Event Director (Contract), XGL Calgary

Job Title: Event Director

Location(s): Calgary, Alberta — on-site presence required | Contract Role

About Us

We've entered a new chapter at X Games. With new leadership, fresh momentum, and a clear vision, we're building what's next for action sports. Backed by MSP Sports Capital and ESPN/Disney, and now operating as an independent company, we're scaling fast — launching our league, expanding our events, and building a global home for athletes and fans who live this culture.

About the Role

Working directly with X Games and in collaboration with Canada Snowboard, the Community Advisory, and the X Games Operations Director, the Event Director takes full operational and financial responsibility for planning, executing, and reporting on X Games Calgary. You will lead an integrated team to deliver a multi-day music and sport festival that meets X Games League global standards, ensures athlete safety, builds community outreach, delivers funding partner ROI, and maximizes commercial value for media rights holders and commercial sponsors.

Reporting to X Games SVP, Live Events, you'll serve as the on-the-ground leader for this event, running point across event production, broadcast, sponsorship, and community stakeholders from now through event wrap in spring 2027.

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute the master event timeline in collaboration with X Games, the Operations Director, and sport and event partners (Canada Snowboard / Freestyle Canada)
• Serve as primary liaison with funding partner (Tourism Calgary), sport and event partners, and venue partner (WinSport)
• Oversee event security, medical, and emergency contingency planning
• Oversee all required regional RFPs for suppliers and procurement of services across event delivery
• Collaborate with the Community Advisory Lead to deliver the volunteer program and additional promotional opportunities
• Collaborate with the Operations Director and WinSport on all event and broadcast production advance preparedness for the X Games global team
• Develop a transportation plan for spectators, athletes, XC teams, VIPs, and operations staff and contractors
• Manage the relationship with FIS (International Ski and Snowboard Federation) alongside X Games SVP, Global Host Markets, and Canada Snowboard / Freestyle Canada
• Establish a financial reporting cadence with all event stakeholders, including required reporting to the funding partner
• Oversee venue design, temporary infrastructure, and course builds with the Operations Director and WinSport
• Secure all municipal, health, safety, and road-closure permits in consultation with Tourism Calgary
• Ensure all required event spaces for teams, athletes, broadcast, contract staff, media, and fans are secured
• Align competition schedule, field of play requirements, and athlete/team services with X Games and the Operations Director
• Determine broadcast venue requirements and lead the regional RFP for broadcast production services
• Ensure on-site sponsor activation, signage, and VIP hospitality rights meet contractual obligations
• Manage ticketing operations, fan zones, merchandising, and crowd flow
• Procure all required music staging and production alongside X Games Music's artist booking
• Determine the overall look and feel of the X Games Calgary brand presence at the venue
• Manage the X Games Calgary operational budget and provide regular financial updates
• Recruit, lead, and mentor contract coordinators

Qualifications:

• 10+ years managing sport and/or music multi-day festival events
• Proven track record working directly with international/national sports federations, music, and broadcast production
• Experience managing complex event budgets exceeding $1M+
• Expert proficiency in event management software; Excel an asset
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams under tight timelines with high attention to detail
• Comfortable operating as the senior on-the-ground leader for a high-visibility, multi-stakeholder live event

Contract Terms & Compensation:

• Full-time equivalent commitment, October 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027 (approx. 9 months), with option for renewal. Flat contract fee paid in monthly installments.
• All event-related travel, lodging, and per diem expenses covered by X Games