Senior Special Events & Venues Manager

City of Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Santa Barbara is seeking a seasoned Special Events and Venues Manager to lead the City’s events, filming, venue rentals, and related programs. This role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and the ability to coordinate across departments, partners, and community stakeholders to deliver high-quality City-sponsored events.

Responsibilities include managing budgets, supervising a multidisciplinary team, and ensuring safety, accessibility, and excellent customer service

Qualifications

• Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible professional recreation experience, two (2) of which included supervision of full‑time and part‑time staff.
• Bachelor's degree in recreation, public or business administration, or a closely related field.
• A valid Class C California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's Vehicle Insurance Policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-disciplinary team, including full-time supervisors, coordinators, administrative staff, seasonal employees, and volunteers.
• Provide strategic direction, policy guidance, and operational oversight across all assigned program areas.
• Prepare and manage complex budgets, fee structures, and revenue programs in accordance with City goals and financial policies.
• Work closely with internal City departments and external partners to facilitate safe, inclusive, and high-quality events and services.
• Represent program areas to elected officials, boards and commissions, community partners, and the general public.
• Lead interdepartmental planning for complex and high-profile events involving public safety, traffic control, street closures, emergency access, sanitation, accessibility, alcohol service, amplified sound, use of public property, and other operational considerations.

Skills

Operate computer hardware and software

Drive a motor vehicle

Education

Bachelor's degree in recreation/public/business administration

Job description

The City of Santa Barbara is seeking a seasoned Special Events and Venues Manager to lead the City’s events, filming, venue rentals, and related programs. This role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and the ability to coordinate across departments, partners, and community stakeholders to deliver high-quality City-sponsored events.

Responsibilities include managing budgets, supervising a multidisciplinary team, and ensuring safety, accessibility, and excellent customer service