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The Associate Director of Events & Programs leads the planning, scheduling, and execution of all internal and external events; manages programs and the fitness center; oversees member services and front of house operations; and drives marketing, promotions, and rental revenue growth. The role focuses on creating exceptional event and guest experiences while aligning programming, rentals, and membership operations with the strategic goals of the Sonnentag Center. This position reports to the General Manager and assumes leadership responsibilities in their absence.
This position will work on-site at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s Sonnentag Center, a major athletics, recreation, and events center, which opened July, 2024. The new Sonnentag Center serves as a venue for university and community events, concerts, and home to Eau Claire Men’s and Women’s Athletics.
Essential Functions:
- Serve as primary contact for athletics, recreation, community rentals, and internal/external events
- Foster and maintain relationships with clients and stakeholders. Immerse themselves and the operation into the client community
- Schedule, plan, and coordinate facility rentals, ensuring smooth event execution and excellent client service
- Assist the General Manager with ticketed event operations
- Lead sales and revenue strategies for non-ticketed rentals
- Oversee operations of the fitness center and group fitness studios
- Manage member services, registration systems, billing, and customer service standards
- Implement strategies to grow program participation, memberships, and partner bookings
- Lead development of marketing and promotional plans for events, programs, and memberships
- Coordinate communications, social media, advertising campaigns, and market analytics reporting
- Support sponsorship activations and community engagement campaigns
- Develop and monitor budgets for events, programs, and memberships
- Draft, negotiate, and execute rental agreements and event contracts
- Prepare quarterly and annual reports as required by the client and corporate office
Staff Supervision
- Approve timecards and ensure payroll accuracy
- Recruit, train, supervise, and schedule event staff, front‑of‑house teams, and student employees
- Set event staffing levels and provide on‑site leadership during major events
- Certify staff in CPR/AED/First Aid or ensure compliance with certification requirements
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred
- Minimum 5+ years of progressive professional experience working in event or membership management/administration
- Demonstrated supervision and leadership experience
- CPR/AED and First Aid Instructor or ability to get certified as an instructor
- Experience with rental agreements and contracts
Skills & Abilities
- Effectiveness in networking and collaboration
- Exceptional communication skill
- Ability to problem solve at a macro level
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to motivate and lead employees and hold them accountable
- Entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm
- Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
- Accounting knowledge; capability of understanding budgets
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
CENTERS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Commitment to the well-being, security, and future of our employees is a priority. View the comprehensive information about the competitive benefits package on our careers page then scroll down to CENTERS Benefits (click link to view). 
