Director of Events

Job description

DEPARTMENT: Events REPORTS TO: Director Of Railroad Operations TYPE OF POSITION: Full-time GENERAL SUMMARY Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) seeks a creative, energetic leader to develop, market, plan and deliver memorable large-scale events and on-going programs that bring people to the railroad and support our mission and revenue goals. As a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Events works closely with the Directors of Development, Marketing and other leaders to create and deliver engaging events, programs and fundraising initiatives. RESPONSIBILITIES Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Events Department. Work collaboratively across departments to develop high quality impactful events. Lead the planning, implementation and evaluation of special events and seasonal programs. Establish departmental priorities, expectations and performance standards. Provide Managers with direction, coaching and support necessary to successfully lead their respective areas. Partner with Marketing on developing event descriptions, promotional timelines and guest communications. Collaborate with Development team around sponsorships, fundraising and donor relations. Maintain financial accountability by planning, budgeting and forecasting for Events. Monitor costs and financial performance of concessions and merchandise. Ensure quality of programming and customer satisfaction. Liaison for National Park Service to obtain Special Use Permits (SUPs), Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs), and participate in Operations meeting. Coordinate contracts with vendors/third parties. Perform other duties as assigned. SUPERVISION Directly supervises: Event Manager and Concessions Manager Indirectly supervises: Event Coordinators, Merchandising and Concessions Coordinator, Seasonal Program Coordinators, Seasonal Program Leaders, Concessionaire staff and volunteers, and Event volunteers QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality/Tourism Management, Event Planning, Business Administration or related field (preferred.) Experience managing complex events, entertainment venues, tourism operations or comparable guest-facing operations. Previous supervisory experience, including experience leading managers or professional staff. Experience developing and managing budgets. Skills and Abilities Organization and Project Management Interpersonal and Relationship Building abilities Written and Verbal communication skills Financial Literacy Ability to work effectively across departments Ability to manage multiple simultaneous priorities Ability to identify and appropriately escalate risk Adaptability and Flexibility Working conditions and schedule Regular work aboard moving passenger trains Evening, weekend and holiday availability based upon needs and Event schedule Extended periods of standing and/or walking Ability to safely lift up to 40 pounds ABOUT CVSR Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is in Northeast Ohio and is a tourist excursion railway and private sector, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization operating in partnership with Cuyahoga Valley National Park. CVSR’s mission is to provide educational, recreational and heritage railroad experiences and provide alternative transportation to and within Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Ohio & Erie Canalway.