Manager, Ritchie Center Events & Operations

Position Summary The Manager of Ritchie Center Events & Operations is responsible for delivering exceptional safety, service quality, and operational excellence across the Ritchie Center’s diverse venues, including parking facilities, fitness and aquatic centers, ice and field venues, satellite facilities, and support spaces. The role sets performance standards for daily operations, staff, and customer experience, ensuring every venue operates safely, efficiently, and in alignment with departmental priorities. Essential Functions Lead and Supervise Part‑Time Staff Provide direct leadership for approximately 50 part‑time employees, setting clear expectations for professionalism, safety, service excellence, and accountability. Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and deploy staff to ensure consistent, high‑quality facility operations across multiple venues. Foster a performance‑driven team culture through proactive communication, recognition, and corrective action. Ensure Staff Compliance and Performance Establish and maintain rigorous performance standards through training, coaching, and evaluation. Ensure required certifications, compliance training, and in‑services are completed, documented, and current. Administer bi‑weekly payroll accurately and on time within approved budgets. Address performance issues promptly and consistently, using data, feedback, and coaching to drive improvement. Oversee Daily Facility Operations and Service Standards Ensure all assigned facilities operate at a high standard of safety, cleanliness, functionality, and customer readiness. Oversee regular inspections, work‑order coordination, inventory control, locker room operations, and point‑of‑sale inventory and sales processes. Translate operational standards into daily execution, ensuring early issue identification and efficient resolution. Maintain Facility Readiness and Operational Efficiency Serve as Manager on Duty across multiple venues, providing on‑site management and real‑time problem resolution. Ensure adherence to all facility policies, procedures, and safety protocols while supervising staff during peak usage. Proactively balance competing demands and maintain operational continuity. Support Event Operations and Logistics Support planning and execution of internal programs and external events by ensuring appropriate staffing and facility readiness. Partner with event stakeholders to translate event requirements into efficient operational plans. Manage and Optimize Operational Systems and Communication Ensure accurate, consistent use of the Connect2 system to support inspections, task management, SOPs, and staff communication. Leverage systems and documentation to reinforce expectations, improve consistency, and increase efficiency. Continuously evaluate workflows to identify opportunities for process improvement. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to motivate and build relationships with part‑time staff to achieve high‑quality service and experience. Ability to engage and strengthen relationships with students, alumni, and the community. Ability to solve operational problems with limited standardization. Ability to work with the public with tact and judgment. Excellent organizational and time‑management skills. Experience with facility scheduling, employee scheduling, and program registration software. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree 1+ year of related experience CPR, First Aid, AED, Blood Borne Pathogen, Concussion Training certifications Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in recreation management or related field 2+ years managing in a sports or recreation facility Working Environment Standard office environment with unexpected interruptions; moderate to high stress, quiet to moderate noise level. Primarily on‑site afternoons and evenings, Tuesday through Saturday. Physical Activities Ability to sit at a computer for extended periods; occasionally move around campus and transport objects up to 20 lbs. Work Schedule Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; evenings, nights, and weekends required based on activity. Salary Grade Number 9 Salary Rate $60,000 per year (range may vary). Benefits Medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit, ECO pass. Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Denver is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, family or parental status, pregnancy, national origin, disability, or veteran status. The University prohibits discrimination on the basis of any protected class as required by federal, state, and local law. Background Check All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background check. #J-18808-Ljbffr Center for Immigration Policy & Research (CIPR)