Division Manager, Event Services

Salary: $78,956.48 - $118,434.72 Annually
Location : Asheville, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-01831
Department: Community and Regional Entertainment Facilities
Division: Event Personnel
Opening Date: 04/29/2026
Closing Date: 6/5/2026 5:00 PM Eastern


Summary
The Division Manager of Event Services oversees overall event management, production and logistical operations of concerts, family shows, private events and sporting events at the Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville. This role will manage Event Services budget, full time event management, production and operations teams.


Application review begins on May 14, 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the General Manager, Division Manager of Finance & Revenue, Facility Maintenance Manager, and Program & Operations Manager to ensure all events are executed correctly and on budget, maximizing revenue potential while keeping non-reimbursable expenses at a minimum. Sets staffing and security levels for events, and coordinates with others to plan capital improvement projects and facility & equipment preventative maintenance.
• Oversees all third party vendor contract operations and associated annual maintenance contracts execution. Administer and manage venues work order system.
• Develops and proposes budget for applicable segment of Department's budget that is approximately $1.5 million in expenditures in addition to staffing and contracted services budget. Prepares budget requests and justifications to present to CREF Director/General Manager. Assists in the preparation of annual building operations budget to include non-event operating expenses.
• Prepares supporting documentation and timesheets for use in event settlements and invoices.
• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff: plans, directs and reviews work of individuals and the team; processes employee concerns and problems and counsels as appropriate; recommends discipline, disciplinary actions, or discharge; completes employee performance appraisals and salary increases; participates in interviews and makes hiring recommendations; acts as a liaison between employees and management; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures.
• Serves as the point of contact for clients and acts as Event Manager for all top tier / large scale production event held at the facility. Advance and manage the day of show logistics and details.
• Communicates all necessary needs for events to all relevant departments; staffing, catering, concessions, volunteer groups, set up, timeline, union, contractors, parking, traffic, security, production, clean up and maintenance.
• Manages logistics related to hosting multiple events within the facility simultaneously.
• Serves as manager-on-duty for onsite for events, works as event manager by providing continuous execution as well as problem solving, and functions as a point of contact for promoters, event hosts, supervisors, etc.
• Manages contractors, and house maintenance departments to maintain the facility for event use. Manages ongoing preventative maintenance, electronic communications (including scoreboard, marquee, Internet network systems, CCTV systems, phones and house radio system), safety systems, and rigging/fall protections.
• Schedules out and supervises all event set ups and conversions. Ensures staff has the proper tools, information and time to complete conversions as needed.
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of processes and procedures with supervisors and lead efforts to resolve deficiencies and challenges.
• Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work: prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; develops and oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise. Ensures staffing levels are correct, and all work is performed safely and to code.
• Updates and trains staff related to the venue's emergency operations plan. Most importantly, on the night of a given event, this position is responsible for ensuring all parties, (house, clients, bands and contract crews) are aware of policies and procedures and the ability to execute if necessary. Exercises Show Stop Authority, meaning if it is determined that there is an immediate threat to public safety they have the authority to require an immediate stoppage of the event.
• Oversees and enforces established safety guidelines as determined by City policy and OSHA.
• Collaborates with department leadership to oversee operations related to facility renovation and upkeep projects; special projects and upgrades to keep facility current related to IT infrastructure, public safety, event operations, etc.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Financial or Business Administration, Organizational Management, Public

Administration, or a related field required; supplemented by a minimum of five years of progressively

responsible experience in functional area of assignment, to include lead or supervisory experience; or any

equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge,

skills, and abilities for this job.
Specific License or Certification Required : Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver's license; First Aid/CPR certification and IAVM (Certified Event Security Manager).
Specific License or Certification Preferred : May require certification applicable to assigned focus areas.


Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities : Understanding of concert and show production (rigging, lighting and audio), specifically possessing the ability to calculate weight loads in rigging steel to approve show production before hanging in the facility's high ceiling. Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.


Some positions may require a fingerprint-based SBI background check after a conditional offer and before your start date; HR will provide instructions if applicable.

For benefits-eligible positions, explore our full benefits at AshevilleBenefits.com .
About us:

The City of Asheville is dedicated to providing quality service for the residents and visitors of our beautiful city, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Asheville, NC is a thriving mountain city that has a culture enriched by its diversity.

The City's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment. Applicants will be assured of fair treatment in all aspects of recruitment and selection without regard to a person's age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, genetic information,or disability, except where certain physical and mental requirements are Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications (BFOQ). The City of Asheville is proud to be a second chance employer.

The City of Asheville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
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