Special Events Manager

SUMMARY

This position will lead planning and executing winter and summer special events at the resort. Special events include things like ski races, bike and running races, and music festivals, ranging from 100 to 3,000 attendees. This role will also coordinate smaller set-ups such as vendor demos, non-profit pop-ups and the like which enhance the guest experience. The Special Events Manager will work cross-functionally across all resort departments and very closely with sales, marketing and mountain operations to maximize the success of each event. This individual has comprehensive experience in managing all aspects of event planning, including, but not limited to, logistics coordination, event flow, contract negotiation, event sponsorships, and budget management. This individual will have one direct report who will assist in executing events. This role will need to be on site for all events necessitating in weekend, holiday and evening hours as needed based on event schedules.

SUMMARY

This position will lead planning and executing winter and summer special events at the resort. Special events include things like ski races, bike and running races, and music festivals, ranging from 100 to 3,000 attendees. This role will also coordinate smaller set-ups such as vendor demos, non-profit pop-ups and the like which enhance the guest experience. The Special Events Manager will work cross-functionally across all resort departments and very closely with sales, marketing and mountain operations to maximize the success of each event. This individual has comprehensive experience in managing all aspects of event planning, including, but not limited to, logistics coordination, event flow, contract negotiation, event sponsorships, and budget management. This individual will have one direct report who will assist in executing events. This role will need to be on site for all events necessitating in weekend, holiday and evening hours as needed based on event schedules.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the planning and successful execution of different types of events in the winter and summer seasons.
• Take ownership of the event, do what is needed without being asked, have strong follow through and communication skills throughout the event from inception to completion, including managing clean up and breakdown of the event.

• Serve as each event’s primary contact.
• Provide clear and timely communications around timelines and priorities for each event to internal teams.

• Complete and share pre-event and post-event documentation that ensures collaboration with internal teams on event logistics, optimizes event execution and tracks necessary event changes for following years.
• Conduct formal pre- and post-event meetings as required to review/communicate group needs and provide feedback that will help improve the planning and execution process for future events.
• Develop and adhere to annual event budget, including post event budget reconciliation.
• Seek opportunities for existing event modifications and create new, unique events that engage our guests and enhance the guest experience.
• Support in negotiating contracts and ensure contractual terms are in the best interest of Grand Targhee Resort.
• Manage and own relationships with all vendors, service providers, partners, and customers for special events.
• Outreach and follow up with existing and potential event sponsors.

• Remain calm under pressure and in the handling of stressful situations, remain flexible to change as events happen (daily function).
• Be organized and detail oriented, ensure no task is left undone; anticipate events and plan ahead; prepare for the unexpected; remain focused on the end result.
• Find solutions to any problems that arise concerning services.
• Provide leadership, motivation, clear direction to support staff.

• Able to work evenings, weekends and holidays (as needed).
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects at the same time (daily function).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 5 years of event management, planning and hands-on execution
• Intermediate to expert skier or snowboarder, comfortable on double black diamonds
• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university is a plus but not required
• Understanding of ski racing, bike racing , course planning and set ups and timing functions a plus
• Solutions-oriented
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Prior successful management of direct reports
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Have up-beat and “can-do” attitude
• Thrives in fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and correspondence skills with various personality types
• Ability to work well under pressure

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to use manual dexterity to handle, feel, and operate vehicles, tools, and controls and reach with hands and arms. This individual is frequently required to stand, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities of this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to type, file, and lift objects often up to 50 pounds. The employee must be physically able to tolerate winter conditions, cold temperatures, summer conditions, wet conditions and warm temperatures.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO SAFETY: