Summary

Description

About Us

Each January, the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) welcomes 700,000+ visitors to its complex for one of the largest stock show and rodeo events in the world. A nationally recognized Western heritage event, the Stock Show hosts one of the world’s richest regular season professional rodeos, one of the country’s largest horse shows, and Colorado’s largest Western trade show – all in just 16 days!

National Western Stock Show is a 501(c)3 charitable organization providing education in agriculture, including college and graduate-level scholarships in agriculture and veterinary medicine for practice in rural areas. These scholarships are funded by our Scholarship Trust, which is fueled by contributions made during several high-profile events hosted both during Stock Show and year-round. These events include the Citizen of the West Gala, the Auction of Junior Livestock Champions, Goat Ropin’, and the Hide Party.

Outside of the best 16 days in January, our Complex keeps busy year-round by hosting horse & livestock shows, trade shows, wrestling tournaments, concerts, cheerleading competitions, car shows, and more.

Overview

NWSS is seeking a dynamic and highly organized Special Events Manager to oversee the planning, coordinating, and execution of the events funding our Scholarship Trust as well as various events. This role requires working closely with volunteer committees and internal teams to ensure seamless event production, from concept to completion. The Special Events Manager will play a critical role in enhancing the overall guest experience, driving fundraising efforts, and maintaining the high standards of excellence that define our events. When not working on special event-related tasks, this individual will assist the Complex Events team with their duties, including but not limited to assisting with end-to-end event operations (initial planning, contracting, permitting, and compliance) as well as providing day-of event management & support.

The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, equally proficient working with individuals as well as large groups or committees, and excels at event logistics and production. A background in planning and executing large-scale, exclusive live events is required.

Reports to: Senior Director, Event Sales & Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships

Roles & Responsibilities

Special Events Coordination & Execution

Develops and executes detailed event plans, including budgeting, scheduling, vendor coordination, and logistics management.
Plans, coordinates, and executes exclusive fundraising and special events that contribute to National Western Stock Show’s Scholarship Trust.
Works directly with volunteer committees to develop event concepts, timelines, and logistics, ensuring that all fundraising and guest experience objectives are met.
Manages vendor relations, including sourcing, negotiations, and contract oversight for catering, audio-visual producers, event rental providers, photographers, florists, announcers/speakers, valet, livestock providers, and other event needs.
Oversees event registration, working closely with the Ticket Office and Strategic Partnerships teams to ensure proper ticket sales and sponsorship activations.
Ensures all events align with National Western Stock Show’s brand, mission, and fundraising goals.
Develops event scripts, run-of-show schedules, and staffing plan.
Acts as the primary point of contact on-site to ensure smooth event execution.
Develops and maintains annual budgets for each event, working with committee members to ensure costs align with projected amounts.
Creates a variety of collateral for all events, including invitations, brochures, event materials, donation solicitations, advertising, and thank you gifts.
Designs and carries out social media campaigns and e-blasts to help market events.
Processes event registrations, invoices, payments, and donations. Handles all accounts payable and accounts receivable associated with events.
Organizes and facilitates monthly planning committee meetings.

Complex Event Coordination and Support

Acts as the primary on-site lead to ensure smooth event execution, including vendor management, staff oversight, and guest experience facilitation.
Provides real-time crisis management support, addressing any unexpected challenges that arise during events such as weather disruptions, technical issues, or guest concerns.
Coordinates with security, emergency response teams, promoters, and event operations management to ensure all safety and compliance measures are met.
Works closely with internal stakeholders, including management, staff, and concessionaire, to ensure alignment on event goals and execution.
Demonstrates a continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality service.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Qualifications & Requirements

3+ years of experience in event planning, special events management, or related fields.
Experience working with volunteer committees, VIP donors, and corporate partners.
Strong knowledge of event logistics, permitting requirements, and operations execution.
Ability to manage multiple projects with a high degree of detail against short deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Proficiency in event management software, CRM systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and extended event periods.
Strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with various departments and clients.
A background in agriculture, livestock, or large-scale event production is a plus.

Physical Demands

National Western Complex is a multi-purpose indoor and outdoor commercial and agricultural complex where dusty conditions and animals may exist. While performing the duties of this job, work is performed both indoors and outside in all weather conditions, including extreme cold, snow, wind, rain, and on varied surfaces. Our employees must be able to work indoors and outdoors with regular and prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, must be comfortable working at heights, and be able to work around moving machinery & equipment as well as live animals.

This position will primarily work in a professional office setting. Occasional travel to event locations, partner sites, and meetings can be expected. Incumbents will split their time between a professional office setting and live event areas, which will require frequent standing and walking. Occasionally, this individual may help with event setup or teardown, which may include bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and lifting.

Scheduling Requirements

While this position will have some set hours, schedules are likely to change on a regular basis based on the needs of upcoming shows. Early mornings, late nights, and weekends are all to be expected. Candidates must have open availability and be willing to work at various hours to complete the primary functions of this role.

Like almost all NWSS team members, this position will need to be on-site every day during Stock Show, typically for 12-16 hours at a time.

Pay Range & Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt/salaried position with a starting salary of $62,500.00 annually.
Full-time employees qualify for partial paid Medical, Dental, Vision, and life for employee; family coverage is available at group rates.
Voluntary benefits including Accident, Critical Illness, Short-Term Disability, Hospital Indemnity, and pet insurance available at discounted rates.
100% paid Long-Term Disability.
Paid sick leave and vacation time.
Upon meeting plan qualifications, a competitive 401(k) retirement plan is available.

WSSA/NWSS is a drug & alcohol-free employer with a zero-tolerance drug policy, including marijuana.

WSSA/NWSS is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

All offers are contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background check and pre-employment drug test.