This position serves as the General Manager of the Vinton War Memorial, overseeing the operations of the facility as a premier regional event venue. The Guest Experiences and Events Manager is responsible for delivering exceptional client and guest experiences by managing facility operations, leading event support staff, and ensuring the venue is prepared to host a wide variety of meetings, celebrations, and community gatherings. The position serves as the primary liaison for clients utilizing the venue, guiding them through the facility use process and coordinating internal staff to support successful events. The position is responsible for maintaining the reputation of the Vinton War Memorial as a premier destination for community events and private rentals. The Guest Experiences and Events Manager supervises venue staff, manages scheduling and facility readiness, and maintains a high standard of customer service and professionalism. The position of Guest Experiences and Events Manager requires a leader with the ability to exercise independent judgment, initiative, and discretion. This position will supervise War Memorial team staff, temporary employees, volunteers, and contractors.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

• Develops event plans including timelines, site layouts, logistics, risk mitigation strategies, and contingency planning.
• Coordinates venue reservations, permits, insurance requirements, and compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Oversees event setup, on-site management, and breakdown operations.
• Ensures events are accessible, safe, and consistent with Town policies and brand standards.
• Works with clients to meet their requests in an efficient and timely manner and provides problem-solving solutions to challenges and last-minute needs in accordance with facility policy and procedure.
• Ensures an excellent quality of customer service and communication in person, via telephone, and email. Develops and maintains long-term relationships with customers.
• Responds, coordinates, and schedules requests for the War Memorial Facility via direct contact, phone, fax, and electronic mail.
• Maintains and updates event information in booking software systems.
• Calculates, receives, accepts, and deposits rental fees; prepares invoices for facility clients, monitors payments received and not received; logs payments.
• Maintains a detailed schedule of facility rentals and activities.
• Provide feedback and periodic reports to management, to include quarterly revenue projections.
• Proactively handle any arising challenges and troubleshoot emerging problems on the event day.
• Liaison with clients to identify their needs and to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Responsible for managing and maintaining staff schedule.
• Ability to effectively communicate building maintenance needs and coordinate with building maintenance staff on scheduling maintenance.
• Manage facility-specific annual inspections and permits.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing, Public Administration, Communications, or related field and three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in event planning or program management; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Municipal or public-sector experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of wedding/event sales and operations, meetings, and special events productions. The ability to work cooperatively with internal and external relationships.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with clients and vendors.
• Proficiency in event marketing strategies to promote services effectively.
• Strong comprehension of food and beverage operations.
• Understanding of Vinton War Memorial policies, Virginia Department of Health regulations, and VA ABC guidelines and regulations.
• Knowledge of Town of Vinton policies and procedures.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule to include evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
• Ability to take initiative without direct instruction.
• Demonstrated success in leading and supervising teams preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant software.