Associate Director of Events

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Associate Director of Events - Denver

We’re seeking a hospitality-focused, detail-oriented Associate Director of Events based in Denver to help lead event operations across our Mountains Territory. This leadership role is ideal for an experienced events professional who thrives on delivering exceptional experiences, developing high-performing teams, and managing complex programs from planning through execution.

The Associate Director of Events will support business revenue goals while working closely with the Director of Events to drive operational excellence, strengthen client and vendor relationships, and support team development.

About the Job

The Associate Director of Events (ADOE) is responsible for driving operational excellence, supporting business revenue and profitability goals, and developing a high-performing Events team. Working in partnership with the Director of Events (DOE), the ADOE helps ensure programs are delivered successfully, financial goals are supported, and Access's high standards for service and execution are consistently met.

This role balances hands-on program leadership with direct team management, including overseeing complex events, coaching and developing team members, strengthening client and vendor relationships, and identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency.

What You'll Be Doing

Team Leadership & Development

• Directly manage designated Events team members, providing coaching, feedback, and performance support.

• Conduct regular check-ins, performance evaluations, and development conversations to strengthen individual and team results.

• Partner with the Director of Events to identify training needs, professional development opportunities, and best practices.

• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new Events team members.

• Monitor team performance, productivity, and progress toward individual and business goals.

• Serve as a resource for team members navigating complex programs, client challenges, and operational decisions.

Event Operations & Program Execution

• Oversee the planning and execution of assigned programs, ensuring exceptional service, operational efficiency, and adherence to Access standards.

• Provide leadership and oversight for large-scale, complex, or high-profile events, stepping in directly when additional support is needed.

• Conduct program reviews with Event Managers to ensure operational readiness, clear communication, and successful execution.

• Ensure event teams are prepared through effective planning, training, and pre-event briefings.

• Anticipate operational challenges, proactively resolve issues, and implement solutions to maintain program success.

• Lead post-event reviews to identify lessons learned, improve processes, and strengthen future program execution.

Client Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring exceptional service throughout the planning and execution process.

• Support complex client site visits, presentations, and program discussions as needed.

• Coach Event Managers on effective client communication, expectation management, and service recovery.

• Collaborate with Sales and Creative teams to ensure programs align with client objectives and expectations.

• Serve as an escalation point for client concerns, providing timely, solutions-oriented support.

• Ensure Access's hospitality standards and professionalism are reflected in every client interaction.

Vendor & Supplier Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local vendors and supplier partners to ensure quality, reliability, and exceptional program delivery.

• Guide team members in vendor sourcing, selection, negotiation, and relationship management.

• Ensure vendor partnerships align with Access's operational, quality, and service standards.

• Collaborate with Supplier Partnerships and Creative teams to identify new opportunities, strengthen vendor relationships, and support sustainable practices.

• Monitor vendor performance and identify opportunities to improve service quality, cost efficiency, and program offerings.

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Support business revenue and profitability goals through effective program management, financial oversight, and operational decision-making.

• Oversee financial performance for assigned programs, including budgets, Scopes of Work (SOWs), invoicing, and profitability.

• Partner with Event Managers to monitor program costs, manage scope changes, and maintain financial accuracy.

• Coach team members on financial best practices, cost management, and opportunities to maximize program profitability.

• Review financial performance and identify opportunities to improve margins while maintaining exceptional client experiences.

• Collaborate with the Director of Events to monitor financial performance and support territory revenue and gross profit goals.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Partner closely with Sales, Creative, and Events teams to ensure seamless communication and program execution.

• Support alignment between departments throughout the planning, production, and execution process.

• Foster a collaborative team environment built on accountability, trust, and solutions-oriented communication.

• Work with National Events and cross-territory partners to share best practices and improve operational consistency.

• Support the Director of Events in identifying and resolving cross-functional challenges.

Reporting, Technology & Process Improvement

• Maintain accurate Salesforce records and ensure program, vendor, and financial information is complete and up to date.

• Monitor program activity, team workloads, and operational performance to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

• Support forecasting, resource planning, and workload allocation to ensure teams are appropriately staffed.

• Identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, strengthen communication, and enhance program execution.

• Champion the adoption of technology, tools, and best practices that improve team productivity.

Risk Management & Contingency Planning

• Ensure programs follow established safety, risk management, and contingency planning procedures.

• Anticipate potential operational risks and work with team members and leadership to develop proactive solutions.

• Support incident response, crisis communication, and client recovery efforts when needed.

• Incorporate lessons learned from program challenges into future planning, training, and process improvements.

Access Values

• Consistently embody and reinforce Access Values: Imagine First, Demand Integrity, Embody Excellence, Always Collaborate, Service Obsession.

About You

You're a hospitality-driven events professional who enjoys bringing exceptional experiences to life while helping others grow. You balance attention to detail with big-picture thinking and know how to lead teams through complex programs, changing priorities, and high-pressure situations.

You're equally comfortable managing a large-scale event, building vendor relationships, coaching a team member, and collaborating across departments to deliver outstanding results. You understand how strong event execution contributes to client satisfaction, repeat business, and overall revenue growth.

Must-Haves

• 3+ years of experience in destination management, event planning, hospitality, or a related industry.

• Experience leading complex events and managing multiple programs simultaneously.

• Demonstrated experience coaching, mentoring, or managing team members.

• Strong understanding of event operations, vendor management, budgeting, and program execution.

• Proven ability to build and maintain client and vendor relationships.

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Experience with Salesforce or comparable event management and CRM platforms.

• Ability to manage competing priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience managing corporate meetings, incentive programs, or large-scale destination events.

• Established relationships with local hotels, venues, and hospitality partners.

• Experience supporting business revenue goals, program profitability, and financial forecasting.

• Familiarity with the destination, market, and its hospitality landscape.

• Experience developing team members and improving operational processes.

Why Access?

CULTURE & EXTRAS

• Certified as a Great Place to Work – 3 years in a row!

• 55+ years in the industry!

• Women-owned and women-led

• Fun, creative, and supportive culture

• Focus on recognition and employee value – including annual and quarterly awards

• Paid day off to serve your local community

• Annual all-company retreat to connect, learn, and have fun together

• Annual qualifier-based incentive trip for top performers (certain departments eligible)

• Regional team outings

• Monthly companywide meetings to connect, learn, and celebrate wins

COMPENSATION

• Highly competitive total compensation, including strong base salary and quarterly bonuses

• Very strong performance-based quarterly commission plans

• 401k with company match (eligible after 1 year – up to 4% of salary matched, vested immediately

• Monthly cell phone stipend

WORK LIFE BALANCE

• Work from home opportunities and flexibility (including full home office setup)

• Flexible schedule opportunities

• Generous PTO

• Sick days

• 9 full holidays

• 5 half days off prior to holidays to unplug early

• 2 floating holidays off to be used on holidays of your choice

• ½ day Fridays in July & August (based on achievement of goals)

HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND FAMILY

• Extensive menu of health plans to choose from

• Paid parental leave

• Pet insurance program

• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Mentorship program

• “Masterclasses” in industry/department-specific topics

• State-of-the-art technology platforms and tools – including training

• Annual and monthly meeting content that focuses on professional development

Ready to ACCESS your next big opportunity? Apply today!

Access is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io.