The Business Development & Event Operations Manager drives growth by building and nurturing client relationships while supporting the execution of large-scale corporate events and experiential programs. The role combines new business development, account management, and hands-on event logistics, working with internal teams, vendors, venues, and talent to deliver seamless client experiences. It also involves day-to-day program operations support, including timelines, budgets, documentation, and on-site execution. The position reports into operations leadership and collaborates closely with the Vice President, the Assistant Director of Development & Logistics, and the Director of Operations & Entertainment.

Responsibilities

Cultivate new business opportunities through relationship-building, networking, targeted outreach, hotel/site visits, and client engagement.
Identify opportunities to deepen client engagement through expanded programming, partnerships, sponsorships, and experiential enhancements.
Anticipate client and operational needs before issues arise, ensuring a seamless experience for both internal teams and external partners.
Support targeted growth of FUDALE-hosted events and initiatives to increase client participation and revenue.
Travel as needed for client meetings, site visits, and industry events to strengthen business development efforts.
Collaborate with clients and internal teams to confirm objectives, scope, timelines, and expectations.
Assist in planning, executing, and evaluating events and client experiences (corporate events, conferences, destination programs, and creative activations).
Coordinate with vendors, venues, and talent to support smooth, on-time execution.
Support experiential components across programs (offsite venues, activities, tours, transfers, and unique event elements).
Provide hands-on, on-site support for key accounts as needed.
Support day-to-day program operations by coordinating timelines, task ownership, and internal communication.
Partner with the Vice President and operations leadership to ensure pricing, margins, and budgets are accurate and aligned with scope.
Maintain organized documentation (project plans, budgets, schedules, contracts, and internal records).
Track key outcomes and operational metrics to identify opportunities for efficiency and improved client experience.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to support long-term collaboration and repeat business.
Serve as a primary point of contact for day-to-day client communication, providing timely updates and handling logistics questions.
Support proposals, presentations, and post-event follow-ups, including documentation and feedback collection.
Coordinate with operations, logistics, and event teams (including contractors) to support staffing needs, schedules, and on-site execution.
Support planning and troubleshooting by coordinating with the Assistant Director of Development & Logistics and escalating issues to the Director of Operations & Entertainment as needed.
Represent the organization at client meetings, site visits, industry events, and networking opportunities.
Contribute to a collaborative, results-driven culture across internal teams and external partners.