nor international travel. www.varnainternational.com

The Job
We are seeking a seasoned and experienced Operations and Events Manager with a solid track record. This role is ideal for a professional with 7+ years of progressive office and management experience, who thrives in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment and enjoys managing logistics, systems, and people.

As Operations and Event Manager, you will oversee daily office operations, manage our fundraising Ball, coordinate logistics for our national and international music festivals, manage vendor relationships, build benchmarks and a plan to execute them successfully, and support executive leadership. This role combines operational leadership, project management, vendor coordination, budgeting, logistics, and team support to ensure programs and events are delivered efficiently, professionally, and in alignment with organizational goals.

This position is ideally suited to a mature professional who brings life experience and professionalism to a dynamic and detail-driven environment. We welcome candidates from a variety of professional backgrounds who have demonstrated long-term success in operations, admin and event management roles.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management
• Oversee daily operational activities and ensure efficient workflows and
procedures.
• Develop, implement, and maintain operational policies, processes, and systems.
• Coordinate facilities, equipment, supplies, technology, and other operational
resources.

• Monitor operational needs and proactively identify opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain accurate records, schedules, contracts, and operational documentation.
• Coordinate with the directors, Board, and staff to ensure effective communication
and execution of organizational priorities.

Event Planning & Execution
• Plan, coordinate, and execute meetings, conferences, workshops, fundraisers,
receptions, and other events.
• Develop event timelines, run-of-show documents, checklists, and logistical plans.
• Coordinate venues, catering, audiovisual services, transportation, entertainment,
décor, security, and other vendors.
• Manage event registration, guest lists, invitations, staffing, setup, and
breakdown.
• Serve as the primary operational point of contact before and during events.
• Troubleshoot issues in real time and ensure events run smoothly from start to
finish.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and identify opportunities for improvement.

Team & Project Coordination
• Coordinate staff, volunteers, contractors, and event personnel.
• Assign responsibilities, establish deadlines, and monitor project progress.
• Lead event briefings and ensure team members understand their roles and
responsibilities.
• Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional teams to achieve organizational
objectives.
• Ensure necessary permits, insurance documentation, and vendor requirements
are addressed.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, hospitality, event management,
communications, or a related field preferred.
• 5 – 7+ years of experience in operations, event management, project
management, hospitality, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing events from concept through
completion.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and project-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace and familiarity with
project-management and event-registration platforms.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with diverse teams.

Key Competencies
• Operational leadership
• Event planning and logistics
• Project management
• Budget management
• Vendor negotiation and relationship management
• Communication and collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Organization and prioritization
• Adaptability and composure under pressure

Job Type: Full-time
Schedule:
• 8-hour shift - Monday to Friday
• Day shift