Special Events/Experiences Programming Manager

Overview

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (CTS) is seeking a free-thinking, creative, and hands-on innovator to design, program, and bring to life new train experiences that captivate today’s travelers. This role is for someone who refuses to be boxed in by tradition, someone who thrives on asking “What if?” and “Why not?” rather than “That’s how we’ve always done it.” You’ll help reimagine what’s possible for one of America’s most historic railroads — from immersive themed rides and dining trains to music, storytelling, and community-based events. The goal: to transform the CTS experience from a ride into a memory that guests never forget.

This role will be based in Antonito or Alamosa, Colorado or Chama, New Mexico.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Programming & Experience Design

• Conceive, develop, and execute new themed train rides and special events (e.g., Dark Sky Train, Wine Train, Dinner Trains, Holiday Express, and more).
• Build from concepts to launch — crafting storylines, themes, onboard interactions, and atmospheric details.
• Approach each experience with creativity and originality, blending heritage authenticity with modern experiential design.
• Partner with artists, chefs, musicians, historians, and local creators to bring ideas to life.
• Develop scripts, event timelines, and onboard operational plans to ensure seamless guest experiences.

Operational Collaboration & Execution

• Work cross-departmentally with operations, marketing, reservations, and guest services — breaking down silos and building a “one team” approach.
• Translate creative ideas into operationally feasible plans, taking into account safety, logistics, and passenger flow.
• Oversee setup, staffing, rehearsals, and live delivery of special experiences.
• Conduct post-event reviews to assess guest feedback, financial impact, and identify opportunities for improvement.

Marketing & Partnership Integration

• Collaborate with marketing to craft messaging, visuals, and campaigns that tell each experience’s story.
• Cultivate partnerships with local communities, businesses, and sponsors to expand the reach and authenticity of each event.
• Identify opportunities to tie programming into broader tourism and cultural initiatives across Colorado and New Mexico.

Innovation & Strategic Impact

• Challenge the status quo — bring bold, unconventional ideas that elevate CTS beyond expectations.
• Propose pilot programs that test new experience formats, demographics, or markets.
• Contribute to long-term strategic planning for guest experience innovation, ridership growth, and regional engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, creative production, tourism, arts management, or a related field — or equivalent experience.
• 4 - 5 years of experience in event production, tourism programming, entertainment, or guest experience design.
• Proven ability to think independently, push boundaries, and translate big ideas into actionable programs.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills across creative, operational, and executive teams.
• Highly organized, resourceful, and comfortable managing multiple moving parts under pressure.
• Experience with live entertainment, tourism operations, or destination marketing is a plus.

Who You Are

• A free thinker who values imagination over imitation.
• A builder who gets things done — from concept to execution.
• A connector who thrives in cross-functional collaboration and resists silos.
• A dreamer and doer — passionate about creating unforgettable experiences for guests.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health insurance, PTO, 401K and others
• Opportunities to grow creatively within one of America’s most storied heritage attractions

To Apply

Submit your resume, a brief cover letter describing a time you brought a creative idea to life, and (if available) examples of events, programs, or productions you’ve helped create to emason@cumbrestoltec.com.