Position Summary

The Director of Event Operations is responsible for leading the day-to-day operational readiness of the Blue Arena and ensuring the safe and successful execution of sporting events, concerts, commencement ceremonies, and other special events. This position manages, supervises, and coordinates the day-to-day operations of the Blue Arena, including but not limited to set-up/changeovers, custodial/housekeeping, audio/visual, facility maintenance, and HVAC. The Director of Operations provides leadership for the entire Operations Department while collaborating with Security, Guest Experience, Box Office, Parking, Marketing, Colorado Eagles personnel, promoters, and external partners to execute world-class events. This position is responsible for developing and implementing practical systems, workflows, and accountability measures that ensure operational tasks are completed to standard, as well as requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on the event calendar.

This role pays an annual salary of $90,000 - $100,000 and is bonus eligible.

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).

This position will remain open until December 4, 2026.

About the Venue

Blue Federal Credit Union Arena (also known as Blue FCU Arena or Blue Arena) at The Ranch Events Complex, located in Loveland, Colorado, is a 6,800-seat multi-purpose venue, which opened in September 2003, and is home to the American Hockey League.

The arena, which is owned by Larimer County, is managed by Oak View Group (OVG), the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a portfolio of 300+ client-partners spans arenas, stadiums, convention centers, performing arts centers, cultural institutions, and state fairs around the globe.

This multipurpose facility can host many indoor sporting events, rodeos and dirt shows, family shows in any configuration, and diverse concert settings in various capacities and trade shows and offers a diversity of setups to accommodate just about any event. Blue FCU Arena, less than an hour's drive from Denver and Cheyenne, has become the focal point for sports, live entertainment, and hospitality in Northern Colorado.

Blue FCU Arena is part of a larger 374,000 square-foot fairground complex called The Ranch Events Complex, which is the official name of the Larimer County Fairgrounds and Events Complex. The ranch includes Castorena's Equine Center with two livestock pavilions, the Pedersen Toyota Center, and the Thomas M. McKee Building. Blue Arena and The Ranch have become the sports, entertainment, and agricultural hub for one of the fastest-growing areas in the country.

Responsibilities

• Direct the overall daily operation and maintenance of the facility and all systems. This includes HVAC, sound, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, life safety, workplace safety, communications, scoreboard systems, pest control, custodial services, etc.
• Participate in the development and administration of the facility's operations and capital budgets; forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments as necessary
• Direct the advancing and communicating of event information to the appropriate departments and staff
• Direct the operation of event set-up and tear-down, i.e., basketball floor, stage risers, chairs, signs, banquet functions, etc.
• Acts as liaison with City and County Services for numerous facility-related functions (City Codes, Parking, Licenses, permits, inspections, warranties, etc.)
• Work in collaboration with the County on capital improvement and major projects.
• Select, train, motivate, direct, and evaluate staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures
• Responsible for Health & Safety compliance
• Develop and update comprehensive management reports and manuals (i.e., Operations Manual, Annual Preventative Maintenance Plan, Annual Facility Report, Fire Code Rules & Regulations, etc.)
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality, seamless customer service
• Conduct a variety of organizational and operational studies; recommend modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, facility stakeholders and facility users
• Direct and monitor the work of contractors, engineers and architects on building projects
• Maintain hazardous materials communication program, and material safety data sheets; maintain knowledge of changes in pertinent Federal, State and Local regulations
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Assistant General Manager and/or General Manager

Qualifications

• BS or BA degree from an accredited college/university.
• 5-7 years of experience in facility operations management.
• Ability to direct operations teams is required.
• Must have demonstrated knowledge of physical plant management, supervisory skills, and experience in work crew supervision in facility operations.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Knowledge of budget preparation and control.
• Knowledge of OSHA requirements.
• Knowledge of boilers, chillers, refrigeration, and ice-making equipment/procedures.
• Knowledge of Fire Alarm / Fire Protection systems
• Knowledge of Event production and theatre technology
• Capable of operating in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook
• Capable of operating building and lighting control systems.
• Ability to communicate with employees, co-workers, volunteers, management staff, and guests in a clear, business-like, and respectful manner that focuses on generating a positive, enthusiastic, and cooperative work environment.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented, fast-paced, event-driven environment.
• Working knowledge of equipment safety, facility maintenance, and housekeeping.
• Excellent customer service skills.