Executive Director

VenuWorks Inc. is an employee‑owned private management company operating at the Adler Theatre and RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa. Summary The Executive Director will oversee management, promotion, and operation of the venues, including operations, sales, marketing, finance, food & beverage, security, IT, production, technology, capital projects, partnerships, special events, community relations, sustainability, and branding. The role focuses on maximizing events and revenue and partners with the City of Davenport and community stakeholders to grow regional and national programs. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Build and maintain effective working relationships with the City contract administrator(s), Adler Theatre Foundation, Visit Quad Cities CVB, facility clients, community stakeholders, live‑event industry decision makers, and civic organizations. Provide cohesive and positive leadership and direction to all departments and VenuWorks staff. Aggressively promote the use of the facility with agents, promoters, meeting planners, national governing bodies, and community groups to maximize the number of annual events in each venue. Negotiate lease agreements with meeting planners, third‑party organizations, event organizers, and promoters. Serve as the primary fiscal oversight officer including budget development, overview of financial and accounting reporting, financial projections and controls, and personnel management. Provide oversight and administration for each operating unit ensuring safe operation, properly maintained and clean properties, and financial management, sales & marketing, operations, programming, and community relations. Other Duties and Responsibilities 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, universities, and other agencies. Monitor VenuWorks' compliance with all provisions of the management contract. Negotiate contractual agreements as determined necessary and in the best interests of the venue. Provide final approval of all contracts and agreements with licensees, vendors, suppliers for necessary activities and services at the facility. Complete annual reporting and communicate successes to stakeholders and clients. Research, develop, and maintain relationships with artist agents, artist management as well as local, regional and national promoters. Initiate and oversee programming for all venues, securing contracts for concerts, sporting tournaments, conventions and events, receptions and exhibitions. Recruit, train, supervise and evaluate administrative and supervisory staff. Complete continuous performance appraisals for staff and make annual salary/bonus recommendations. Provide goals and direction to event and banquet sales staff to maximize occupancy in the convention spaces, and continuously grow the pipeline with local, regional and national prospects. Provide guidance and direction on marketing and ticket operations to maximize ticket sales for every event. Oversee the development and implementation of marketing and SEO campaigns designed to attract community members to bring banquets, weddings and meetings to the RiverCenter. Provide guidance and direction for maximizing revenues related to sponsorships, grants, donations, naming rights and vendor trade. Provide oversight and management of food and beverage operations and staff including full‑service catering and concessions. Plan, organize, coordinate and direct all activities and staff engaged in maintaining and operating the venues. Conduct leadership and staff meetings on a consistent basis. Direct the development and administer the execution of facility operating budgets. Oversee and advise on any necessary revisions/modification to the staffing plans, including number and types of employees, essential functions, salaries, and benefits. Responsible for creating an exceptional working environment for all VenuWorks staff. Greet the general public and clients in a courteous manner, directing guests to the appropriate person or area. Maintain daily oversight of all operations and event activity assuring successful coordination and attainment of annual goals. Ensure efficient and effective operations including planning for capital maintenance and improvement projects. Ensure the operations of the venues are conducted in accordance with applicable local, state and federal regulations. Oversee staff compliance with all OSHA, NFPA and other risk mitigation initiatives and comply with VenuWorks insurance reporting policies. Maintain emergency preparedness within venues, along with compliance with licensing procedures, codes, and permits. 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. Supervisory Responsibilities Direct reports include multiple director and manager level full‑time personnel. Qualifications Must have the ability to work varied hours/days, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Demonstrated ability to follow directions and complete assigned tasks with minimal instruction and supervision. Ability to organize workflow and meet established deadlines. Skilled in meeting and/or exceeding expectations, being articulate with well‑developed communication skills and personal poise. Requires excellent teamwork skills, working cooperatively with others in the accomplishment of joint tasks and common objectives. Contributes to a positive work environment, fosters collaboration and provides tangible contribution. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree from a four‑year college or university in an applicable discipline and at least two (2) years of experience in managing a similar facility, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of current management and staff leadership principles. Demonstrated knowledge of public assembly facility management operations, including fiscal control, policy development, marketing, and event management. Certificates / Licenses / Registrations Certified Venue Executive (CVE), Certified Venue Professional (CVP), or other similar professional designation(s) preferred. Language Skills Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations. Ability to speak in public, both in person and via various media outlets. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Ability to speak and understand English. Mathematical Skills Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to calculate figures and amounts, interest, commission, proportions, and percentages and apply them to practical situations. Reasoning Ability Ability to solve complex problems with sensitivity and diplomacy, while displaying decisive executive leadership. Ability to define problems, evaluate data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to maintain a calm, composed presence in a fast‑paced environment where multiple tasks, events and stimuli may occur simultaneously. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms; stand; walk; use fingers to handle or feel; and climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. VenuWorks is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class. #J-18808-Ljbffr