City of Tampa

This is highly responsible administrative, managerial, and public contact work in managing the municipally owned and operated convention center.

The employee is responsible for the overall management of the facility, providing leadership and direction to all departments, partner managers and staff. The facility managed is a municipally owned and operated convention center that hosts national, regional and international conventions, trade shows, conferences and sporting events. Under the direction of the Administrator, the employee in this class is responsible for the overall operations, marketing, promotions, policy development, financial management, client and community relations and capital improvements. Work is of unusual difficulty requiring extensive initiative and independent judgement in a manner that achieves the creation of a positive economic impact for the community. Work is reviewed through periodic conferences, reports and results achieved. This is an appointed position serving at the pleasure of the Mayor. As outlined in the City Charter, the incumbent must reside within the City of Tampa or be willing to relocate.

Direct the policy, development, programming, financial management, sales & marketing, operations and community relations for the facility.

Develop effective programs for the successful future of the facility.

Develop policy recommendations for approval and implementation.

Responsible for financial management, including budget development, overview of financial and accounting systems, projections and controls and personnel management.

Ensure proper communication between Center’s staff, partner managers, the City of Tampa administration through verbal and written reports.

Complete performance appraisals for direct reports and make salary recommendations.

Work closely with Visit Tampa Bay (Destination Management Company) and hotel/motel association to attract city-wide events that stimulate the economy including negotiation and contracting.

Overall management of all in-house service providers and venue partners to ensure convention center service standards are maintained, revenue and expense forecast are established and research industry trends to stay ahead of competition.

Ensure efficient and effective operations, including capital maintenance and improvement projects.

Represent the City in a positive manner to the community, clients and hospitality industry.

Responsible for publicly promoting the facility through speaking engagements, media interviews and other public appearances.

Prepares reports and correspondence; assigns, develops, and evaluates staff; manages unit budget and work processes.

Ability to: plan, assign, direct and coordinate the work of convention center staff in a manner that promotes optimal performance, write and speak clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings; set clear objectives and specific measures to monitor progress; establish and maintain effective working relations.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelors degree in public or business administration, hospitality or facilities management with five (5) years of progressively responsible experience managing a major business unit or public assembly facility.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.