Event Manager - Gallivan Center

Slcgov; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 75,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Slcgov's Gallivan Center is seeking an Event Manager to shape public programming, rentals, and activations in downtown Salt Lake City. You will lead concept development, production, and post‑event evaluation to energize the space and engage residents and visitors.

You will build partnerships with local artists and businesses, manage budgets and vendors, and ensure inclusive, engaging experiences that support revenue goals and the center's mission.

Responsibilities

• Envisions, develops, plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates events, programs, and public activations at the Gallivan Center, managing initiatives from initial concept and creative development through logistics, execution, and post-event assessment.
• Identifies opportunities to diversify programming, respond to community interests, activate public space, attract new audiences, and strengthen the Gallivan Center's position as a downtown destination.
• Develops engaging experiences that balance free public programming, cultural activities, community needs, private rentals, and revenue‑generating events.
• Coordinates event logistics, production requirements, schedules, staffing, vendors, performers, partners, and other resources necessary to deliver successful programs and events.
• Establishes program objectives and evaluates outcomes, including attendance, public engagement, revenue, expenses, participation, and other performance measures, using findings to improve future programming and resource allocation.

Job description

Position Title: Event Manager - Gallivan Center Job Description

We are looking for an Event Manager to support our Gallivan Center team.

About the Position:

The Gallivan Center is a 3.5‑acre urban gathering place in the heart of downtown SaltLakeCity, welcoming approximately 250,000 visitors annually through a diverse mix of public programming, cultural experiences, private events, recreational activities, and community activations.

The Event Manager plays a central role in shaping the Gallivan Center's identity, public experience, and economic impact. Working closely with facility leadership, this position envisions, develops, produces, promotes, and evaluates events, programs, and activations that bring the space to life, attract residents and visitors, and contributes to downtown vibrancy. From initial concept development through event execution and post‑event assessment, the Event Manager translates creative ideas and community opportunities into meaningful experiences that serve the public and advance the facility's operational and financial objectives.

Beyond event production, this position contributes directly to the Gallivan Center's brand, earned revenue, and role in downtown economic development. By developing partnerships and creating opportunities for local artists, musicians, makers, creators, performers, and businesses, the Event Manager helps direct program resources toward local talent and businesses while delivering engaging experiences for the community. Many of these experiences are free and open to the public, supporting accessible cultural programming, community connection, and the effective use of public space.

Marketing, advertising, social media, and brand development are integral to this work, helping build awareness, attract audiences, strengthen partnerships, and support the success of programs, events, rentals, and seasonal offerings.

The ideal candidate combines creativity and strategic thinking with strong organizational, financial, and project management skills and a commitment to creating a vibrant, welcoming, and economically active downtown destination.

About the Team:

The Gallivan Center team includes approximately 12 full‑time administrative, maintenance, and operations staff and 25-30 part‑time employees that assist with our seasonal operations. Together, the team maintains and activates a dynamic urban plaza, supporting a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for residents, visitors, event participants, and community partners.

As a year‑round event and rental venue, the Gallivan Center hosts a diverse range of activities, from public performances and community programming to private events, seasonal ice skating, recreational activities, and cultural activations. The Event Manager works collaboratively across the organization to balance programming, public access, operational requirements, facility use, and revenue opportunities while advancing the Gallivan Center's mission and long‑term sustainability.

Work Schedule:

This position typically works Monday through Friday, 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Given the variable nature of Gallivan Center events and programs, occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work is required. Flexibility in scheduling is encouraged to accommodate event activities and operational needs.

Position Salary Range:

E27 - $74,500/yr. to $87,284/yr. The established market rate for this position is $87,284/yr.

Key Responsibilities:

Event, Program, and Activation Development

• Envisions, develops, plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates events, programs, and public activations at the Gallivan Center, managing initiatives from initial concept and creative development through logistics, execution, and post-event assessment.
• Identifies opportunities to diversify programming, respond to community interests, activate public space, attract new audiences, and strengthen the Gallivan Center's position as a downtown destination.
• Develops engaging experiences that balance free public programming, cultural activities, community needs, private rentals, and revenue‑generating events.
• Coordinates event logistics, production requirements, schedules, staffing, vendors, performers, partners, and other resources necessary to deliver successful programs and events.
• Establishes program objectives and evaluates outcomes, including attendance, public engagement, revenue, expenses, participation, and other performance measures, using findings to improve future programming and resource allocation.

Economic Development, Partnerships, and Public Benefit

• Develops and cultivates partnerships with local artists, musicians, makers, creators, performers, businesses, cultural organizations, and community groups to expand programming opportunities and support the local creative economy.
• Identifies and pursues new business, sponsorship, and partner