Director of Business Operations

What You'll Do

This is not a typical director role. As Director of Business Operations, you will serve as the operational and strategic second-in-command at Pastimes Events. You will take significant ownership of how this company functions – from managing our events team and overseeing day-to-day operations to developing new business, building client relationships, and representing Pastimes in high-stakes proposals and conversations.

The person who steps into this role will have a direct hand in shaping the future of Pastimes Events. As the company continues to grow, this role is positioned to grow with it. If you are someone who wants to lead, not just execute – and who thrives in a fast-moving, relationship-driven environment – this may be the most exciting opportunity in the tabletop gaming events industry right now.

Your Day-to-Day

Team Leadership and Management

Serve as the primary manager for the Pastimes Events team
Be the person this team brings problems to – and the person who solves them
Hold regular check-ins, establish clear expectations, and build a culture of accountability and mutual respect
Work closely with the President on team performance, hiring, and operational priorities

Business Development and Client Relations

Work with the President on the business development pipeline – identify new opportunities, cultivate relationships with publishers and partners, and move deals forward
Build and manage proposals for new and returning clients, ranging from mid-scale activations to flagship events with budgets in the hundreds of thousands of dollars
Serve as a primary point of contact for client relationships, ensuring expectations are met and partners feel valued
Represent Pastimes Events in client meetings, calls, and industry settings with professionalism and authority

Operations and Strategic Support

Reduce the operational burden on the President by taking ownership of decisions, communications, and execution across the events division
Identify inefficiencies and build better systems, workflows, and processes across the team
Partner with the President on strategic planning, event portfolio decisions, and long-term company direction
Oversee vendor and partner relationships as they relate to event operations

What You'll Need

Required

5 or more years of experience in event management, business development, client services, or a closely related field
Demonstrated ability to manage a team, hold people accountable, and build a healthy working culture
Experience writing and presenting proposals or business development materials to clients or stakeholders
Strong communication skills – written and verbal – with a professional, confident presence
Comfort with ambiguity and a genuine interest in building structure where it does not yet exist
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Preferred

Experience in the tabletop gaming, trading card game, or conventions industry – this is a meaningful advantage
Existing knowledge of or relationships within the organized play or event production space
Experience managing remote team members across different functions
Background in contract negotiation, vendor management, or large-scale event logistics

What We Offer

Salary: $75,000 – $100,000, commensurate with experience
Bonuses based on event performance
Paid time off
401(k) with employer match
Travel expenses covered for all event attendance
The opportunity to grow into a senior leadership role as Pastimes Events continues to expand
Relocation assistance available

Where You'll Work

This position is expected to be based in Illinois with frequent travel to Events. Our offices are located in Elk Grove Village, IL, just west of O’Hare.

How to Apply

Send your resume and a brief note addressing the following two questions to careers@Pastimes.net:

Tell us about the largest or most complex event or project you have managed. What was your role, and what did you personally deliver?
Describe a time when you had to develop a business relationship or pitch a proposal from scratch. What was the outcome?

We read every application. We will be in touch if we see a strong match.

Pastimes provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.