Events Manager

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic and Operational Leadership
• Lead the development and execution of a programming season for the Bishop Center that aligns with the College’s academic calendar and community enrichment goals.
• Oversee the rental of College facilities to external partners, ensuring alignment with College policies, accessibility, and revenue goals.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the College, Foundation, faculty, community partners, and external organizations for both performing arts and facility rentals.
• Advance strategic priorities that strengthen both auxiliary services, including expanding community outreach, enhancing volunteer engagement, and building sustainable operational models.

Facility Rentals and Campus Event Coordination
• Act as the lead coordinator and relationship manager for all external facility rentals.
• Manage scheduling in 25Live and coordinate with Administrative Services, Instruction, IT, and Facilities to ensure readiness and support.
• Establish rental pricing and policies in coordination with relevant departments, ensuring timely invoicing and collections through cross-departmental collaboration.

Financial Oversight and Budget Management
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets for both the Bishop Center and facility rentals in collaboration with the Business Office.
• Track and report revenue and expenses from ticket sales, rentals, sponsorships, donations, and grants.
• Conduct quarterly financial reviews of each auxiliary service and maintain a five-year capital plan for equipment and facility upgrades for the Bishop Center.

Contract and Risk Management
• Initiate and oversee contracts for performances, services, and facility rentals in coordination with Purchasing, HR, and the Business Office.
• Ensure compliance with College policies, insurance requirements, and risk protocols.
Fundraising, Partnerships, and External Relations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external organizations seeking to rent Grays Harbor College facilities, providing clear communication, guidance, and relationship management throughout the rental process.
• Plan and execute fundraising events that support Bishop Center programming and operations, in collaboration with the Grays Harbor College Foundation.
• Support donor stewardship, sponsorship recognition, and reporting requirements tied to Bishop Center fundraising efforts.
Marketing, Communications, and Audience Development
• Develop and implement marketing strategies for Bishop Center programming and facility rentals.
• Oversee creation of promotional materials including brochures, press releases, programs, digital campaigns, and social media content.
• Ensure consistent branding and public relations efforts in coordination with the College’s Marketing and College Relations Office.
• Grow and diversify audiences and rental clients through targeted outreach and inclusive messaging.

Community Engagement and Volunteer Oversight
• Lead the Friends of the Bishop Center volunteer corps, including recruitment, training, and recognition.

• Build relationships with regional arts and event organizations to support block booking, avoid scheduling conflicts, and expand cultural access.

Event Management and Facility Oversight
• Oversee front-of-house operations, ticketing, concessions, and hospitality for Bishop Center events.
• Supervise technical staff and contractors for lighting, sound, rigging, and video.
• Provide on-site support and basic AV troubleshooting for external events.
• Coordinate with Facilities, Custodial, IT, and Campus Security to ensure safety and readiness across all event spaces.

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• Two years of experience in venue operations, event management, or performing arts leadership.
• Demonstrated success in budget management, fundraising, and contract negotiation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Commitment to accessibility, equity, and community-centered programming.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience managing facility rentals or coordinating external events in a college or public setting.
• Knowledge of technical theater operations, including lighting, sound, rigging, and stage management.
• Familiarity with scheduling systems such as 25Live.
• Experience supervising staff, volunteers, or contractors.
• Proven ability to build and maintain community partnerships and donor relationships.