Community Events Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Employee Discounts (30% in-store year round, 50% off AO & AOA Brand)
• Fun, positive work enviornment
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule

Role Overview
The Community Events Manager exists to help Alabama Outdoors show up in our communities in meaningful, memorable ways. This role is responsible for planning, leading, and executing community-driven events that reflect the new AO identity—an active lifestyle brand rooted in people, purpose, and connection.

From large-scale signature events to campus pop-ups and in-store experiences, the Community Events Manager helps ensure AO events feel intentional, welcoming, and aligned with the AO Way.

This role works closely with Store Teams, Marketing, and the Culture & Experience team to bring events to life that drive brand awareness, community engagement, and long-term loyalty.

Core Event Ownership
The Community Events Manager will help lead and support key AO events, including but not limited to:

• Party on the Porch (AO’s flagship community event)
• AO Days (store-specific or market-wide brand moments)
• Campus Events & College Activations
• In-Store Events (brand launches, community nights, workouts, family events)
• Pop-Ups & Local Partnerships
• Community Fitness & Lifestyle Events
• Seasonal & Market-Specific Activations

Key Responsibilities
Event Strategy & Planning

• Plan, organize, and execute AO-led community events across multiple markets
• Help evolve long-standing events (like Party on the Porch) to reflect the new AO brand
• Identify new event opportunities that align with AO’s active lifestyle focus
• Build and maintain a forward-looking event calendar for all locations

Community Partnerships

• Build strong relationships with local gyms, studios, campuses, nonprofits, and brand partners
• Serve as a key point of contact for community collaborators and event partners
• Ensure partnerships feel authentic, mutually beneficial, and aligned with AO values

Brand & Experience Standards

• Ensure every event reflects AO’s updated brand identity, hospitality standards, and culture
• Support stores in creating events that feel elevated, organized, and welcoming
• Act as a brand ambassador at events—setting the tone and experience in real time

Execution & Logistics

• Manage event logistics including staffing needs, supplies, set-up, breakdown, and flow
• Work closely with store leadership to prepare teams for successful events
• Partner with Marketing to support promotion, signage, and storytelling
• Be present and hands-on at key events to lead, troubleshoot, and support

Evaluation & Growth

• Track event performance and attendance
• Gather feedback from guests, store teams, and partners
• Use insights to refine future events and improve execution

Keys to Success in This Role
A successful Community Events Manager at AO will:

• Create Events That Feel Like AO
  - Events are warm, organized, people-first, and aligned with the active lifestyle brand.
• Build Trust With Store Teams
  - Stores feel supported—not burdened—by events and confident in execution.
• Show Up as a Leader
  - Leads from the front at events, brings energy, and stays calm under pressure.
• Balance Creativity & Organization
  - Big ideas paired with strong planning, timelines, and follow-through.
• Strengthen Community Brand Presence
  - AO becomes known as a brand that consistently shows up and invests locally.

Who This Role Is For

• Someone who thrives in people-focused, high-energy environments
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable
• Comfortable leading events and working cross-functionally
• Passionate about community, lifestyle brands, and creating experiences
• Willing to work evenings and weekends as needed for events

Execution of Core Events

• Party on the Porch → Four Minimum Per Year
• AO DAYS Collabs → Six Minimum Per Year
• Campus Connection Events → 4 Minimum Per Semester (Eight Per Year)
  - Samford, North Alabama, South Alabama, and UAB
• In-Store Seasonal Pop-Ups → Flex Depending on Marketing Plans

Plan Internal Structured Events

• The Leadership Gathering (Formerly Manager Meeting) (4 Per Year)
  ○ Coordinate with Store Support for Monthly Lunch & Learns
• BHM Collective Meetings (2-3 Per Year)
• Assist Director of Culture & Experience with SSC Staff Parties

Schedule & Structure

• Schedule is remote with in-store days to oversee hospitality needs
  ○ Flex Schedule on Week of Events
  ○ One Hour Lunches Each Day
  ○ Remote Work Days as Approved
• Based in-market with regular travel to all AO locations
• Reports to the Director of Culture & Experience

Direct Staff Oversight

• Delegate Specific Needs to Store Support Manager
  ○ Hotel Booking
  ○ Manager Follow-Up