National College Leadership Program Trainee - Tampa, St Pete, & Naples Florida

Encore Global; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading event solutions provider is seeking candidates for its National College Leadership Program, aimed at developing future operations and sales managers. The program offers comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and opportunities for growth within the company. Graduates from the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 classes are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates have a 4-year degree and a passion for management.

Benefits

Health insurance

401K plan

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Graduating in Fall class of 2025 or Spring class of 2026.
• 1+ years of relevant professional experience or internships.
• Strong interest in a management career.

Responsibilities

• Participate in Technical, Operations, and Sales rotations as part of the training program.
• Gain hands-on experience in venues and support event production.
• Collaborate with field leaders.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Leadership focus

Technical aptitude

Education

4-year college degree

Job description

Overview

NATIONAL COLLEGE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

The Encore team creates live-event solutions that connect and inspire people around the world with a customer-first mindset and hospitality focus. We support customers through every step in the event planning and management process with a broad range of live, virtual, and hybrid event production services. Encore’s global footprint spans more than 20 countries and includes 2,100 venues such as luxury hotels, casinos, and conference centers.

Encore is seeking individuals interested in a career in operations management or sales throughout North America. The National College Leadership Program typically starts in June or July. Upon successful completion of the 5-month Manager in Training program, individuals are prepared for immediate placement into an operations, production, or sales manager role within our nationwide network.

If you are graduating in the Fall class of 2025 or Spring class of 2026, this leadership program can be a great opportunity for you.

What to expect

Discover a place with development opportunities, mobility, rewards, and an energized and connected culture. The program provides training and support to help you make an impact on clients and your career, including access to cutting-edge technology, blended learning, and role-based development programs. Trainees participate in technical, operations, and sales rotations, with hands-on learning in venues alongside field leaders and instructor-led training at the corporate office in Chicago, IL. Certifications through online courses from Encore University Academies – Leadership, Technical, Operations, Sales, and Service – are available.

Responsibilities

• Participate in Technical, Operations, and Sales rotations as part of the training program.

• Gain hands-on experience in venues and collaborate with field leaders to support event production and operations.

Qualifications

• 4-year college degree required (BA/BS); preferred fields include Hospitality, Business/Management, Communications, Event Management, Theater, or related areas.

• At least 1 year of related professional work experience or a combination of employment and internships. Prior experience in management, operations, technology, and/or hospitality is a plus.

• Strong interest in a management career with potential for advancement.

• Excellent communication, listening, and presentation skills; effective leadership and customer satisfaction focus.

• Technical aptitude and interest in new technology.

• Ability to work at a hotel location within major metro markets.

• Willingness to relocate within the US; flexibility is important.

Compentencies

Deliver World Class Service: Hospitality, Ownership; Do The Right Thing: Demonstrates Self-Awareness; Drive Results: Ensures Accountability; See The Big Picture: Decision Quality, Manages Complexity; Value People: Collaborates.

Training and Certification

• Trainees participate in Technical, Operations, and Sales rotations.

• Hands-on learning in venues alongside field leaders.

• Instructor-led training at the corporate office in Chicago, IL.

• Certifications through online courses from Encore University Academies (Leadership, Technical, Operations, Sales, and Service).

Compensation and Benefits

Encore offers an excellent compensation and benefits package including health insurance and participation in a 401K plan. Candidates will receive a base salary and can earn a base salary plus bonus incentive upon placement as an Operations Manager, Associate Producer, Director of Events, or Venue Sales Manager. Placement occurs immediately upon completion of the training. The company supports career development and growth opportunities.

Locations

Encore operates in over 2,100 locations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Typical trainee placements include:

• West: Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Las Vegas
• Southwest: Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Denver, Phoenix
• Midwest: Chicago, Nashville, Memphis
• Southeast: Atlanta, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Charlotte, Puerto Rico
• Northeast: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, DC Metro Area
• Canada: Toronto, Vancouver

EEO and Legal notices

Encore is an equal opportunity employer (EEO/AA) including M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform criminal background screening and pre-employment substance abuse testing. To apply, visit www.jobs.encoreglobal.com and search “National College Leadership Program”.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.