Director of Event Management

The National Western Center (NWC) is a visionary and reimagined 250-acre campus located in Denver, Colorado, designed to be the premier global destination for food and agricultural discovery. Established as the new home for the iconic National Western Stock Show and Colorado State University’s Spur campus, the National Western Center represents a dynamic blend of innovative agriculture, education, and entertainment. The campus features a variety of indoor and outdoor event venues, including the brand-new Stockyards Event Center, which offers multipurpose spaces with two arenas and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and Denver skyline. Strategically situated just two miles from downtown Denver and adjacent to the vibrant RiNo Art District, the center boasts easy accessibility via I-70 from Denver International Airport. Beyond its facilities, the National Western Center is an evolving urban hub dedicated to food and agriculture innovation, hosting a wide range of events such as festivals, concerts, trade shows, sporting events, and more throughout the year.

The National Western Center Authority, a nonprofit entity formed in 2018, oversees the operation, maintenance, programming, and promotion of the campus. Guided by a 13-member board of directors, the Authority ensures the campus meets its mission to convene the world to lead, inspire, create, educate, and entertain in pursuit of global food solutions. This commitment extends to community engagement through investments that benefit the local neighborhoods of Globeville, Elyria, and Swansea.

The Director of Event Management role at NWC is a senior leadership position responsible for strategically planning, executing, and overseeing all organizational events. This pivotal role involves developing comprehensive event strategies, managing budgets with an emphasis on cost control, interpreting and negotiating contracts, and coordinating cross-departmental efforts to ensure flawless event operations aligned with the goals set forth by the Chief Operating Officer (COO). The Director leads a talented events management team, ensuring workload is effectively assigned and deadlines are consistently met. Collaboration with external partners is also key, as the Director engages with stakeholders to facilitate a seamless event experience. Active participation in industry events and networking opportunities supports maintaining NWC’s presence in the competitive event management landscape.

This position offers a highly engaging and multifaceted work environment characterized by innovation and growth. Joining a small, nimble, and entrepreneurial team, the Director will play a critical role in accelerating the expansion of NWC as one of Denver’s most desirable event venues. The role demands a broad skill set, including strong leadership abilities to mentor and guide staff, excellent communication skills, and a high level of emotional intelligence to manage internal and external relationships effectively. Candidates should embrace the startup nature of the organization with a hands-on approach, demonstrating detail orientation, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to thrive under pressure while maintaining professionalism and integrity.

The job entails some physical demands such as standing, walking, lifting, and bending for extended periods during event operations. Flexibility with work location is provided, with a blend of on-site and remote working arrangements at the Denver campus. Compensation for this role ranges from $100,000 to $110,000 annually, accompanied by family-friendly benefits, including medical, dental, vision coverage, paid time off, paid parental leave, and a 401k plan with company matching.

Overall, this opportunity is ideal for driven, results-oriented professionals passionate about contributing to an innovative mission and advancing their careers within a supportive community-oriented organization. Joining NWC means being part of a diverse workplace committed to equity and inclusion, ensuring everyone’s unique perspectives and contributions are valued in pursuit of global food system solutions.