Venue Manager

Venue ManagerThe George Washington University Washington, DCGW Venues (a department in the Division of Safety and Operation) produces and manages events on the Foggy Bottom Campus. We provide services to a broad spectrum of clients both in the community and outside of the community. We provide spaces for our students, faculty, staff and guests to host events, meetings and gatherings. We highlight university traditions, produce memorable guest speaker events and coordinate many other activities unique to our campus with local, national and international acclaim. Our record of excellence, support and cooperation is one that we are proud of. GW Venues is seeking a Venue Manager. The position will report to the Senior Associate Director of Venues, who serves as the strategic lead for sponsored and external events booked at the University Student Center (USC). The Venue Manager is responsible for supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of events hosted by student organizations, university departments, and external clients across campus venues. This role serves as a key point of contact for all event logistics, providing operational oversight before, during, and after events to ensure smooth execution, compliance with university policies, and exceptional client experiences. Responsibilities include:Serves as a Venue Manager for sponsored and external events at USC and other specialty venues on campus, overseeing assigned events from the planning stage through live execution.Serves as the primary liaison between clients, contractors, caterers, administrators, and university partners to manage all logistical aspects of events.Partners with event hosts to plan and execute campus events while actively enforcing all university compliance policies and event safety guidelines.Works with clients to determine room setups and create/update diagrams for each event.Provides guidance to clients regarding third-party vendors for additional services (e.g., décor, entertainment, rentals).Provides clients with cost proposals and ensure cost-effective delivery of services.Coordinates with shared services and partner departments across campus (e.g., Facilities, Campus Safety, GWPD, AV, Housekeeping, USC staff, etc.) to execute event logistics, including room setup, vendor/attendee access, staffing and crowd management to ensure all operational needs are addressed.Conducts pre-event walk-throughs with clients, vendors, and security to familiarize them with the venue.Supervises event onsite, acting as the primary point of contact for troubleshooting and last-minute adjustments.Conduct post-event walkthroughs with clients to ensure the venue, furniture, and equipment are returned in their original condition, documenting any discrepancies or maintenance issues that require resolution.Participate in weekly internal and cross-functional meetings to align on upcoming event requirements, track operational statuses, and ensure seamless departmental coordination.Create detailed event orders—including comprehensive timelines, setup logistics, furniture and equipment needs, and labor requirements—to clearly communicate operational expectations and final costs to the client.Create and send all appropriate reports in a timely manner.Maintain accurate records of event details, incidents, and client feedback for continuous improvement.Assist with distribution and analysis of post-event evaluation surveys to identify actionable areas for venue and service improvement.Assist in the development and enforcement of venue usage policies, event safety procedures, and scheduling protocols on campus.Ensure all events meet university standards for safety, accessibility, and operational excellence.Responsive to after-hours calls from associates and other colleagues.The position is based at GW's Foggy Bottom Campus in Washington, DC. The incumbent may perform other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.Minimum Qualifications: Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications: Preferred Qualifications:Experience working at a university, entertainment or hotel venue is preferredExceptional attention to detailPersonal Characteristics This position desires an individual with the following characteristics:Commitment to GW's valuesIntellectual, professional and a person of integrityHonest, with the highest ethical standardsPassionate, collaborative, strategic, and smart with a hands-on, roll-up-the-sleeves orientationAbility to work independently. Self-starter; hard-worker. Takes the initiative; very high energyPersonally accountable. Assumes ownership, control, and accountability for all areas of responsibility and commitments made to othersSincere, open, and direct communicator. Puts organizational interests above self-interests and is comfortable expressing candid opinionsHighest levels of responsivenessCombination of strong intellect that is combined with a practical and realistic common sense understanding of how to get things doneAbility to demonstrate initiative, a strong desire to succeed and exert extraordinary effortAbility to work in a fast-paced, high-growth, entrepreneurial environmentAbility to work with faculty and staff in a respectful wayEstablish trust and credibility with institutional leadership and across the UniversitySeeks "win-win" solutions to help foster continued integration and collaborationFlexible and receptive to change; andA positive "can-do" attitude.Hiring Range $58,992.50 - $81,144.77