VenuWorks of Cedar Rapids, LLC., an employee-owned company, is located in the vibrant Midwest community of Cedar Rapids.  Within a short driving radius of five major markets, Cedar Rapids has been a hub for hosting major entertainment in Iowa since the 1970's. 

 

VenuWorks manages four entertainment venues for the City of Cedar Rapids including the Alliant Energy PowerHouse Arena; the historic Paramount Theatre; the boutique outdoor McGrath Amphitheatre; and the 2-sheet ImOn Ice rink.  Additionally, VenuWorks operates the CVB for the City locally known as the Cedar Rapids Tourism Office, which actively recruits large meetings, conventions and sporting tournaments to Cedar Rapids facilities.
 
 VenuWorks seeks an Executive Director that embraces an employee-owner model of leadership including the following qualities:  (a) a servant LEADER that sets the pace and values leading a group of professionals and encourages growth, learning and development;  (b) a COMMUNITY leader that builds relationships and engages with the contract administrator(s); City leaders, and community stakeholders in a positive and uplifting manner; (c) a COMMUNICATOR with strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, ability to multi-task and with strong organizational ability; (d) and a BUSINESS leader that can perform effectively under significant pressure typically associated with the timetables of the live entertainment industry and manage the operating and financial decisions in a competitive market across five separate business units.
 

The Cedar Rapids Executive Director is a senior professional in the industry that will oversee the management, promotion, and operation of the managed venues in all facets including operations, sales, marketing, finance, food and beverage, security, IT, production, technology, capital projects, partnerships, special events, community relations, sustainability, branding, and all other related departments. The Executive Director is responsible for shaping the overall culture, direction, coordination, and evaluation of the team and facility. This executive will also be responsible for maximizing the number of events and revenue opportunities at the venue and will work in unison with City of Cedar Rapids and community stakeholders to maximize the amount of regional and national events taking place in those managed venues.

 

1.    Build and maintain effective working relationships with the contract administrator(s), City of Cedar Rapids departments, Economic Alliance (Chamber), facility clients, community stakeholders, live event industry decision makers, labor unions, and community and civic organizations.

2.    Provide cohesive and positive leadership and direction to all departments and VenuWorks staff.  

3.    Aggressively promote the use of the facility with agents, promoters and community to maximize the number of annual events in each venue. Negotiate lease agreements with meeting planners, third-party organizations, event organizers, and promoters.  

4.    Serve as fiscal oversight officer for all managed business units including budget development, overview of financial and accounting systems, financial projections and controls, and personnel management.

5.    Provide oversite and administration for each of the operating units, ensuring safe operation, properly maintained and clean properties including financial management, sales & marketing, operations, programming, and community relations. 

6.    Provide oversite and administration of the Cedar Rapids Tourism Office, with a focus on incentivizing meeting planners and governing bodies from across the country to hold their conventions and sporting tournaments in Cedar Rapids through a number of methods including national marketing campaigns; sales staff travel; familiarization tours; publication of an annual destination guide; and coordinating locally provided services and housing.

 

7.    Oversite and administration for each of the venue’s operating units, including financial management, sales & marketing, operations, programming, and community relations. 

8.    Seek out community involvement opportunities including speaking engagements, media interviews and other public appearances. Represent VenuWorks in a positive manner to the community, convention and hospitality industries, colleges and universities, and other agencies.

9.    Monitor VenuWorks' compliance with all provisions of the management contract(s).

10.  Negotiate contractual agreements as determined necessary and in the best interests of the venue.

11.  Provide final approval of all contracts and agreements with licensees, vendors, suppliers for necessary activities and services at the facility. 

12.  Complete annual reporting and communicate successes to stakeholders and clients.

13.  Research, develop, and maintain relationships with artist agents, artist management as well as local, regional and national promoters. Initiate and oversee programming for all managed venues, securing contracts for concerts, sporting tournaments, conventions and events, receptions and exhibitions.

14.  Provide guidance and direction on marketing and ticket operations to maximize sales for every event.

15.  Provide guidance and direction for maximizing revenues related to sponsorships, grants, donations, naming rights and vendor trade.

16.  Provide oversite and management of in-house food and beverage operations and staff including full-service catering and concessions.

17.  Recruit, train, supervise and evaluate administrative and supervisory staff.

18.  Plan, organize, coordinate and direct all activities and staff engaged in maintaining and operating the venues.

19.  Complete continuous performance appraisals for staff and make annual salary/bonus recommendations.

20.  Conduct leadership and staff meetings on a consistent basis.

21.  Direct the development and administer the execution of facility operating budgets.

22.  Oversee and advise on any necessary revisions/modification to the staffing plans, including number and types of employees, essential functions, salaries, and benefits.

23.  Responsible for creating an exceptional working environment for all VenuWorks staff.

24.  Greet the general public and clients in a courteous manner, directing guests to the appropriate person or area.

25.  Maintain daily oversite of all operations and event activity at the five business units, assuring successful coordination and attainment of annual goals.

26.  Ensure efficient and effective operation, including capital maintenance and improvement projects.

27.  Ensure the operations of the venues are conducted in accordance with applicable local, state and federal regulations.

28.  Oversee staff compliance with all OSHA, NFPA and other risk mitigation initiatives and comply with VenuWorks insurance reporting policies.

29.  Maintain emergency preparedness within venues, along with compliance with licensing procedures, codes, and permits.

30.  Oversee specific plans and programs prescribed by VenuWorks’ corporate direction, to include Human Resources, Sales and Marketing, quality assurance, operational efficiency, safety/emergency procedures, and crowd control.

 

Direct reports include director/manager level full-time personnel.

 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1.    Must have the ability to work varied hours/days, including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. 
2.    A demonstrated ability to follow directions and complete assigned tasks with a minimum amount of instruction and supervision is essential. 
3.    Ability to organize workflow and meet established deadlines.  
4.    Skilled in meeting and/or exceeding the expectations, being articulate with well-developed communication skills and personal poise. 
5.    This position requires excellent teamwork skills, working cooperatively with others in the accomplishment of joint tasks and common objectives. 
6.    Contributes to a positive work environment, fosters collaboration and provides a tangible contribution.
 

1.    Bachelor’s degree from four-year College or university in applicable discipline and at least eight (8) years’ experience in the management of a similar facility, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

2.    Advanced knowledge of current management and staff leadership principles.

3.    Demonstrated knowledge of all aspects of public assembly facility management operations, including fiscal control, policy development, marketing, and event management.

4.    A demonstrated ability to follow directions and complete assigned tasks with a minimum of instruction and supervision is essential.

 

1.    Certified Facility Executive (CFE), Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) and/or other similar professional designation(s) preferred.

 

1.    Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations.

2.    Ability to speak in public, both in person and via various media outlets.

3.    Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals

4.    Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

5.    Ability to speak and understand English.

 

1.    Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

2.    Ability to calculate figures and amounts, interest, commission, proportions, and percentages and apply them to practical situations.

 

1.    Ability to solve complex problems with sensitivity and diplomacy, while displaying decisive executive leadership.

2.    Ability to define problems, evaluate data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

3.    Ability to maintain a calm, composed presence in an often fast-paced environment where multiple tasks, events and stimulus may occur simultaneously.

4.    Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1.    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.

2.    The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms; stand; walk; use fingers to finger, handle or feel; and climb or balance.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

3.    The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

4.    Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 1.    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; and outside weather conditions.

2.    The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position.  This is not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.