Event & Venue Business Development Manager

Washington County, Oregon, through its division Westside Commons, is a dynamic entity responsible for managing and operating premier public event venues including the County Fair Complex, Wingspan Event & Conference Center, and Fairgrounds. Westside Commons functions as an enterprise fund that relies heavily on earned revenues generated through a wide variety of events, facility rentals, and related services. These facilities are community-focused spaces that host an impressive range of gatherings such as meetings, conferences, trade shows, public fairs, and community celebrations, most notably the annual Washington County Fair, which attract diverse audiences throughout the year.

The County Fair Complex is committed to delivering safe, efficient, and memorable experiences for event attendees, organizers, and partners, all while balancing operational capabilities and public service. This requires close collaboration among internal departments including event services, facility maintenance, and external stakeholders who contribute to the success of each event. By fostering a vibrant event ecosystem, Westside Commons supports local economy vitality and community engagement opportunities.

Currently, Westside Commons is seeking a highly skilled Venue & Event Business Development Manager to take a lead role in maximizing the use of its facilities, increasing event bookings, and elevating client engagement for the Wingspan Event & Conference Center and the County Fairgrounds. This full-time, exempt position is classified as regular employment with a salary range between $107,497.20 and $137,148.00, reflecting the level of expertise and responsibility this role commands.

The Venue & Event Business Development Manager holds a pivotal leadership role responsible for aligning market opportunities with facility capabilities to increase event activity and revenue performance. This includes developing innovative program strategies, managing client interactions from initial inquiry through contract execution, and ensuring a seamless, high-quality customer experience. Success in this position requires a blend of strategic business development skills, keen operational awareness, and customer-oriented leadership.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to foster a steady pipeline of events that match both the market demand and the venues' operational capacities. The role necessitates a strong ability to analyze data and market trends to guide program development, spot opportunities for operational improvements, and support revenue growth objectives.

Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in venue operations, business development within event-based environments, or similar sectors where managing the delicate balance between client expectations, operational constraints, and financial targets is crucial. Skills in contract management, risk analysis, and compliance within public or enterprise-funded organizations are valuable assets. The ability to lead, train, and support teams that deliver exceptional service is also paramount to ensure program success and client satisfaction.

Washington County is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. Employees enjoy award-winning benefits and wellness programs while contributing meaningfully to a vibrant community. If you are driven by a passion for event management, strategic business growth, and community engagement, and meet the educational and experiential qualifications, we encourage you to apply and become a member of the Westside Commons team.