Events Manager

Overview Grays Harbor College is accepting applications for an Events Manager. The Events Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for two key auxiliary services of Grays Harbor College: the Bishop Center for Performing Arts and the rental of College facilities to external partners. This role ensures both services operate in alignment with the College’s mission, generate meaningful community engagement, and maintain financial sustainability. The Bishop Center, a 440-seat regional cultural venue established in 1970, serves as a hub for educational enrichment and performing arts access. In parallel, the Events Manager oversees the rental of campus facilities—including classrooms, meeting spaces, and performance venues—to external organizations, agencies, and community partners. This position is responsible for programming, budget management, marketing, contract administration, fundraising coordination, and facility operations across both domains. This is a full-time, 12-month administrative exempt position reporting directly to the College President. The role requires flexible hours, including regular evening and weekend work. Grays Harbor College has an excellent benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, primary and supplemental retirement programs and long-term disability insurance. Full-time employees will also receive 15.34 hours of vacation leave per month, 8 hours of sick leave per month and 4 personal leave days a year. Washington state also observes 11 paid holidays per year. About the College. Grays Harbor College serves the communities of Grays Harbor and Pacific counties on the Pacific coast of Washington. Located in Aberdeen, Washington at the base of the beautiful Olympic Peninsula, the College is less than an hour away from scenic Pacific Ocean beaches and close to both the Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks. Grays Harbor provides the perfect landscape to enjoy the abundance of excellent outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, biking, fishing, clam digging, surfing, boating, and various kayak/canoe paddling opportunities. Grays Harbor College is located on the ancestral lands of the Chehalis, Chinook, Quinault and Shoalwater Bay Peoples. For more information about working for the college and living in Grays Harbor visit Grays Harbor is committed to providing excellent educational opportunities. We prioritize student learning, promote student and faculty success, foster an inclusive environment, manage our resources, and connect with the community. We strive to create a culturally relevant environment on campus and in the community by learning and practicing equity-mindedness and promoting faculty, staff, and student diversity. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Strategic and Operational Leadership Lead the development and execution of a programming season for the Bishop Center that aligns with the College’s academic calendar and community enrichment goals. Oversee the rental of College facilities to external partners, ensuring alignment with College policies, accessibility, and revenue goals. Serve as the primary liaison between the College, Foundation, faculty, community partners, and external organizations for both performing arts and facility rentals. Advance strategic priorities that strengthen both auxiliary services, including expanding community outreach, enhancing volunteer engagement, and building sustainable operational models. Facility Rentals and Campus Event Coordination Act as the lead coordinator and relationship manager for all external facility rentals. Manage scheduling in 25Live and coordinate with Administrative Services, Instruction, IT, and Facilities to ensure readiness and support. Establish rental pricing and policies in coordination with relevant departments, ensuring timely invoicing and collections through cross-departmental collaboration. Financial Oversight and Budget Management Develop and manage annual operating budgets for both the Bishop Center and facility rentals in collaboration with the Business Office. Track and report revenue and expenses from ticket sales, rentals, sponsorships, donations, and grants. Conduct quarterly financial reviews of each auxiliary service and maintain a five-year capital plan for equipment and facility upgrades for the Bishop Center. Contract and Risk Management Initiate and oversee contracts for performances, services, and facility rentals in coordination with Purchasing, HR, and the Business Office. Ensure compliance with College policies, insurance requirements, and risk protocols. Fundraising, Partnerships, and External Relations Serve as the primary point of contact for external organizations seeking to rent Grays Harbor College facilities, providing clear communication, guidance, and relationship management throughout the rental process. Plan and execute fundraising events that support Bishop Center programming and operations, in collaboration with the Grays Harbor College Foundation. Support donor stewardship, sponsorship recognition, and reporting requirements tied to Bishop Center fundraising efforts. Marketing, Communications, and Audience Development Develop and implement marketing strategies for Bishop Center programming and facility rentals. Oversee creation of promotional materials including brochures, press releases, programs, digital campaigns, and social media content. Ensure consistent branding and public relations efforts in coordination with the College’s Marketing and College Relations Office. Grow and diversify audiences and rental clients through targeted outreach and inclusive messaging. Community Engagement and Volunteer Oversight Lead the Friends of the Bishop Center volunteer corps, including recruitment, training, and recognition. Build relationships with regional arts and event organizations to support block booking, avoid scheduling conflicts, and expand cultural access. Event Management and Facility Oversight Oversee front-of-house operations, ticketing, concessions, and hospitality for Bishop Center events. Supervise technical staff and contractors for lighting, sound, rigging, and video. Provide on-site support and basic AV troubleshooting for external events. Coordinate with Facilities, Custodial, IT, and Campus Security to ensure safety and readiness across all event spaces. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field. Two years of experience in venue operations, event management, or performing arts leadership. Demonstrated success in budget management, fundraising, and contract negotiation. Strong written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. Commitment to accessibility, equity, and community-centered programming. Preferred Qualifications Experience managing facility rentals or coordinating external events in a college or public setting. Knowledge of technical theater operations, including lighting, sound, rigging, and stage management. Familiarity with scheduling systems such as 25Live. Experience supervising staff, volunteers, or contractors. Proven ability to build and maintain community partnerships and donor relationships. Supplemental Information In addition to the GHC online Application you will need to submit the following materials. Incomplete applications will not be accepted or considered. Letter of application addressing your qualifications for the position. Transcripts of college work completed. Unofficial copies are acceptable. Background checks - Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law. Grays Harbor College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, marital status, veteran status, genetics, or age in its programs, activities, and employment. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Title II/Section 504 – Erin Tofte, Associate Vice President of Human Resources Title IX Coordinator – Ashley Bowie-Gallegos, Dean of Student Services and Enrollment Management For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. Employer Grays Harbor College Address 1620 Edward P. Smith Drive Aberdeen, Washington, 98520 Phone View phone number on click.appcast.io Website Seniority level Entry level Employment type Full-time Industries: Higher Education Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Grays Harbor College by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Event Manager” roles. We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr