Job Description

ASSISTANT CONVENTION CENTER DIRECTOR

JOB CODE 27620

Effective Date:	Rev. 10/08A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to direct the day-to-day operations of the Phoenix Convention Center Department, staff, and venues, and provide executive level assistance and policy analysis to the department director. Responsibilities include working with business representatives, organizations, community agencies, advisory committees, and show promoters. The incumbent oversees the daily operations of the Phoenix Convention Center Department facilities, including the Phoenix Convention Center West, North, and South buildings; a state of the art conference center within the Convention Center; Symphony Hall; the historic Orpheum Theatre, the Herberger Theater; and six parking garages. Duties also include oversight of the Sales and Marketing, Venue Management, and Operations Divisions. The Assistant Convention Center Director negotiates operational contracts, monitors the work of contractors, and serves as liaison with other City departments and City officials. Duties are performed under the general direction of the Convention Center Director and work is subject to evaluation based on results obtained.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides day-to-day management for the overall operation of the Convention Center venues and facilities, and management oversight of departmental divisions;
• Provides necessary facility support and services to successfully stage and accommodate convention and event activities;
• Acts as Phoenix Convention Center Department representative with other City departments and City officials, stakeholder groups business and civic organizations, and clients;
• Plans, organizes, assigns, and directs, through management and supervisory personnel, the daily activities and work assignments of clerical, unskilled, semiskilled, skilled, paraprofessional, professional, and contract employees;
• Directs and supervises operation and maintenance programs of the Phoenix Convention Center Department facilities, including the maintenance of the parking and theatrical facilities, and monitors the work of contract employees;
• Communicates and works with representatives of various business organizations, community groups, and show groups, regarding facility accommodations and services for conventions, trade shows, consumer shows, entertainment productions, banquets, and community events;
• Interacts with and responds to other downtown stakeholders, such as the Downtown Partnership, Chamber of Commerce, Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau, etc.;
• Prepares annual budget plan and provides for effective and timely oversight of expenses to budget;
• 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 with contract agreements;
• Assists director in departmental policy development and analysis;
• Writes or directs the preparation of comprehensive management reports;
• Meets with and develops effective working relationships with the corporate community and partner organizations;
• Works closely with show clients and tenants to provide consistent, timely delivery of high quality services and provides affective measurement of service delivery results;
• 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:

• Current industry practices and procedures in the operation and maintenance of a convention center or similar public assembly facility, theatrical venues, and parking facilities.
• Current industry practices and procedures in providing quality security and risk management programs.
• Current industry practices and programs pertaining to sustainability and "green" initiatives in the daily operation of public venues.
• Revenue programs and potential revenue-generating opportunities relative to a convention center operation.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and requirements relating to the legal and safe operation of public assembly facilities.
• Effective practices/programs for provision of quality customer service and monitoring of service delivery.
• Principles and practices of public administration, municipal budgeting and expenditure monitoring, supervision, and public building management.
• Building and equipment maintenance, including effective preventative maintenance programs and practices.
• Operational characteristics of large-scale municipal government including experience working with elected officials.
• Effective management and leadership practices and skills.

Ability to:

• Provide leadership and management guidance over a wide range of departmental staff.
• Negotiate effectively in writing and in person with private and public agencies and with representatives of various business, client, and community groups.
• Perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.
• Achieve established objectives with minimal guidance and supervision.
• Communicate in the English language by phone or in person in a one-to-one or group setting.
• Make presentations to small and large groups.
• 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, management and elected officials, and the general public.
• Negotiate successful results best representing the interests of the department and the City.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• This position requires the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. The individual 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.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Five years of highly responsible management experience in the daily operation and maintenance of a convention center, theatrical facilities, and/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.