The Forge: Lemont Quarries Programming and Event Manager Lemont, IL · Full time Company website

Apply for Programming and Event Manager

Programming & Events Manager

Full-Time Salary, Exempt

$50,000 - $60,000 

We are seeking a collaborative team member who has a passion for Outdoor Education, Entertainment, and Events Execution. The Programming & Events Manager will work directly with the Director of Programming to assist in the coordination, implementation and evaluation of all Forge Programming. This position will provide administrative support along with “boots on ground”  leadership support for summer camp, events, festivals and school/corporate classes.

The ideal candidate will be a creative thinker who is comfortable in a leadership position while being a collaborative and contributing member of the team. They will be highly organized, comfortable with public speaking, and energetic with the ability to work independently. Regular interaction with the Director of Programming and other staff members includes weekly team meetings, one-on-one scheduled meetings, and regular constructive brainstorming and problem solving sessions.

The successful candidate will demonstrate an understanding, patient and receptive attitude towards guests of all ages, third-party vendors, volunteers, and students of varied age groups. They will have a growth mindset and an enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced environment.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Overseeing logistical and day of execution of all special events, festivals, races and concerts for 30+ events annually, weekend and evening availability for the duration of the summer season a must
• Leadership presence for events and programs, with ability to help problem solve and provide optimal guest experience
• Providing support to third-party organizers of festivals and races as needed
• Developing comprehensive band advances & internal run of show to ensure flawless execution
• Hire, manage, and train an exceptional team of event support staff to assist with check-in, stage support, and beverage service
• Liaison with staff members from The Forge, including Managers & Directors to provide the optimal guest experience for all attendees
• Managing relationships with vendors, business partners and consultants to successfully execute programming initiatives
• Assist in planning talent and third-party vendors for select events at The Forge and other off-site managed properties
• Updating and maintaining vendor, talent, and event support staff database
• Maintain and update venue operations plan including safety procedures, tear down and assembly, maintenance schedule and inventory list of AV equipment
• Assist with seasonal venue setup and tear down while ensuring proper care for all venue equipment and facilities
• Assist Programming Director with pre-camp preparations and post-camp organization
• Administrative lead on all required documentation and forms, parent communication, counselor manuals, parent packets, and check-in support
• Recruit and schedule Educate Instructors for Fall and Spring school group sessions as needed

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• A minimum of 3-5 years experience in a supervisory level, preferably in an outdoor activities and/or entertainment environment.
• Ability to prioritize, anticipate situations, and take quick action
• Super-freakin-awesome communication skills. Seriously, you must possess the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage diverse personnel. 
• Ability to understand and meet financial targets.
• Well-versed in modern computing platforms and proficient in using Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and restaurant management software.
• Availability to work flexible schedules inclusive of varying shifts such as days, evenings, weekends and holidays.

PHYSICAL AND SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS:

In this position, you must be available to work a full-time schedule with overtime and weekend hours during the operation season.  Because our park is heavily influenced by the seasonality of the activities, you must have open availability during the peak season (Memorial Day - Labor Day). Additionally:

• Because our park is located in a natural, outdoor, wooded location, candidates must be comfortable and willing to work in all seasonal outdoor weather conditions as operational and management duties may require
• You need to be able to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds
• Schedule will vary throughout the season depending on days the park is open

A WORD OR TWO ABOUT OUR CULTURE:

The Forge: Lemont Quarries is the premier destination for authentic outdoor recreation in Chicagoland. Our vision is to exhilarate, entertain, and educate our guests while holding ourselves to keeping our promises to restore and preserve the natural environment of our park, to deliver innovative and one-of-a-kind recreational experiences, to provide engagement through state-of-the-art facilities, and to foster a communal commitment to mental and physical well-being.

Our park is a unique public/private social enterprise that provides engaging recreational activities for adventurers of all kinds. From ropes courses, ziplines, and rock-climbing towers, to running, mountain biking, and hiking trails, our parks seek to provide a community-focused, authentic outdoor experience for urban and suburban areas.

Our team and our patrons are deeply dedicated to the promotion of an active, outdoor lifestyle. Our park is designed and purpose-built to engage all levels of participants through activity passes, instruction, food & beverage programming as well as its festivals, races, and other outdoor events.

We are an open, inclusive workplace and welcome applicants who bring along with them diverse life experiences, including every permutation of economic and cultural backgrounds, orientation, ethnicity, and world views.

LEGAL DISCLOSURES

Lemont Quarries Operations Inc (LQOI) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, LQAP complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, and promotion.