The Vail Valley Foundation (VVF) is seeking a motivated professional for a full-time position as a Venue and Events Manager. The position will join the VVF’s Operations Team, with a primary role of helping to manage the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in the spring and summer and overseeing the Magic of Lights Vail project in fall and early winter. The Venue and Events Manager will be expected to work hand in hand with both internal VVF staff and external partners and vendors. 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 and work in a fast paced environment.
- Maintain a positive culture within each Team and venue staff and contractors.
- Build and maintain important relationships within the VVF team and the greater VVF community.
- Work with the Operations, Sales, and Marketing Teams to continually develop and improve our VVF projects, venues and events.
Core duties and responsibilities for the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater include the following:
- Staff hiring, Scheduling, and Supervision:
- Manage part-time staff and volunteers (gate security, cart drivers, ushers), including hiring, training, scheduling
- Manage payroll and all Human Resources needs for part-time staff
- Respond promptly to customer inquiries and requests and work with internal team to resolve any issues
- Assist part-time front of house staff with problem resolution
- Manage dedicated budget lines to help meet overall financial goals
- Purchase and issue staff uniforms and enforce dress code
- Provide labor reports
- Ensure all part-time staff is well-versed in their responsibilities, venue policies, and guest service expectations
- Guest Service:
- Maintain and support the highest standards of customer service
- Resolve any guest conflicts
- Able to be on-site at entrances during events
- Knowledgeable on all events and policies
- Event Rentals:
- Field rental requests via email and phone
- Schedule and negotiate rentals
- Create, execute and fulfill contracts for third party rentals
- Create a venue rental info sheet, including pricing and work with in house partners including Gore Creek Concessions and Big Delicious Catering to ensure proper F&B service and options
- First point of contact for internal and external events (Bravo, VDF, GMG, graduations, funerals, weddings, etc)
- Liaise with vendors during the pre-event planning period and provide day-of event support and oversight to ensure event success
- Facility Maintenance:
- Assisting vendors
- Supervising vendor activities with VVF/Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater interest in mind
- Familiarity with all Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater equipment and fixtures
- Prepare/reset venue for upcoming events
Core duties and responsibilities for Magic of Lights Vail include the following:
- Take lead of the project and work hand in hand with both internal VVF staff, as well as external partners.
- Work closely with Ford User Group partners on planning and execution of the event, with a focus on maintaining the relationship with the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.
- Additional partners include but are not limited to the Town of Vail, Vail Rec District, Corporate Sponsors and the Magic of Lights crew.
- Manage bid process for facility contractors, vendors, and suppliers, and oversight of those selected
- Hire (as necessary), schedule and manage Magic of Lights staff and oversee nightly operations.
- Manage payroll and all Human Resources needs for part-time staff
- Assist part-time front of house staff with problem resolution
- Purchase and issue staff uniforms and enforce dress code
- Ensure all part-time staff is well-versed in their responsibilities, venue policies, and guest service expectations
- Oversee the daily running of the venue
- Work with the Box Office Staff and Marketing on guest ticketing
- Oversee guest customer service levels and address any issues.
- Maintain and support the highest standards of customer service
- Resolve any guest conflicts
- Work with hired concessionaire during lead-up to opening of the experience on venue needs, as well as during the activation window to facilitate any nightly needs.
- Work with the Operations, Sales and Marketing Teams on development and execution of venue activations (e.g., sponsor engagement, holiday elements, group events, etc.)
- Coordinate all signage and branding elements for the venue with marketing and the Magic of Lights team.
- Manage all venue group event inquiries and execution.
- Exceptional management skills, both strategic and operational, with at least 3 years of experience in event operations and management experience.
- A minimum of 5 years of customer service experience.
- A passion for the mission of the Vail Valley Foundation and the Vail Valley community.
- Capable of remaining focused and calm under stressful situations and able to quickly adapt to changing conditions.
- Proven ability to make critical decisions independently and with little supervision.
- Previous experience working and excelling in a fast-paced, multi-level, project-based environment with an emphasis on timelines, quality and delivery.
- Self-initiative, attention to detail and a customer-centric philosophy
- Team approach with an ability to work closely and cooperatively with internal and external associates and a willingness to assist other departments as needed.
- Working knowledge of budgets; ability to demonstrate fiscal responsibility for all assigned projects.
- Excellent oral, written and communication skills.
- 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.
- Strong computer skills.
- Ability to work a varied schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and long and irregular hours.
- 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.
- Successful candidates must provide proof of vaccination for Covid-19 due to the nature of the work of the Vail Valley Foundation. Candidates needing accommodation may be considered depending on the essential functions of the job.
This is a salaried, full time year-round position eligible for all VVF employment benefits.
Salary Range: $55,000 – $65,000 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 Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
- Discounted gym membership options
- FREE ski pass
Please send a cover letter, resume and references.
