Associate Director of Events

Access Destination Services•Denver, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director of Events (ADOE) is a hospitality-focused leadership role based in Denver, supporting event operations across the Mountains Territory. In partnership with the Director of Events, the ADOE drives operational excellence, supports revenue and profitability goals, and develops a high-performing Events team. The role combines hands-on leadership of complex programs with direct team management, client and vendor relationship building, financial oversight, and process improvement. The ADOE helps ensure programs meet Access’s standards for service and execution while supporting team development and successful business outcomes. The role works closely with the Director of Events, Event Managers, Sales, Creative, Supplier Partnerships, National Events, and cross-territory partners. It includes overseeing event planning and execution, guiding team members, supporting client needs, managing program finances and vendor relationships, maintaining accurate Salesforce records, coordinating resources, and addressing operational risks. The position is expected to embody Access Values: Imagine First, Demand Integrity, Embody Excellence, Always Collaborate, and Service Obsession.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in destination management, event planning, hospitality, or a related industry.
Experience leading complex events and managing multiple programs simultaneously.
Demonstrated experience coaching, mentoring, or managing team members.
Strong understanding of event operations, vendor management, budgeting, and program execution.
Proven ability to build and maintain client and vendor relationships.
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Experience with Salesforce or comparable event management and CRM platforms.
Ability to manage competing priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing corporate meetings, incentive programs, or large-scale destination events.
Established relationships with local hotels, venues, and hospitality partners.
Experience supporting business revenue goals, program profitability, and financial forecasting.
Familiarity with the destination, market, and its hospitality landscape.
Experience developing team members and improving operational processes.

Responsibilities

Directly manage designated Events team members through coaching, feedback, performance support, check-ins, evaluations, and development conversations.
Partner with the Director of Events to identify training and professional development needs, support recruitment and onboarding, and monitor team performance and progress toward goals.
Serve as a resource to team members handling complex programs, client challenges, and operational decisions.
Oversee planning and execution of assigned programs, ensuring exceptional service, operational efficiency, and adherence to Access standards.
Provide leadership for large-scale, complex, or high-profile events, including direct support when needed.
Review programs with Event Managers for readiness, communication, and successful execution; ensure teams are prepared through planning, training, and pre-event briefings.
Anticipate and resolve operational challenges, lead post-event reviews, and apply lessons learned to improve future execution.
Build and maintain client relationships; support site visits, presentations, and program discussions; coach Event Managers on communication, expectations, and service recovery.
Serve as an escalation point for client concerns and ensure professional, hospitality-focused client interactions.
Collaborate with Sales and Creative to align programs with client objectives and expectations.
Build and maintain local vendor and supplier relationships; guide vendor sourcing, selection, negotiation, and relationship management.
Ensure vendor partnerships meet Access operational, quality, and service standards, and monitor performance for service, cost, and offering improvements.
Collaborate with Supplier Partnerships and Creative to identify opportunities, strengthen vendor relationships, and support sustainable practices.
Support revenue and profitability goals through program management, financial oversight, and operational decisions.
Oversee assigned-program financial performance, including budgets, Scopes of Work (SOWs), invoicing, and profitability.
Partner with Event Managers to monitor costs, manage scope changes, maintain financial accuracy, and coach on cost management and profitability.
Review financial performance and identify opportunities to improve margins while maintaining client experience; support territory revenue and gross profit goals with the Director of Events.
Partner with Sales, Creative, Events, National Events, and cross-territory teams to coordinate communication, execution, best practices, and operational consistency.
Maintain accurate Salesforce records and complete program, vendor, and financial information.
Monitor program activity, team workloads, and operational performance; support forecasting, resource planning, and workload allocation.
Identify and implement process improvements and champion technology, tools, and practices that improve productivity and program execution.
Ensure programs follow safety, risk management, and contingency planning procedures; anticipate risks and develop proactive solutions.
Support incident response, crisis communication, and client recovery, and incorporate lessons learned into planning, training, and process improvements.
Consistently embody and reinforce Access Values: Imagine First, Demand Integrity, Embody Excellence, Always Collaborate, and Service Obsession.

Benefits

401(k) with company match of up to 4% of salary after one year; immediately vested.
Monthly cell phone stipend.
Work-from-home opportunities and flexibility, including full home office setup.
Flexible schedule opportunities.
Generous paid time off and sick days.
Nine full holidays, five half days before holidays, and two floating holidays.
Half-day Fridays in July and August based on achievement of goals.
Extensive menu of health plans.
Paid parental leave.
Pet insurance program.
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).
Paid day off to serve the local community.
Annual all-company retreat and regional team outings.
Annual and quarterly recognition awards.
Annual qualifier-based incentive trip for eligible departments.
Quarterly bonuses and performance-based quarterly commission plans.
Mentorship program, industry- and department-specific masterclasses, and professional development meeting content.
Training on state-of-the-art technology platforms and tools.