Job Description

CONVENTION CENTER DIRECTOR

(Non-classified)

JOB CODE 27610

Effective Date:	Rev. 03/08A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to plan, direct, and oversee the operation of the Convention Center Department's convention center, parking facilities, and theatrical facilities: Orpheum Theatre, Herberger Theater, and Symphony Hall. The Convention Center Director exercises direct supervision over division managers and supervisors, and indirect supervision over supervisors, professional, skilled, unskilled, and administrative support staff. Work is performed with independence, initiative, and wide latitude for judgment under the administrative review of an Assistant City Manager. Responsibility further includes evaluation and development of recommendations to improve departmental administration, procedures, policies, and programs. Work performance is evaluated on the basis of results achieved.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plans, organizes, and directs staff and activities of the Phoenix Convention Center and venues;
• Directs and supervises the marketing, leasing, operation, and maintenance of convention center, parking, and theatrical facilities;
• Communicates and works with representatives of various businesses, business organizations, citizen boards, community agencies, advisory committees, arts organizations, or promoters regarding facility accommodations for conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, entertainment productions, or development, redevelopment, or business assistance programs;
• Studies and analyzes programs and problems and reports to City Council and management, both in writing and in person;
• Interacts with and responds to other downtown stakeholders, such as the Downtown Phoenix Partnership, sports venues, hotels, etc.;
• Communicates and works closely with representatives of various business organizations and the Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau regarding facility accommodations and promotions for conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, entertainment productions, and other programs;
• Prepares annual and periodic budget estimates and recommends improvements;
• Plans, assigns, and directs, through supervisory personnel, the activities of clerical, unskilled, semiskilled, skilled, and professional employees;
• Oversees budget preparation, presents justification for budget requests, and monitors budget expenditures for operational efficiency;
• Plans for existing and future staffing, equipment, and materials needs;
• Performs contract administration duties, including evaluating proposals and bids, negotiating and recommending contract terms, evaluating performance, and ensuring compliance to contract agreements;
• Writes or directs the preparation of comprehensive management reports;
• Participates and leads various interdepartmental project groups, special projects, and task forces;
• Directs the development of press releases and promotional materials;
• Reviews and responds to various action and information requests from the Mayor, City Council, and City Management;
• Meets with and develops working relationships with the corporate community and partner organizations;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public administration, municipal budgeting and finance, supervision, public building management, building and equipment maintenance, or economic development and urban redevelopment.
• Operation and maintenance of a convention center or exposition center, parking facilities, and theatrical venues.
• Various federal, state, and local laws affecting urban redevelopment, economic development, and business assistance programs.
• Leadership styles and skills.

Ability to:

• Negotiate in writing and in person with private and public agencies and with representatives of various citizen groups.
• Perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.
• Communicate in the English language by phone or in person in a one-to-one or group setting.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material.
• Produce written documents in the English language with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the general public.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• This position will require the performance of other marginal functions.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Six years of highly responsible management experience in directing the operation and maintenance of a convention center, theatrical facilities, or similar public assembly facilities, including supervisory experience, and a bachelor's degree in public or business administration, or a related field. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.