Full-time Assistant Director, Nutcracker Market (Event, Trade Show)

Job Details

Job Location: Houston Ballet - Headquarters - Houston, TX 77002Position Type: Full Time

Come work with us at Houston Ballet!
Join a leading nonprofit arts organization that’s redefining what ballet can be. We’re committed to inspiring a lasting love of dance through bold performances, new choreography, and nationally recognized education programs.  At Houston Ballet, your creativity meets purpose—and your passion takes center stage.  Whether on stage or behind the scenes, every role here contributes to something bigger.

✨ Your Passion. Our Stage.

Visit: www.houstonballet.org for more information.

* * * For full consideration, please be sure to combine your resume and cover letter into one document to upload when you apply. 

*Please note: This position requires work outside normal business hours

Summary: 

The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market is one of the largest and most iconic holiday shopping events in the nation, welcoming more than 100,000 attendees annually and supporting Houston Ballet Foundation’s mission through critical fundraising. Its success relies on exceptional logistics, vendor coordination, operations management, and guest-experience execution.

We are seeking an Assistant Director, Nutcracker Market who will also serve as our Master Logistics & Event Manager, leading two large-scale event operations, the annual November Nutcracker Market and the Spring Nutcracker Market.  Both events strive for precision, creativity, and excellence.  This is an in-person position in Houston, Texas

This role is responsible for the full operational planning, logistics strategy, vendor and merchant management, and on-site execution of both Markets. The ideal candidate is organized, highly detailed, solutions-focused, technologically savvy, and thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. This position operates within Houston Ballet’s Development Department and plays a key role in supporting major fundraising events.  Work on evenings and weekends is required.

Reports to: Senior Director, Special Events

Direct Reports: Two Full-time Nutcracker Market Managers; One Part-time Nutcracker Market Associate

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Event Logistics & Operations

• Develop and implement the full operational and logistical strategy for both Markets.

• Create, manage, and execute detailed event timelines, run-of-show documents, and contingency plans.

• Lead all aspects of load-in/load-out operations, facility logistics, floor plan layouts, safety compliance, and contractor coordination.

• Collaborate closely with NRG Park staff, security, decorators, electricians, transportation teams, and other service providers.

• Ensure all ADA requirements, safety regulations, permitting, and fire marshal guidelines are met.

Merchant & Vendor Management

• Serve as the primary contact for merchants from application through event completion.

• Track, organize, and manage merchant information, compliance, booth assignments, and communication.

• Oversee the Merchant Chairmen, Merchant Review Committee, and all merchant approval and fulfillment processes.

• Manage relationships, reporting protocols, and procedures related to Merchant Reporting.

• Provide on-site support and troubleshooting for merchants throughout the Markets.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage two Market Managers and a part-time Associate, providing oversight, mentorship, and delegation.

• Collaborate with Communications, Development, and Special Events teams to support operational and promotional needs.

• Coordinate and train temporary staff, volunteers, and on-site teams as needed during the Markets.

• Operate as a key member of the Development D