Director, Event Operations - International

VARSITY SPIRIT, A VARSITY BRANDS COMPANY - THE DRIVING FORCE IN SPIRIT ACROSS CHEER, DANCE, BAND AND YEARBOOK

For over 50 years, Varsity Spirit has been the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team, performing arts and yearbook. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit’s 5,000+ employees are dedicated to celebrating school spirit. A leader in apparel innovation, educational camps, clinics, competitions, and yearbook, Varsity Spirit impacts more than a million athletes each year.

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

At Varsity Spirit, the safety and wellbeing of the young people we serve is of the utmost importance. Since our inception 50 years ago, we have been – and remain – steadfastly committed to doing our part to create a safe and positive environment for our participants’ physical, emotional, and social development, and promoting an environment free from abuse and misconduct. Varsity has a zero tolerance for abuse in its programs, events, and associated business activities. Varsity is committed to reporting all suspicions, allegations, and incidents of abuse in full accordance with local laws and reporting requirements. Learn more at Our Commitment to Safety - Varsity.com.

Summary/Objective 

The Director of International Event Operations is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational execution, financial performance, customer experience, compliance oversight, and growth of Varsity Spirit's international event portfolio. This role provides leadership to event operations teams, develops and maintains key customer and partner relationships, oversees End of Season event initiatives, and ensures the successful execution of international events while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer experience. The Director serves as a visible ambassador for Varsity Spirit within international markets and partners closely with cross-functional teams to drive business growth and operational excellence.

Job Responsibilities

International Event Leadership & Operational Strategy

• Lead the strategy, execution, and performance of the international event portfolio.
• Provide leadership to Registration Specialists, Sales & Experience Advisors, Event Planners, and Event Coordinators.
• Oversee event programming, quality standards, operational performance, and customer experience across international markets.
• Serve as the senior escalation point and Event Director for select strategic events.
• Act as the subject matter expert for End of Season events and an ambassador for Varsity Spirit through industry partnerships, committees, boards, and key international events.

• Lead international End of Season participation strategies, partner relationships, and growth initiatives.
• Manage partner agreements and serve as a key resource for customers and stakeholders.
• Monitor international trends and collaborate across teams to enhance customer experience and qualification opportunities.

Financial Management & Cost of Sales Ownership

• Own the financial performance, budgeting, forecasting, and profitability of international events.
• Monitor revenue, expenses, and cost of sales while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and margins.
• Conduct financial reviews and approve major expenditures in partnership with Finance and Procurement.

Vendor & Strategic Relationship Management

• Manage relationships with vendors, sponsors, venues, sports commissions, CVBs, production companies, and other strategic partners.
• Partner with Procurement and internal stakeholders on event planning, venue strategy, and contract management.
• Oversee awards, gifts, and event-related purchasing while driving operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Workforce Leadership & Talent Management

• Provide strategic leadership for staffing, workforce planning, recruiting, training, and retention.
• Ensure payroll accuracy, staffing compliance, and workforce readiness across international events.
• Develop talent and implement solutions that support operational continuity and long-term growth.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, Scoring, Marketing, and other business leaders to align event strategy, customer experience, participation growth, and business objectives.
• Support initiatives that strengthen Varsity Spirit's international presence and market growth.

Compliance & Industry Standards

• Oversee compliance training and staffing education programs for international event personnel.
• Ensure compliance with IASF standards, governing body regulations, company policies, and safety requirements.
• Promote a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Working knowledge of Salesforce, Workday, Concur, and event diagramming tools (Social Tables).
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, SharePoint, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Proven leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets, forecasts, and margins.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Physical Demands and/or Work Environment

While not participating in an event, this role operates in a professional office environment and is largely sedentary. During events, the role requires standing and walking for extended periods, lifting and manipulating equipment up to 30 lbs., and frequent communication via radio, phone, text, and email.

Travel

This position requires significant domestic and international travel. Regular attendance at events, meetings, trainings, and weekend event assignments is required.

Education, Certification and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Sports Management, Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in event operations, business leadership, customer experience, or a related industry.
• Experience leading large-scale events, managing budgets, and developing strategic partnerships preferred.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job.

OUR VALUES

Service - We lead with heart. We champion community.

Passion - We love what we do. It fuels our purpose.

Integrity - We do what we promise. We own our actions and decisions.

Respect - We earn it by giving it. Because everyone deserves it.

Innovation - We never stop striving to be better. For ourselves and our community.

Transparency - We are committed to openness and honesty in everything we do.

OUR BENEFITS

We are committed to putting you and your families first. For benefits eligible roles, we offer a variety of choices and costs as well as program enhancements that align with our responsibility to elevate the employee experience. Some of our offerings include:

• Comprehensive Health Care Benefits
• HSA Employer Contribution/ FSA Opportunities
• Wellbeing Program
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Company paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability
• Generous My Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Varsity Brands Ownership Program
• Employee Resource Groups
• Access to Financial Coaching and member-owned Credit Union
• St. Jude Partnership & Volunteer Opportunities
• Employee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment!

Eligibility for company-sponsored benefits is determined by scheduled work hours, and the terms of the applicable benefit plans. Benefit offerings and eligibility requirements may vary by position and are subject to change in accordance with plan documents and applicable law.

Varsity Brands companies are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.