GSMR Special Events and Entertainment Manager

Job DetailsJob Location: BRYSON CITY, NC 28713Position Type: RegularSalary Range: $45,000.00 - $65,000.00 SalaryJob Shift: AnyDivision/Department: Special Events

Job Title: Special Events and Entertainment Manager

Reports To: Directly to Business Manager and Co-Reports to Vice President & General Manager

Type of position: Exempt, Salary

Employee Classification: Regular

Location: Bryson City, NC

Compensation: $45,000 – 65,000 annually, Depending upon experience and certifications

Job Summary: Responsible for coordinating and managing all aspects of special events, specialty trains and entertainment as outlined by Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and/or appropriate licensor.

Benefits Offered: The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a comprehensive Medical/Rx, dental and vision package with company-funded H.S.A. (for qualified employees), Parental Leave, Life/AD&D Insurance, Long/Short Term Disability coverage, Tuition Reimbursement, Train passes, a 401K with company-match and a generous PTO plan. Southern Highlands Attraction pass and Pass Exchange program for complimentary admission to area attractions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with all licensed special event requirements.
Planning, hands-on implementation, and immediate follow-up for all special events.
Provide the necessary financial reports to monitor and maintain healthy profit and loss measurements.
Actively lead in set-up and tear down of events in coordination with other departments including but not limited to Food and Beverage and Property Maintenance.
Collaborate/partner with Marketing and Human Resources to hire, train, schedule, and manage all employment for events and onboard entertainment.
Hands-on leadership and participation with Property Maintenance to design and upgrade all props and set items for events.
Obtain all permits, rentals, outside services and approvals needed to host events.
Provide performance feedback and reviews, recognition and rewards to those employees that qualify.
Assist in the implementation and sales of specialty packages to increase sales for various outside groups. Ex: Charters, Weddings, Social Clubs, Educational, etc.
During events work across departments to ensure the event meets GSMR goals and standards.
Partner with Marketing to drive attendance to Special Events.
Work to develop and expand already implemented specialty trains as well as brainstorm new ideas and options.
Work with all necessary departments and vendors to provide materials needed for onsite events and activities. Ex: Event maps, directional and informational signage, performance schedules etc.
Identify additional sources of funding and sponsorships for events, when needed.
Act as the main contact onsite for all events. In conjunction with reservations, handle and respond to any customer service issues, whether onsite or after event.
Work with the safety department to ensure that all company policies and safety parameters are met.
Keep inventory of all event supplies before, during and after events.
Assist Human Resources as needed to support internal events for GSMR staff.
Edit and review promotional materials at the discretion of management.
Other duties as requested by GSMR/American Heritage Railways management.

Outside Sales

Promote and oversee private group chargers by marketing to special interest groups, wedding couples, railroad associations and corporate businesses.

Tools and Equipment Use

Computer, fax, printer, multi-line phone system, 2-way radio communication
Sound Mixing Software (Qlab, Mixpad) experience preferred
Lighting Design Software preferred.
QualificationsEducation, Skill and Work Experience Requirements:

Three or more years of event management experience preferred.
College degree or further educational certification in liberal arts, public relations, communications, business, marketing or hospitality and tourism.
Ability to manage multiple projects at a time.
Experience and commitment to working with shared leadership.
Must be able to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English, possessing good leadership and interpersonal skills with proven ability to supervise people.
Must be proficient in MS Office 365 applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule with night, weekend and holiday hours.
Work in various weather situations.
Have a basic knowledge of lighting and sound design, preferred.
Must be able to lift at least 50lbs.
Must be willing to work, learn, and problem solve independently.
Willingness to earn knowledge base as a Level 1 Sommelier.