Summary
Description
The application window for this position has an anticipated end date of 07/31/2026.
Company Overview
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is one of the largest non-profit theatre organizations in the nation, presenting Broadway tours and producing theatre, cabaret, musicals, and innovative, immersive experiences. Through these experiences and alongside our robust Education program, we engage hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The DCPA’s workforce includes more than 300 employed team members in non-union and union positions (in partnership with seven unions). In addition, we employ hundreds of artists and contractors annually. We have a strong volunteer program which includes more than 300 volunteers.
Our Mission: “We engage and inspire through the transformative power of live theatre.”
Culture Statement
For more than 40 years, creativity and community have been the foundation of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ success. As a leading cultural organization in the Rocky Mountain West, we are actively participating in a cultural evolution of belonging and anti-racism. Our commitment to reflect the diversity and priorities of our community — in our workplace, audience and programming — has never been more present.
We believe that the theater can transform us — and be transformed by us. We invite you to be part of our Team.
Job Purpose
The General Manager – Event Services is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational excellence, and financial performance of the DCPA’s private event rental business. This role oversees the Seawell Ballroom, Director Room, and private rental of theatres within the Bonfils Theatre Complex which has an operational budget of $3.2 million.
Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing & Sales, this role drives net positive revenue, leads day-to-day business operations, and ensures a seamless, high-quality client and guest experience across all rental events. The General Manager provides end-to-end oversight of sales, event management, logistics, and technical production, while aligning departmental performance with broader organizational goals and brand standards.
This role requires a dynamic, hands-on leader with a strong professional presence, who can balance strategy and execution in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
Operations and Production Management
- Provide overall leadership and oversight of daily event operations to ensure efficient, safe, and exceptional execution across all rental spaces
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational policies, procedures, safety protocols, and service standards
- Optimize event scheduling, space utilization, staffing models, and resource allocation to maximize efficiency and revenue
- Partner closely with Facilities, Security, Production, and other internal teams to ensure compliance with all safety regulations and organizational policies, including vendor and catering compliance
- Oversee and negotiate catering, vendor, and preferred partner agreements to ensure quality, consistency, and financial performance
- Lead inventory management and capital equipment planning in collaboration with the VP of Venue Operations and CFO, ensuring alignment with long-term operational needs and inclusion in annual capital planning cycles
- Establish and monitor operational KPIs which includes quality of event execution, turnaround time, incident reporting, etc. to drive process improvement
Revenue Generation and Sales Oversight
- Oversee Event Sales, and partners with the marketing department to develop and execute strategies that achieve or exceed revenue goals across corporate, social, nonprofit, and private events
- Monitor and analyze sales pipeline performance, pace of booking for new and returning clients, conversion rates, and revenue mix; implement adjustments to improve performance and profitability
- Support complex contract negotiations and serve as an escalation point for key client relationships and high-value accounts
- Attend networking opportunities to support business development
- Identify and execute revenue growth opportunities, including pricing strategies, packaging, upselling, and new market segments
- Conduct regular competitive analysis and market trend reviews to inform strategic positioning and maximize market share
Event Delivery and Guest Experience
- Ensure seamless transition from sales to event execution through strong communication, documentation, and cross-functional alignment
- Oversee execution of high-profile, complex, or large-scale events to ensure delivery meets or exceeds client expectations
- Proactively identify and resolve operational challenges or service issues, including real-time decision-making during events
- Champion a culture of exceptional service, ensuring consistency in guest experience, client satisfaction, and brand representation
- Implement and monitor client feedback and post-event evaluation processes to drive continuous improvement and client retention
Financial Management
- Partner with the VP of Marketing & Sales and Finance to develop and manage the annual operating budget of $3.2 million, sales forecast, and long-term financial plans using the financial tools which include: Martus, Sage Intacct, and Ramp
- Maintain full accountability for revenue, expenses, labor costs, and overall profitability, ensuring net margins meet or exceed industry benchmarks
- Champion the effective use of the event management platform, Momentus
- Analyze financial performance regularly, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities, and implementing corrective actions as needed
- Ensure accurate and timely event reconciliation, billing, and financial reporting in alignment with monthly, quarterly and annual closing schedules
Leadership and Staff Management
- Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing, cross-functional team across sales, event management, and technical operations
- Recruit, hire, train, and retain top talent, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement
- Establish clear performance expectations and measurable goals aligned with departmental and organizational objectives
- Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and performance management, including succession planning and leadership development
- Promote a positive and transparent work environment that encourages proactive problem-solving and innovation
- Provide onsite support and presence during key events to ensure exceptional client satisfaction
Additional Responsibilities
- Serve as a key representative of DCPA in client, vendor, and community interactions
- Support organizational initiatives, special projects, and cross-departmental collaboration as needed
- Perform other duties as required to ensure the success of the department and organization
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, Business Administration, Event Management, or related field (or equivalent professional experience)
- 7–10 years of progressive experience in event operations, venue management, hospitality, or a related field
- Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience overseeing multiple functional areas
- Proven experience coaching and developing team members with an emphasis on support and collaboration to maintain and improve performance
- Demonstrated success in driving revenue growth and managing financial performance, including budgeting and P&L oversight
- Proven ability to manage complex operations across departments and deliver results in a fast-paced environment
- Strong relationship management skills with clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders
- Exceptional organizational, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines with a high level of attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to remain calm, decisive, and solution-oriented under pressure
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in performing arts venues, cultural institutions, or multi-use event and production environments
- Strong knowledge of audiovisual production, theatrical operations, and event technology
- Experience with Momentus or similar event management and CRM platforms
- Professional certifications (e.g., CMP, CSEP)
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position directly supervises functional leaders and their respective teams across event sales, event management, and technical production. Responsibilities include overall direction, coordination, performance management, and development of departmental staff in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
Working Conditions
The DCPA operates in a hybrid work environment, with remote work flexibility based on business needs and event schedules. This role requires frequent on-site presence and availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays in alignment with event activity.
Physical Requirements
The position requires the ability to communicate effectively, stand and walk for extended periods, use hands and arms for operational tasks, and occasionally lift and move materials or equipment.
Compensation
$125,000.00 – $135,000.00 annually
Benefits
Full time positions include the following benefits:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance and Pet Insurance
401k Plan with employer contributions
Time off benefits including personal days, sick days, vacation days and 10 paid holidays.
The DCPA is located in Denver, CO and all roles are based at our on-site location: 1101 13th Street, Denver, CO 80204. Some roles at the DCPA may be eligible for hybrid work options. More information is available through the interview process.
The DCPA does not require applicants to disclose age, date of birth or dates of attendance and/or graduation from an educational institution in their application for employment. Applicants may redact these and other applicable dates from their resume, transcript, and any other material that they submit as part of their application for employment.
In order to provide high quality, culturally competent care to our patrons, students, guests and team members, it is of highest importance that our hiring practices reflect our values by offering an environment that celebrates diversity and embraces inclusion. All of our team members – regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, language, abilities/disabilities, socioeconomic status, geographic region, or other defining characteristics – should feel welcome and valued.
