Event Operations Assistant

Are you looking to be part of a high-performing team of go-getters who make a difference both on and off the court? Join the Detroit Pistons as we harness the power of basketball to unite our city, elevate our fans, and drive lasting community impact.

As the Event Operations Assistant, you will support the planning, coordination, and execution of events and facility operations across the Detroit Pistons Performance Center (PPC), Little Caesars Arena (LCA), Wayne State University (WSU), and offsite locations.

In this role, you will manage assigned events from initial planning through onsite execution and post-event follow-up. You will collaborate with internal departments, clients, vendors, food and beverage partners, and facility operations teams to deliver seamless, high-quality experiences.

This position also supports Detroit Pistons and Motor City Cruise game-day operations, facility changeovers, marketing activations, and other special projects.

What You'll Be Doing

• Manage assigned events at the PPC, LCA, WSU, and offsite locations from planning through execution and post-event follow-up.
• Gather event requirements and develop and distribute detailed event synopses, timelines, and operational information.
• Coordinate event logistics and communicate plans, expectations, and updates to clients, internal departments, facility teams, and external partners.
• Oversee vendors and support onsite event execution to ensure events are delivered safely, efficiently, and according to plan.
• Coordinate Detroit Pistons and Motor City Cruise game-day activities, sales events, marketing activations, and other organizational events in partnership with facility operations teams.
• Assist with and oversee event setup, breakdown, and facility changeovers, including furniture, décor, equipment, signage, and other event elements.
• Ensure event spaces are prepared safely, accurately, and on schedule.
• Assist with transporting event materials and equipment between the PPC and other event locations.
• Coordinate event-related food and beverage needs with applicable partners, including Plum Market, Delaware North, and Levy.
• Support communication with food and beverage partners to help ensure service requirements and event expectations are met.
• Assist with the coordination and oversight of third-party vendors, business partners, and tenants at the PPC and WSU.
• Identify and communicate event-related issues, changes, or operational needs to the appropriate stakeholders.
• Maintain organized event documentation, schedules, correspondence, and post-event notes.
• Support additional facility operations, special events, and departmental projects as assigned.
• Consistently represent and promote Detroit Pistons culture and organizational values.

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, event management, sports management, or a related field preferred.
• Candidates nearing completion of a relevant degree or recent graduates may also be considered based on applicable experience.
• One to three years of experience in event management, hospitality, sports, collegiate athletics, venue operations, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience coordinating events, vendors, facility operations, or hospitality programs preferred.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple events, projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with employees, clients, vendors, partners, and stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Strong relationship-building, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to demonstrate tact, patience, adaptability, and sound judgment during changing or high-pressure situations.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work a flexible and varying schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, irregular hours, and extended event days.
• Ability to travel between the PPC, LCA, WSU, and offsite event locations as required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events and operational activities.
• Ability to regularly bend, reach, kneel, push, pull, and perform other movements associated with event setup and breakdown.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor event environments as operationally required.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We are dedicated to ensuring equal access throughout the employment process. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable participation in the application and interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you require an accommodation, please contact us to request assistance.