The Vail Valley Foundation (VVF) is seeking an experienced Operations Manager with a passion for the mission of the VVF and the Vail Valley community. The position will play a critical role in planning, developing and executing the VVF’s partner and event activations across all VVF projects and events, with a primary focus on the athletic events; currently including but not limited to the GoPro Mountain Games, Xfinity Birds of Prey Audi FIS Ski World Cup, and UIAA Winter Ice Climbing and ISMF Ski Mountaineering Championships. The Operations Manager will additionally support operational, partner and event activations for ShowDown Town, Magic of Lights Vail, the Vail Dance Festival, VVF and YouthPower365 fundraising events, and any additional future VVF projects that may develop.
The Operations Manager will be expected to work hand in hand with both internal VVF staff and external partners. This position requires an individual with strong organizational, time management and leadership skills, high attention to detail, a hands-on mentality, and an ability to manage a budget.
Core duties and responsibilities include the following:
- Work with the Director of Operations, Operations Team and Sales Team members to support and develop VVF partner and event activations for all VVF athletic events; including but not limited to strategic planning, budgeting, venue layouts, relationship management, utility distribution, and expo planning and execution.
- Work closely with Director of Operations and Operations Team members on crucial relationships, including but not limited to the Vail Resorts/Beaver Creek Mountain/Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek Resort Company, Solaris Metro District, and Town of Vail.
- Manage onsite activations and partner execution for all events, including the following responsibilities:
- Oversee partner shipping/deliveries, venue logistics of load in/load out, product distribution, rental equipment needs, utilities, power, and IT needs.
- Manage onsite Expo Crew including but not limited to securing staff, payroll, communication, and meals.
- Oversee all partner venue operations throughout the event.
- Work with the Operations Team on necessary event and expo venues and application details for all required permits and space use agreements.
- Facilitate equipment and supplies needed specific to event and partner venues.
- Maintain a positive culture within our operations team and event staff and contractors.
- Assist with the development of strategic plan and departmental goals.
- Build and maintain important relationships within the VVF team and the greater VVF community.
- Work with the OSM (Operations, Sales, Marketing) Team to continually develop and improve our VVF events.
- Provide support across all other VVF events and collaborate with other operational leads on best practices and event development.
- Exceptional management skills, both strategic and operational, with at least 5 years of experience in event operations.
- Effective organization and time management skills to ensure deadlines and program objectives are met.
- Previous experience working and excelling in a fast-paced, multi-level, project-based environment with an emphasis on timelines, quality and delivery.
- Capable of remaining focused and calm under stress and able to adapt to changing conditions quickly.
- Self-initiative, attention to detail and a customer-centric philosophy.
- Exceptional relationship management, problem-solving and negotiation skills.
- Ability to demonstrate tact, and a clear, courteous and professional manner when dealing with coworkers, public, partners and donors.
- Proven ability to make critical decisions independently without supervision.
- Team approach with an ability to work closely and cooperatively with internal and external associates
- Excellent oral, written and communication skills.
- Working knowledge of budgets, forecasts and profit and loss statements; ability to demonstrate fiscal responsibility for all assigned projects.
- Willingness to work irregular and long hours during events.
- Willingness to work in outdoor conditions with variable weather.
- Physically ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to successfully pass a background check.
Additional Preferred Experience:
- Strong computer skills with general knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook), mapping platforms/software and online permitting applications are a plus.
This is a salaried, full time year-round position eligible for all VVF employment benefits.
Salary Range: $50,000 – $60,000 annually, based on experience
Our employees are a critical part of who we are and employee wellness is an important priority for our organization. As a result, we offer an array of employee benefits, including but not limited to:
- Employee and family health insurance plan
- Health savings account
- Flexible spending accounts
- Life insurance
- Supplemental insurance options
- Short and long term disability plans
- 401k retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off
- Employee Assistance Program
- Added Perks!
- Tickets to shows at the VPAC and GRFA
- Discounted gym membership options
- FREE ski pass
