Event Operations Manager

University of Denver•Red Feather Lakes, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Event Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring the seamless planning, coordination, and operational readiness of all events and programs hosted at the Kennedy Mountain Campus. Serving as the primary operational contact after initial intake from Associate Director of KMC or Sales and Events Manager, this role manages pre-event logistics, contracts and paperwork, calendar consultation, risk translation, resource locking, and the formal handoff to the Operations Coordinator for on-site event execution. The Event Operations Manager collaborates closely with the Associate Director, Sales & Events Manager, Operations Coordinator, vendors, and campus partners to deliver high-quality experiences for internal and external clients. This position requires strong systems management, exceptional organization, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate and resolve operational needs before events occur. This role also hires, manages, schedules, and provides feedback for the Operations team which includes the Operations Coordinator, Maintenance Techs, and the Operations Associates.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, event management, outdoor recreation, operations management, or related relevant work experience.
Minimum 2 years of experience in event operations, logistics management, or similar areas.
Experience working with inclusive groups, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
Ability to handle multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Exceptional organizational and project-management skills.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to anticipate client needs.
High technical proficiency with event/registration platforms (CrimsonConnect, RecTrac), Microsoft Office, Teams, Wrike etc.
Ability to translate risk frameworks into actionable plans.
Skilled at coordinating multiple stakeholders and producing complete operational documentation.
Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and variable hours as needed and be in rotation for onsite overnight coverage.

Nice To Haves

4+ years experience in operations or event management roles.
Experience in outdoor recreation, university settings, or multi-venue campus operations.
Experience with Crimson Connect, Wrike, RecTrac, or similar booking/operations platforms.
Risk-management certification or training (e.g., Wilderness First Aid).

Responsibilities

Serve as primary operations point-of-contact following Sales intake to confirm event requirements.
Build, update, and finalize the master Event Order Confirmation including agendas/schedules, capacities, room sets, AV needs, dining, transportation, and outdoor activities.
Lead planning meetings and walkthroughs; identify gaps and unexpressed needs proactively.
Ensure all event elements meet campus policies, capabilities, risk protocols, and resource availability including staffing and vendors.
Coordinate closely with Sales & Events Manager to maintain alignment on expectations and client deliverables.
Prepare, route, and track required contracts and documents (use agreements, insurance, addenda, registrations, modifications, invoices, waivers, attendance confirmation, dietary restrictions).
Maintain high accuracy and data quality in event/registration systems (e.g. Wrike, RecTrac, other booking forms and systems).
Manage booking inputs, changes, notes, vendor estimates, document storage, holds/options, and confirmation packets.
Produce run sheets, diagrams, and resource documents required for handoff.
Manage campus calendars to avoid conflicts and ensure alignment with internal DU priorities.
Confirm spaces, equipment, transportation, and staffing based on final Event Order Confirmation.
Assist to schedule, manage, train, and support ongoing operational improvements within DU systems and current staffing report structure.
Manage systems such as Sub-it-up, myDU, Talent@DU, Pioneer Time, etc.
Publish operational run sheets, timelines, and resource assignments in collaboration with the Operations Coordinator and Director of maintenance.
Translate organizational risk policies into event-specific plans (weather, activity risk tiers, medical considerations, evacuation plans).
Ensure proper waivers, insurance, and safety documentation are collected and stored.
Brief the Operations Coordinator on all risk-sensitive elements during formal handoff.
Identify and resolve risks in advance; partner with AD and Sales roles on issues requiring higher-level decisions.
Deliver a complete and timely handoff package to the Operations Coordinator (final Event Order, diagrams, timelines, risk notes, vendor schedules, radios/keys list, staff schedules).
Assist in reconciling event details post-execution (actuals vs. estimates, damages, schedule variances, additional charges, etc.).
Support Sales and Finance in invoice accuracy and close-out documentation or after action reviews.
Collect and analyze client & staff feedback; update SOPs, checklists, and workflows.