Event Director

Imagine being part of a team that delivers two of the largest and most important cultural festivals in Tāmaki Makaurau. Adding value to the cultural, social, and economic outcomes across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's vibrant cultural landscape. At Tātaki Auckland Unlimited **(TAU)**, our efforts directly translate into positive impactful change, delivering world class events, driving sustainable economic growth, innovation, and celebrating the city's unique identity. Here, you're not just an employee - you're a director, weaving the vibrant tapestry of Auckland's rich culture that showcase our stories to the world. Making Tāmaki Makaurau a region where people are proud to live and celebrate.

**He angitūtanga: The opportunity**

The key purpose of this role is to own the overall delivery of the Lantern and Diwali festivals, and associated leverage programmes in alignment with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s Major Events vision paper.

As an Event Director you're not just directing events - you're creating unforgettable experiences that will leave attendees talking for years to come. You'll take our Major Events vision paper and weave it into a captivating tapestry of culture, lights, and great experiences. You're the kind of person who thrives on challenges and turns hurdles into steppingstones to success.

As part of the Major Events team, you'll be tapping into TAU's internal and external resources, and you will have the support you need to deliver this festival with a commercial flair that keeps the lights on and the momentum going.

Further key responsibilities are below:

- Lead and manage the overall delivery of these vital anchor festivals with end-to-end planning and delivery of the Diwali and Lantern festivals to an international level
- Lead the development of the commercial growth strategy for the Lantern and Diwali festival events in alignment with the Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Major Events Strategy and Vision paper
- Set, manage (with the Group Manager) and take overall responsibility for the event budget to deliver the Lantern and Diwali festivals to an international level
- Develop and manage all festival workstreams to ensure efficient delivery of each stream, managing the event risks, mitigants and contingencies within each work stream
- Lead the planning, preparation, monitoring, and reporting on the project including updating and reviewing actions, managing the project and status reporting
- Where directed by the Group Manager TAU Major Events, you will be expected to provide additional event services and support for other TAU anchor events
- Foster positive relationships with both Chinese, Pan-Asian and Indian community representatives and ensure their active participation in the festivals
- Demonstrate strong cultural competency and a good understanding of Māori values and Te Tiriti o Waitangi to be better equipped to respect and value Tangata Whenua and the diverse cultures that make up our community
- Lead internal and external teams in the design, development and implementation of a comprehensive event delivery project plan for the Lantern and Diwali festivals

To view the full position description please **click here**.**

**He kōrero mōu: About you**

Our ideal applicant will be equipped with the following:

- 8 years’ experience designing and/or delivering major events
- Experience managing commercial partnerships
- Local government and private sector experience would be advantageous
- Demonstrated implementation and success of your project management skills in prior roles
- Excellent internal and external stakeholder management abilities to maintain strong relationships
- Strong time management skills to prioritise activity in a time pressured environment, with the ability to act decisively and quickly to maximise the benefits presented by commercial opportunities
- Well developed commercial acumen coupled with a highly collaborative mindset, to identify new revenue opportunities to grow each festival year on year
- To work across other TAU ‘Owned Events’ as required by the organisation throughout the course of the calendar year
- Strong skills in in influencing, advocacy and negotiating
- A high level of communication skills, including demonstrated ability to use discretion and diplomacy when working in a highly political environment
- Possession of excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to research, prepare and deliver correspondence and report

**Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer**
- A collaborative and dynamic work environment within the vibrant major events industry
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- An opportunity to work with a highly engaged and motivated team working on some of the most iconic events in the country

A full list of our benefits can be found by **clicking here**.**

If the above sounds like a role you and you’re excited about working on some of the most culturally impactful and c