First Opportunity Program: Event Operations Manager - Portland Expo Center

This is a First Opportunity recruitment, we are only accepting applications from residents who live within the First Opportunity Target Area (FOTA) and meet the qualifying annual household income limit. For more information please visit www.oregonmetro.gov/fota . Hello, we’re Metro ! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow. The Portland Expo Center is seeking an Event Operations Manager to provide operational leadership during evenings and weekends. The Expo Center hosts a variety of large-scale events, including consumer shows, trade shows, sporting events, and community gatherings that bring people together from across the region. As the on-site leader, you'll help ensure events are delivered safely and successfully by coordinating staff, contractors, and event partners while maintaining a welcoming environment for clients and guests. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting, approaches challenges with a solutions-focused mindset, and enjoys leading teams to achieve shared goals. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced or emerging leader who wants to work in a fast-paced event environment, support a wide variety of large-scale events, and make a visible impact on the experience of clients, guests, and employees. If you enjoy solving problems, leading teams, and helping people perform at their best, we’d love to see what you can bring to this role. As the Event Operations Manager you will: Oversee evening and weekend venue operations, ensuring the facility is safe, welcoming, and prepared for staff, clients, and guests. Conduct regular building rounds to monitor operations, staff, vendors, and client needs, and provide on-site problem-solving support. Serve as the primary escalation point for staff and client concerns during shift, ensuring timely resolution and documentation, including nightly Event Operations Manager ( EOM ) reports, event summaries, and other required communications. Manage and coordinate client services during events, including contracted services such as catering, A/V, telecom, guest experience, and parking. Support load-in an d load-out activities , troubleshoot operational and technical issues, and coordinate service adjustments as needed . Provide operational leadership and support to staff by conducting regular check-ins to ensure work is progressing effectively and resource s are available; assisting department managers with real-time coaching and direction; supporting team members through change; adjusting work plans to best meet client and venue needs; and maintaining open communication with management regarding staff performance and event execution. Participate in event planning and logistics meetings, including production meetings , three-month look ahead meetings , and event lifecycle meetings. Evaluate operational practices to ensure efficiency , effectiveness, and alignment with industry standards, recommending and implementing improvements where appropriate. Support venue financial responsibilities by monitoring and controlling costs related to labor, supplies, and materials to ensure service quality and operational effectiveness . Attributes for success: Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop team s while fostering positive and collaborative work environment . Sound judgment and ability to make timely , effective decision s in a fast -paced and high- pressure situations . Ability to resolve conflict , resolve issues, and address escalated concerns with professionalism and tact . Proven a bility to balance multiple priorities while maintaining high standards for safety , service and operational effectiveness . Strong verbal and written communication, organization al , and collaboration skills. Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and event management technology. Profe