Outdoor Events Manager

Job Title

Outdoor Events Manager

Division

Programming

Department

Outdoor Events

Reports to

Programming Director

Position Type

Unpaid Volunteer

Location

Remote with occasional in-person meetings (location-dependent), expected to be on-site during convention dates, including the day before and the day after for setup and teardown.

About Anthro SoCal

Anthro SoCal is a community-driven convention celebrating furry fandom through art, performance, gaming, and social connection. Our success depends on the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteer team. Anthro SoCal was formally known as Another Furry Con in 2024-2025.

Position Overview

The Outdoor Events Manager is a dynamic leadership role responsible for taking the convention experience outside the walls of the main venue and into the open air. In this position, you will oversee the curation, logistical planning, and live execution of all outdoor programming –including high-profile attractions like the Pool Party, Mini Golf course, food truck plazas, and other specialty outdoor activities. You will bridge the gap between high-level convention strategy and complex field logistics, managing a dedicated team to ensure these open-air spaces remain safe, highly engaging, and organized. If you are a proactive leader who loves unique event coordination, vendor management, and energetic outdoor environments, this role is a perfect match.

Time Commitment

Year-round

1-2 hours per month for planning and communication

As convention approaches

Gradually increasing to 3-6 hours per week

Convention weekend

On-site presence is required with flexible hours

Pre and post-convention

On-site presence is required to assist with setup and teardown activities the day before and the day after the event

Key Responsibilities

Your role will combine high-level logistical coordination and active on-site team leadership

Executive Event Planning

Coordinate directly with ASC leadership teams to conceptualize, plan, and execute a diverse array of outdoor programming, keeping activities aligned with overall convention themes and budgets

Specialty Attraction Management

Oversee the logistical planning, equipment sourcing, and flow for specific outdoor zones, including the Pool Party, Mini Golf, and other outdoor activities

Team Leadership & Scheduling

Supervise, train, and guide the Outdoor Events Team. You will build and maintain their shift schedules using department spreadsheets, ensuring all outdoor stations and activities are fully staffed

Safety & Environment Oversight

Monitor weather conditions and partner with the safety department, venue staff, and medical teams to enforce pool safety, heat hydration measures, and outdoor crowd boundaries

Asset Placement & Direction

Direct and oversee the physical placement of all outdoor assets on-site. You will guide contractors, equipment delivery drivers, and staff members on exactly where tents, activities, and structures should go, ensuring alignment with pre-approved planning documents and drawings

Qualifications

Required

Leadership & Team Management

Proven ability to lead a team, delegate tasks across multiple locations simultaneously, and maintain high team morale in active, outdoor environments

Complex Logistical Planning

Strong organizational skills; you must be comfortable managing spreadsheets for asset tracking, reading drawings, and tracking vendor load-in schedules

Problem-Solving under Pressure

The ability to "think on your feet" and pivot strategy instantly if weather conditions change, equipment malfunctions, or schedule adjustments occur

Professional Communication

Elite interpersonal skills to negotiate with vendors, direct third-party contractors, coordinate with venue safety officials, and manage large crowds firmly and politely

Preferred

Fandom & Convention Knowledge

A deep understanding of convention culture and how fans interact with outdoor spaces (such as cosplay etiquette or fursuit-friendly outdoor boundaries)

Outdoor Event or Festival Experience

Prior experience planning or managing music festivals, outdoor sporting events, community fairs, or open-air hospitality zones where layout interpretation was required

Risk Management Skills

High awareness of heat safety, crowd dynamics, and basic outdoor risk mitigation techniques

What We Offer

While this is an unpaid volunteer position, we provide

Free convention membership and staff perks

Staff hospitality (meals/snacks during your shifts at-con)

Exclusive staff events and social opportunities

Recognition in convention materials

Experience in event management and team leadership

A supportive, creative community environment

References and recommendation letters upon request

Anthro SoCal is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels. All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.