Director, Event Strategy & Operations

Rocky Mountain Public Media•Denver, CO

About The Position

The Director of Event Strategy & Operations serves as the senior leader for RMPM's event initiatives, guiding the creative and operational strategy that powers live and virtual experiences statewide. This new role introduces a more strategic, organization-wide focus on event excellence, compliance, and engagement outcomes. This position blends vision and execution - responsible for shaping RMPM's annual event roadmap, ensuring operational best practices, and leading a high-performing team that includes Event Producers and an Event Coordinator. This role curates experiences that connect Coloradans to RMPM's mission, deepen member relationships, and inspire engagement to support RMPM's long-term sustainability.

Requirements

7 - 12 years of progressive experience in event operations or experiential marketing, including 3+ years in a leadership or supervisory role.
Proven success managing large-scale, multi-event calendars in nonprofit, media, cultural, or entertainment sectors.
Expertise in event legal and compliance processes, including contracts, risk management, insurance, and permitting.
Strong budgeting and financial oversight skills.
Advanced proficiency with event and project management tools (e.g., Monday.com, Eventbrite, Classy, Salesforce).
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across teams and with external partners.

Nice To Haves

Passion for designing experiences that make audiences feel welcome, known, included, and connected.
Strong understanding of accessibility and inclusive event design.
Ability to travel throughout Colorado and work evenings/weekends as needed.
Valid driver's license required.
Bilingual skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute RMPM's annual event strategy, curating a balanced calendar of signature, donor, and community events; delivering thoughtful audience engagement strategies and brand directions for RMPBS, KUVO JAZZ, and THE DROP 104.7.
Partner with our underwriting, philanthropy, marketing, and membership teams to pursue and establish values aligned partnerships to enhance the event experiences we host or connect our audience with statewide.
Design and oversee the event initiation and approval process, ensuring alignment with mission, brand, and fiscal priorities.
Partner with leadership across RMPBS, KUVO, and THE DROP 104.7 to ensure a unified and intentional approach to events.
Create and maintain RMPM's master event calendar, balancing audience experiences with capacity and fiscal responsibility (owning the RMPM Event budget).
Establish and enforce organization-wide event policies, procedures, and best practices including compliance, contracting, permits, insurance, accessibility, and safety standards.
Develop and oversee contingency and emergency preparedness plans for all major events.
Ensure that all events are executed to the highest operational standard, balancing creativity with risk management and fiscal stewardship.
Oversees event budget planning, forecasting, and reconciliation processes, ensuring accurate financial tracking.
Lead ongoing review and improvement of event processes, technology, and documentation systems.
Lead and mentor a team of Event Producers and Event Coordinator, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Provide coaching and professional development to strengthen team capacity in project management, communication, and hospitality.
Serve as a role model in leadership presence - calm under pressure, strategic in decision-making, and always people-centered.
Ensures all event plans are fully QA'd ahead of execution, with clear run-of-show documentation and the appropriate level of staff and volunteer support allocated to deliver a seamless experience.
Work in partnership with RMPM brand leaders to ensure proper delivery of brand vision/direction with the Event Producers and other supporting operational teams.
Partner closely with Membership and Marketing to ensure every event supports broader organizational goals and audience pathways.
Collaborate with the Senior Director of Relational Operations to develop strategies that connect events with the lifelong "Friends journey," from first engagement to sustained participation
Establish metrics and reporting systems to evaluate event effectiveness, including attendance, engagement, satisfaction, and net revenue.
Produce quarterly reports for leadership that summarize impact, highlight insights, and recommend improvements.
Use data and audience feedback to refine event strategies and enhance the member and guest experience.