Event Center Manager

Job Title:                   Event Center Manager                

Employment Type:   Full-time                                                

Department:              Ski Hi Event Center                          

FLSA Status:             Exempt

Reports to:                 City Manager                                 

Salary:                        $58,000 - $65,000    

JOB SUMMARY: 

The City of Monte Vista is looking for a skilled and motivated leader to manager the operations of the Ski Hi Event and Conference Center. This position oversees all aspects of facility management, including event scheduling, marketing, budgeting, programming and staff supervision. The manager serves as the primary contact for clients, community partners and vendors, ensuring outstanding service and event execution. 

Key responsibilities include developing marketing strategies, managing budgets and financial systems, coordinating recreation programming, and presenting regular reports to City Council. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong management skills, exceptional organization and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups to maximize the use and success of the facility. 

About the Venue

Owned and operated by the City of Monte Vista, the Outcalt Event & Conference at Ski Hi Complex is the community’s centerpiece for entertainment, recreation and connection. Spanning more than 16,700 square feet of flexible venue space and hosting up to 2,700 people, it features banquet and conference rooms, a spacious open-plan event center, and a professional rodeo arena. The complex also features picnic pavilions, courtyards and open-air gathering spaces. 

While the event center hosts weddings, quinceaneras, conferences, trade shows and business meetings, the Ski Hi Complex is also home to signature community and recreational events that define Monte Vista’s culture. These include the Ski Hi Stampede Rodeo, concerts, craft fairs, livestock shows, and seasonal festivals. The arena, event center and outdoor space frequently support youth programs and celebrations, making the complex a year-round hub. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position provides strategic leadership and operational oversite for the Ski Hi Event and Conference Center, ensuring policies are followed and high-quality services are delivered. Key responsibilities include: 

Facility & Operations Management – direct daily operations, scheduling and coordination of events; oversee maintenance, custodial, and security needs; ensure facility readiness and safety.

Client & Community Relations – Manage inquiries, bookings, and contracts; conduct tours, build strong community and partner relationships, represent and promote the facility. 

Marketing & Promotion – Develop and implement marketing strategies, including social media, print, and digital content, to increase visibility and usage. 

Event Oversight – Supervise on-site operations during events, coordinate staff, vendors and logistics ensure compliance with policies. 

Program Development – Collaborate with the Recreation Department on sports and athletic programs; create cultural, recreational, and community events to boost public engagement.

Financial Management – Oversee budgeting, forecasting, expenditure control, and financial reporting in coordination with city finance staff. 

Staff Leadership – Hire, train, schedule, supervise and evaluate event and facility staff. 

Reporting & Accountability – Prepare and present reports to City Council highlighting operations, finances, and programming achievements. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in event planning, facility management, and customer service, with experience in marketing, public relations and budget management. They should understand safety regulations, procurement practices, and municipal government operations while being adept at scheduling systems, facility maintenance basics and vendor coordination. 

Key abilities include planning and executing multiple events, leading diverse teams, and building positive relationships with clients, vendors, and community members. The role requires problem-solving under pressure, strategic facility programming and the ability to interpret and enforce policies. 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, financial tracking and event management software is essential along with excellent oral and written communication skills. Candidates must be able to work independently in a high-visibility, fast-paced environment, handle physical event setup tasks, and maintain flexible availability, including evenings, weekends and holidays. 

EXPERIENCE and TRAINING:

Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Job Requirements: 

• Must be U.S. citizen at time of employment
• Must be able to pass pre-employment background and drug screening requirements
• Intermediate of higher level experience with Microsoft Office 2010 (or later version)

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Event Planning, Hospitality or related field or an equivalent combination of education
• Minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience in facility management
• Three (3) years of proven, successful experience in a managerial level position of a facility.
• CMP (Certified Meeting Professional), CSEP (Certified Special Events Manager)

Special Requirements: 

• Must be able to work under tight deadlines. Coordinating events is a high demand and high intensity position, requiring effective multitasking, decision making and problem solving in a timely manner.
• Must be able to work a standard work week and have the ability to modify standard hours with evening and weekend and holiday hours in order to meet the needs of facility operations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

The work environment for this position is primarily indoor with occasional outdoor activities. Outdoor activities may include exposure to various weather conditions and frequent changes in environmental conditions. The essential duties of this role can be physically demanding. Employees must have physical and emotional stamina to cope with sometimes stressful situations and conditions. 

The City is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length and protective hairstyles), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.

Benefits: 

• Group Health Insurance including Dental and Vision plans
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
• Retirement plans
• Flexible Spending Account
• Holiday pay
• Sick leave and Vacation accruals
• Optional Benefits include discounted gym and golf course memberships, NY Life, Aflac and many more.

Why Join Our Team? 

As part of the City of Monte Vista, you’ll be helping bring life to a facility that serves as the heartbeat of the San Luis Valley. Newly renovated in 2022 and set to add an RV park and neighboring hotel, the Ski Hi Complex is growing and evolving to meet community needs. Joining our team means playing a hands-on role in creating unforgettable experiences, from small private gatherings to large-scale festivals all while being part of a supportive municipal team dedicated to serving the community.  

Submit Resume, Letter of Interest and Application to: hrmanager@ci.monte-vista.co.us

Online application and benefit summary can be found at:  www.montevista.gov 

Deadline to submit applications: October 1, 2025