Ritchie Center Event Operations Associate

The University Of Denver; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Denver is seeking an Event Operation Associate to support day-of operations at the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports & Wellness.

You will assist in DU Varsity game operations across hockey, gymnastics, basketball, soccer and lacrosse, and help deliver a variety of events such as expos and banquets, all on-site in Denver. This role is non-benefited, with a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Provide excellent customer service for all Ritchie Center participants and customers.
• Recognize and respond effectively and efficiently to emergencies.
• Maintain a clean and safe environment.
• Able to work both individually and as part of a team.
• Communicate clearly and effectively to participants, customers, and coworkers.

Responsibilities

• Support the division of Athletics and Recreation with its execution of Ritchie Center event operations.
• Assist in the game operations and game day production for varsity athletics.
• Serve as a guest services member during Ritchie Center events.

Skills

Customer service

Emergency awareness

Safety-minded

Team player

Communication skills

Education

Current DU undergraduate or graduate student (2026-2027) or related degree

Tools

Radios

Ticketing scanners

Scoreboards

A/V equipment

Job description

Position Summary

Event Operation Associates are responsible for assisting with a variety of event day operations at the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports & Wellness. Associates will assist in the game operations of DU Varsity Sports, including hockey, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. Additionally, they will contribute to the successful delivery of a variety of other events, such as expos, banquets, special ceremonies, and more.

This is a non-benefited position not to exceed 1,000 hours in a calendar year

Essential Functions

• Support the division of Athletics and Recreation with its execution of Ritchie Center event operations.
• Assist in the game operations and game day production for varsity athletics.
• Serve as a guest services member during Ritchie Center events.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Provide excellent customer service for all Ritchie Center participants and customers.
• Recognize and respond effectively and efficiently to emergencies.
• Maintain a clean and safe environment.
• Able to work both individually and as part of a team.
• Communicate clearly and effectively to participants, customers, and coworkers.

Required Qualifications

• Current DU undergraduate or graduate student enrolled for the 2026-2027 academic year, or recent college graduate with a related degree.
• Work evenings, nights, weekends, and other non-traditional hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in event operations, sports management, or customer service.
• Knowledge of NCAA athletics and familiarity with sports such as hockey, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to stay organized, multitask, and remain calm in fast-paced or high-pressure situations.
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic.
• Comfortable using basic technology (e.g., radios, ticketing scanners, scoreboards, or basic A/V equipment).
• CPR/First Aid certification (preferred but not required).
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules.

Work Schedule

Varies

Physical Activities

• Be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Be able to lift 20 pounds.

Working Environment

• This role requires a flexible schedule, including frequent evening and weekend shifts, based on event demands.
• Work is primarily conducted on-site at the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports & Wellness and its surrounding facilities.
• Physical activity is required, including standing for extended periods, walking long distances, lifting up to 20 lbs, and assisting with event set-up and tear-down.
• Fast-paced, dynamic environment with exposure to large crowds, loud noise levels, and various weather conditions for outdoor events.
• Collaborative, team-oriented workplace with a strong focus on providing a positive and safe experience for all event attendees and participants.

Hourly Rate

The hourly rate for the position is $19.29.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers some benefits for non-benefited employees. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Application Deadline

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) October 19, 2026.

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non-Discrimination-Statement.

All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background check.