COO, Chief Operating Officer

National Western Center

. Collaborate with the CEO in setting and driving organizational vision and operational strategy .

Posted 10/28/2026full-timeDenver • Colorado • United StatesLead💰 $200,000 - $225,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and operational management, with a strong focus on facilities operations and event venue sales. Proven ability to develop policies, manage budgets, and lead teams to achieve high performance and compliance with regulations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic PlanningFacilities Operations ManagementEvent Venue SalesTeam LeadershipBudget Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

BudgetingPerformance ManagementPolicy DevelopmentKey Performance IndicatorsEvent OperationsRisk ManagementFinancial ForecastingScenario PlanningOperational StrategyCompliance Management

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsProblem-SolvingCollaborationTime ManagementResults Orientation

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Business AdministrationManagement Certification

Industry Keywords

Facilities ManagementEvent Sales & MarketingGuest ServicesFood and Beverage OperationsSustainability ProgramsStakeholder ManagementPolitical NavigationOrganizational CultureRevenue GenerationHigh-Pressure Situations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Collaborate with the CEO in setting and driving organizational vision and operational strategy
Translate strategy into actionable goals for performance and growth
Implement organization-wide goal setting, performance management, and annual operations planning
Direct preparation of short-term and long-range plans and budgets
Collaborate with the CFO on annual operating and capital budgets
Evaluate overall operational results and report to the CEO and Board of Directors
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and systems for daily operations
Foster a strong organizational culture
Ensure operations, maintenance, and programming of campus assets meet mission, quality, and financial needs
Develop key performance indicators to benchmark and track progress
Structure, lead, and scale a team of facility managers and building engineers
Supervise implementation of technology systems supporting information and process flow
Oversee staff and contractors implementing key operational functions
Lead sustainability programs, plans, and initiatives for compliance with city and state regulations
Maintain relationships with campus partners, board members, clients, contractors, and stakeholders
Advise on contracts, purchase agreements, vendor relationships, and partner relationships
Leverage economies of scale and revenue potential of campus-wide services and systems
Assess and advise on potential partnerships and business model additions or changes
Lead the team to achieve world-class performance for event venues
Pursue revenue generation through event operations and increased on-campus activity
Manage event sales and operations throughout the event lifecycle from client cultivation through closeout
Model projected event activity, proposal pipeline, and financial forecast

Requirements

What you’ll need

At least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a related field
Minimum of eight to ten years of progressive senior leadership experience in a multi-faceted business including prior experience in facilities operations and management; event venue sales and operations; and organizational leadership
Five or more years experience growing, leading, and cultivating successful teams across a wide range of functions
Deep understanding of industry and venue management, including event sales & marketing, production, operations, guest services, food and beverage operations, risk management, budgets and proformas
Proven strategic mind, including the ability to see multiple outcomes, scenario plan, analyze potential opportunities and challenges, and navigate shifts
Knowledge of local government and ability to navigate political environments effectively
High EQ and interpersonal skills
Ability to embrace the startup nature of the organization
Motivation by big goals and tenacity in achieving them
Problem-solving and clear communication with internal and external stakeholders
Ability to lead staff and work well as part of a team
Ability to function in high-pressure situations while maintaining a calm, professional manner
Credibility as a visible and effective leader who brings solutions to business challenges
Collaboration and compromise skills
Time management and prioritization skills
Solid grasp of financial data and setting performance metrics
Results orientation and sound judgment
Commitment to the mission of the National Western Center

Benefits

Comp & perks

Family-friendly benefits
Flexible work hours
Medical, dental and vision coverage
PTO
Paid parental leave
401k plan with company match
Life, personal accident, and disability coverage
Support for community involvement