Event & Venue Business Development Manager

Washington County, Oregon•Hillsboro, OR

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Westside Commons is seeking a Venue & Event Business Development Manager to lead strategic efforts that support facility utilization, event bookings, and client engagement for the Wingspan Event & Conference Center and Fairgrounds. This role is responsible for aligning market opportunities with County-operated venues, developing programs that increase event activity, and ensuring a consistent and high-quality client experience from initial inquiry through contract execution. The position works closely with internal teams and external partners to strengthen the event pipeline, support revenue performance, and ensure alignment between bookings and operational capacity. The ideal candidate brings experience in venue operations, event-based business development, or similar environments where success is driven by balancing client needs, operational constraints, and financial outcomes.

Requirements

Master's Degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, social sciences, an applied research-related field, or other related field; AND Three (3) years of pertinent professional experience related to the specific program area of responsibility. Experience must include responsibility for the oversight and evaluation of program activities and at least two (2) years of work experience in a project, program, or team lead or supervisory role.
OR Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, social sciences, an applied research-related field, or other related field; AND Five (5) years of relevant professional experience related to the specific program area of responsibility. Experience must include responsibility for the oversight and evaluation of program activities and at least two (2) years of work experience in a project, program, or team lead or supervisory role.
Other related fields include focuses within business, marketing, communications, and hospitality and events.
Some positions may require completion of a background check.
Some positions may be required to possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record per Washington County policy.

Nice To Haves

Experience in venue operations, event-based business development, or similar environments where success is driven by balancing client needs, operational constraints, and financial outcomes.
Knowledge of program management principles and practices within a public or enterprise-funded environment, including planning, implementation, and evaluation of services or operations.
Knowledge of event venue, conference center, fairgrounds, or similar facility operations, including coordination of meetings, conferences, trade shows, and community events.
Skills to lead efforts to increase utilization, participation, or service demand for programs, services, or facilities.
Ability to manage and coordinate relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders, including activities from initial inquiry through agreement and transition to service delivery.
Skills analyzing data, trends, and performance metrics to inform program development, operational improvements, and decision-making.
Ability to balance stakeholder needs with operational constraints, policies, and available resources.
Knowledge of contracting practices, risk considerations, and regulatory requirements in a public or structured organizational environment.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic efforts that support facility utilization, event bookings, and client engagement for the Wingspan Event & Conference Center and Fairgrounds.
Align market opportunities with County-operated venues.
Develop programs that increase event activity.
Ensure a consistent and high-quality client experience from initial inquiry through contract execution.
Work closely with internal teams and external partners to strengthen the event pipeline.
Support revenue performance.
Ensure alignment between bookings and operational capacity.
Supervise, train, and support staff responsible for program coordination and service delivery.