Event & Venue Business Development Manager

Note : This job will be posted through 11:59 PM of the day prior to the end date listed.

Current Washington County Employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

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About the Opportunity:

Westside Commons is seeking a Venue & Event Business Development Manager to lead strategic efforts that support facility utilization, event bookings, and client engagement for the Wingspan Event & Conference Center and Fairgrounds. This role is responsible for aligning market opportunities with County-operated venues, developing programs that increase event activity, and ensuring a consistent and high-quality client experience from initial inquiry through contract execution. The position works closely with internal teams and external partners to strengthen the event pipeline, support revenue performance, and ensure alignment between bookings and operational capacity. The ideal candidate brings experience in venue operations, event-based business development, or similar environments where success is driven by balancing client needs, operational constraints, and financial outcomes.

Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of program management principles and practices within a public or enterprise-funded environment, including planning, implementation, and evaluation of services or operations

• Knowledge of event venue, conference center, fairgrounds, or similar facility operations, including coordination of meetings, conferences, trade shows, and community events

• Skills to lead efforts to increase utilization, participation, or service demand for programs, services, or facilities

• Ability to manage and coordinate relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders, including activities from initial inquiry through agreement and transition to service delivery

• Skills analyzing data, trends, and performance metrics to inform program development, operational improvements, and decision-making

• Ability to balance stakeholder needs with operational constraints, policies, and available resources

• Knowledge of contracting practices, risk considerations, and regulatory requirements in a public or structured organizational environment

• Ability to supervise, train, and support staff responsible for program coordination and service delivery

To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link: Program Manager Class Spec

About Westside Commons:

Westside Commons is a division of Washington County Facilities, Fleet, and Parks responsible for operating the County Fair, Fairgrounds, and the Wingspan Event & Conference Center. As an enterprise fund, Westside Commons relies on earned revenue generated through events, facility rentals, and related services to support operations. The division manages a wide range of events, including meetings, conferences, trade shows, community events, and the annual Washington County Fair. Operations require coordination across multiple functional areas, including event services, facility maintenance, and external partners, to deliver safe, successful, and high-quality public events.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, social sciences, an applied research-related field , or other related field* ; AND Three (3) years of pertinent professional experience related to the specific program area of responsibility. Experience must include responsibility for the oversight and evaluation of program activities and at least two (2) years of work experience in a project, program, or team lead or supervisory role. OR

• Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, social sciences, an applied research-related field, or other related field* ; AND Five (5) years of relevant professional experience related to the specific program area of responsibility. Experience must include responsibility for the oversight and evaluation of program activities and at least two (2) years of work experience in a project, program, or team lead or supervisory role.

*Other related fields include focuses within business, marketing, communications, and hospitality and events.

Additional Requirements

• Some positions may require completion of a background check.

• Some positions may be required to possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record per Washington County policy.

Selection Process:

You can review our standard selection process here .

Our commitment to you:
Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community .

Veterans' Preference:
If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points .

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act:
Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources ..., or email: Careers@WashingtonCountyOR.gov at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Status of Your Application:
You will be advised by email of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email.

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