Manager, Conference, Event & Theatre Services

About the Department

Event and Theatre, and Hospitality Services (ETHS) is a division of the Finance and Commercial Operations area of Mount Royal University (MRU). ETHS encompasses both the Theatre and Conference service operations of MRU and is responsible for booking and executing exceptional quality events in MRU's performance venues (Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts, Ross Glen Hall, Wright Theatre, Leacock Theatre, Nickle Theatre, and associated classroom and event spaces). ETHS is home of the Taylor Centre Concert Season, and Bella Live from your Couch virtual presentation seasons as well as being considered one of the top 5 roadhouse venue operators in Calgary.

About the Role

The Manager, Conference and Events provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and financial management for theatre and conference operations, institutional events, commercial bookings, and internal functions hosted across Mount Royal University. Operating within the Department of Events, Theatre, and Hospitality Services, this position oversees multi-venue operations, including the world-class Taylor Centre for Performing Arts (Bella Concert Hall, TransCanada Amphitheatre, and supporting spaces), Ross Glen Hall (RGH), and campus meeting spaces. The Manager leads a team dedicated to meeting the distinct needs of performing arts and internal and external conference clients, delivering high-quality event experiences, maximizing facility utilization, driving revenue generation, and upholding MRU’s reputation as a premier host institution for local, national, and international events.

Reporting directly to the Director, Events, Theatre, and Hospitality Services, the Manager operates with a high degree of independence, strategic discretion, and administrative authority. The Manager operates in a fast-paced, highly variable environment characterized by competing deadlines, complex event schedules, and dynamic stakeholder needs.

Responsibilities

Strategic Event Operations & Venue Management

• Direct the end-to-end operational planning, scheduling, and execution of all external and internal conferences, performances, and institutional events across campus, with specialized operational leadership over the spaces within the Taylor Centre for Performing Arts and the RGH.
• Establish and monitor service delivery standards, workflow processes, and quality assurance metrics to ensure seamless client and audience experiences.
• Collaborate with internal service partners (Catering, Technical Production, IT, Building Services, Security) to coordinate cross-functional event logistics.
• Support the Manager, Hospitality and Guest Services in overseeing catering sales, coordination, and service delivery across MRU, working with the catering vendor to meet institutional and client expectations.

Team Leadership & Talent Management

• Lead, recruit, mentor, and evaluate the event coordination team, working closely with the Manager, Hospitality and Guest Services to coordinate front-of-house support for events.
• Manage performance, foster continuous learning, set clear performance objectives, and create a culture of accountability and customer-service excellence.
• Manage scheduling, work distribution, and overtime in alignment with the MRSA Collective Agreement and institutional guidelines.

Business Development, Client Relations & Financial Oversight 

• Develop and execute business development strategies to drive venue rentals, commercial bookings, and theatre and conference growth, particularly maximizing utilization of the Taylor Centre for Performing Arts and the RGH.
• Prepare and manage annual operating budgets, revenue targets, pricing models, and client contracts.
• Build and maintain relationships with corporate clients, community partners, arts organizations, and internal campus organizers.

Risk Management, Compliance & Continuous Improvement 

• Oversee event risk assessments, licensing where required (excluding liquor), liability management, and safety protocols for all managed spaces.
• Analyze post-event metrics, client feedback, and financial returns to drive process improvements and service enhancements.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of and adhere to MRU safety systems, policies, procedures, and safe work guidelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Event Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Performing Arts Administration, or a related field.
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation is considered an asset.
• Experience working in high volume hospitality is considered an asset.
• Minimum 7 to 10 years of progressive management experience in conference services, venue operations, or large-scale event management, preferably within a post-secondary or performing arts complex environment.
• Proven track record in venue sales, client contract negotiation, revenue generation, and financial management.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing direct reports and flexible event teams within a unionized environment.
• Advanced knowledge of conference management systems, venue scheduling software, and event ticketing systems.
• Working knowledge of performing arts venue operations, including artist and promoter requirements and coordination with technical and front-of-house teams.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with strong negotiation and conflict resolution capabilities.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including frequent evenings and weekends based on event schedules.

Salary Range: $100,867 - $139,194

Closing Date: Open until a suitable candidate is found

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 4321, CV.pdf).