OPT Event Coordinator Jobs
Event Coordinator jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in hospitality, communications, marketing, or business. Most roles are full-time and W-2 eligible, which satisfies OPT employment requirements. Sponsorship availability varies by employer size, with larger venues, hotels, and corporations more likely to offer H-1B visa support after OPT ends.
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INTRODUCTION
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Events, the Event Manager will manage every aspect of their assigned events from the advance planning stages through the end of the event and event settlement. In addition to managing assigned events, this position will be responsible for scheduling and supervising part-time Guest Services staff. The Event Manager will also assist in the development and implementation of event department policies, programs, and procedures.
This role pays an annual salary of $50,000-$55,000. Benefits for Full-Time Roles: Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays). This position will remain open until February 5, 2027.
ABOUT THE VENUE
The Donald L. Tucker Civic Center features a 12,500-seat arena, 34 luxury suites, 476 club seats, over 54,000 sq. ft. of meeting and exhibition space, and an arena view restaurant, the Spotlight Grille. The arena is home to Florida State Men’s and Women’s basketball and is known for its electric atmosphere and fierce home court advantage. Not only a music and sports venue, the arena is also frequently used for trade shows, large catered functions, receptions, religious services, and classes.
Responsibilities
- Manage all aspects of concerts, banquets, and other events that are assigned by the Director of Events
- Thoroughly describe the venue’s services and outline how the services are coordinated to clients
- Advise clients with event logistics and suggest the most effective ways to use the facility for specific types of event functions
- Design setup diagrams in the AutoCAD program based off event needs for approval by the client
- Work with the operations department to ensure all events are set up to the client’s specifications and that all fire codes and safety regulations are being followed
- Communicate with the Director of Food and Beverage, Chefs, and the Catering Manager on the needs of each event
- Create and distribute detailed event data sheets prior to every assigned event
- Update event estimates, as needed, to send to the client and complete a final settlement upon completion of each event
- Problem-solve, make quick decisions, and delegate responsibility while remaining professional and pleasant in the midst of stressful situations
- Coordinate the collection, input, and documentation of all required employee information for part-time event staff
- Responsible for the hiring, terminating, performance evaluations, scheduling, training, and development of part-time event staffing
- Manage and oversee the development of guest services staff and collaborate with supervisors to exercise best practices at all events
- Processes and submits biweekly Events Department payroll to HR
- Complete all duties with a customer service focus through teamwork & dedication to OVG’s mission and principles
- Serve as manager on duty as scheduled
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
- 3-5 years of experience working in a public assembly facility, including supervisory responsibility, is preferred
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in facility management, hospitality management, business management, or another related field is preferred
- Experience managing banquets, tradeshows, conferences, meetings, and/or weddings is preferred
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, is required
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including long days, late nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays
- Possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to function and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Must demonstrate a positive, professional, and customer-focused attitude
- Must have computer proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and internet software
- Knowledge of AutoCAD is preferred
Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference:
At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Event Coordinator
Clarify your OPT status early in the process
Bring up your work authorization in the first or second interview, not after an offer. Most employers are unfamiliar with OPT timelines. A brief, confident explanation reduces uncertainty and signals that you've handled this before.
Frame your international background as an asset
Event Coordinator roles often involve multicultural attendees, international vendors, and global logistics. Your cross-cultural fluency and language skills directly support that work, making your background genuinely relevant rather than something employers need to accommodate.
Get your degree field on record with your employer
OPT employment must relate to your degree. Document how your Event Coordinator role connects to your field of study in writing with your employer. This protects you during any USCIS review and keeps your authorization on solid ground.
Understand what counts as qualifying OPT employment
Freelance or contract event work may not satisfy OPT requirements if it doesn't meet the 20-hour minimum or lacks a formal employer relationship. Confirm that any role you accept is structured as standard W-2 employment before committing.
Apply during peak hiring cycles for the events industry
Event Coordinator hiring surges in January through March and September through October, ahead of conference and holiday seasons. Timing your applications to these windows increases your chances of landing offers with employers who have budget and urgency to hire.
Event Coordinator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Event Coordinator jobs qualify for F-1 OPT work authorization?
Yes, provided the role relates to your degree field. A student with a hospitality, communications, marketing, or business degree working as an Event Coordinator will generally satisfy USCIS's requirement that OPT employment be directly related to your area of study. Document the connection clearly with your employer and keep records in case your DSO asks for confirmation.
Can I work as a freelance Event Coordinator on OPT?
Self-employment is technically permitted on OPT, but it comes with strict conditions. You must be actively providing services, have a legitimate business, and the work must relate to your degree. Most students find it easier and safer to secure standard W-2 employment. If you're considering freelance or contract work, consult your DSO before accepting any assignments.
How do I find Event Coordinator jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the recommended place to search. It's built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers who are open to sponsoring international candidates. Searching a general job board makes it hard to tell which employers will actually consider your authorization status, which wastes time during a period when your OPT clock is running.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor an H-1B after OPT for this role?
Large hospitality groups, hotel chains, corporate event departments at Fortune 500 companies, and major convention or conference organizations are the most consistent H-1B sponsors for Event Coordinator roles. Smaller boutique agencies and independent planners rarely have the resources or legal infrastructure to file petitions. Targeting employers with more than 500 employees significantly improves your odds.
Does part-time Event Coordinator work count toward OPT requirements?
Pre-completion OPT allows part-time work of fewer than 20 hours per week. Post-completion OPT requires full-time employment of at least 20 hours per week. Working below that threshold on post-completion OPT puts your status at risk. If your Event Coordinator position is part-time, confirm with your DSO that the hours satisfy the requirement before your program end date.