US Chess is Hiring Events Manager

Job Title: Events Manager

Job Type: Exempt

Hours: Full Time (40+ hours/week, with some weekends and evenings)

Salary: The median salary for the role is $55,000 per year.

Location: Headquartered in St. Louis, MO. Teleworking Allowed

Manager: Assistant Director of Events

Position Overview 

The Events Manager is a full-time role in the Events Department of US Chess created to help manage all aspects of National Events. The events manager will support the Assistant Director and Director of Events in the following areas:

National Events Management and Support

• Oversee all aspects of the team room reservation system for National Events, including maintenance of a mailing list, composing email blasts for that list, and dealing with reservation issues leading up to national scholastic events.
• Work with Event Planner to identify and scout potential National Event host sites.
• Negotiate contracts for future National Events planned by US Chess
• Find, vet and hire staff for National Events.
• Serve as primary contact for event vendors and sponsors.
• Participate in bid review and analysis in conjunction with the Director of Events.
• Work with US Chess committees directly related to National Events and their functions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Invitational Committee.
• Act as office liaison for committees to be assigned on a yearly basis.
• Cultivate and oversee all event-related sponsorships for US Chess.
• Maintain Invitational participant information, including state chapter information and contacts.
• Organize, prepare and attend US Chess-run National Events.
• Develop, organize and direct online events.
• Develop events-related initiatives to further the US Chess mission.

Event Web Management

• Build and update tournament websites for National Events, including setting up the registration/payment pages.
• Perform maintenance and software/firmware updates for computers and other devices used at national events.

General 

• Provide guidance to US Chess office staff, affiliates and US Chess members on matters related to tournament organization, tournament directing, procedures and US Chess and FIDE tournament rules.
• Serve in an advisory capacity on event-related policy including, but not limited to, safe play, rule changes, and event administration.
• Additional duties as assigned by the Director of Events and/or Executive Director.

­Qualifications

• Excellent customer service skills that highlight strong communication, diplomacy, teamwork and ability to think on one’s feet.
• Excellent knowledge of the US Chess Official Rules of Chess, FIDE Laws of Chess and Tournament Regulations.
• US Chess Local Tournament Director or higher certification preferred.​
• Undergraduate or Graduate Degree. Business, Finance, Communications, or related fields preferred.
• At least 2 years progressively responsible work experience, including experience organizing and directing chess tournaments.
• Strong work ethic. Self-starter who can meet deadlines while working remotely. Willingness to meet the needs of the position as they evolve over time.
• Ability to travel both domestically and internationally on a regular basis.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Adept with MS Office and Google Workspace.

Other Preferred Skills/Experience

• US Chess Rating
• Working knowledge of Chess Pairing Programs
• Some knowledge of contract negotiation

To Apply

Please send cover letter, resume, references and two writing samples to Click here to show email address. The deadline to apply for the Events Manager Position is April 4, 2025. For any questions, please also email Click here to show email address.

The Assistant Director of Events will assess the successful applicant’s performance during a 90-day probationary period.