Civic Center General Manager

City of Lebanon; Lebanon (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lebanon is seeking a Civic Center General Manager to lead the Cowan Civic Center, a premier community venue. You will set strategic direction to improve attendance, revenue, and service quality, while representing the City with professionalism and distinction.

Responsibilities include building and executing marketing plans, analyzing market trends, and partnering with local tourism and business groups to maximize occupancy and events. A proven venue leader will thrive here.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration or related field.
• Five years of experience operating and managing a convention center or similar facility.
• Knowledge of multi-use venue operations, hospitality, sales and marketing, event setup, AV and technical equipment standards, and building maintenance.
• Strong budgeting, financial and operational analysis, contract negotiation, supervision, and customer service.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and the ability to build effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and carry out marketing and sales strategies, and direct the sales program to meet targeted goals
• Analyze market position and user trends each year to improve use, productivity, and profitability
• Partner with Lebanon Tourism, the Chamber of Commerce, and other business organizations to maximize occupancy and promote local attractions
• Prepare and administer the annual budget and fee schedule
• Develop policies and procedures for efficient, safe operation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration or related field

Job description

Civic Center General Manager

The City of Lebanon is seeking a Civic Center General Manager, a leadership role at the heart of the community's cultural, civic, and economic life. The Cowan Civic Center, with its 675-seat auditorium/theatre, 2,700-seat exhibit hall, meeting rooms, and community recreation center, serves as a premier gathering place for residents, businesses, and visitors. The General Manager will provide strategic direction for the facility, advancing its sales, financial performance, and service quality while representing the City with professionalism and distinction. This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished venue professional to shape the future of one of Lebanon's most valued public assets.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Develop and carry out marketing and sales strategies, and direct the sales program to meet targeted goals
• Analyze market position and user trends each year to improve use, productivity, and profitability
• Partner with Lebanon Tourism, the Chamber of Commerce, and other business organizations to maximize occupancy and promote local attractions
• Prepare and administer the annual budget and fee schedule
• Develop policies and procedures for efficient, safe operation

What We're Looking For:

• Degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration or a related field (any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered) Five years of increasingly responsible experience operating and managing a convention center or similar facility
• Knowledge of multi-use venue operations, hospitality, sales and marketing, event setup, audio-visual and technical equipment standards, and building maintenance
• Skill in budgeting, financial and operational analysis, contract negotiation, supervision, and customer service
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships

Why Join Us?

• Lead a venue that matters. The Cowan Civic Center is where Lebanon comes together for concerts, theatre, trade shows, conventions, family events, and recreation. You'll guide a facility the whole community uses and cares about, and see the results of your work every day.
• Variety in every day. One day you may negotiate a contract with a major client, and the next you might walk the exhibit hall before a trade show or meet with tourism partners. The role blends strategy, people, and hands‑on operations.
• Partnerships that amplify your work. You'll collaborate with Lebanon Tourism, the Chamber of Commerce, and local business organizations to bring visitors and events to the city. Your success supports the Civic Center and the wider business community.

Must be able to successfully complete a background check/investigation, pre-employment drug test. Must have a valid driver's license.