Division/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:
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Ensure compliance with all licensed special event requirements.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Edit and review promotional materials at the discretion of management.
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Other duties as requested by GSMR/American Heritage Railways management.
Outside Sales:
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Promote and oversee private group chargers by marketing to special interest groups, wedding couples, railroad associations and corporate businesses.
Tools and Equipment Use:
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Computer, fax, printer, multi-line phone system, 2-way radio communication
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Sound Mixing Software (Qlab, Mixpad) experience preferred
- Lighting Design Software preferred.
Education, Skill and Work Experience Requirements:
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Three or more years of event management experience preferred.
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College degree or further educational certification in liberal arts, public relations, communications, business, marketing or hospitality and tourism.
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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.
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Must be able to work a flexible schedule with night, weekend and holiday hours.
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Work in various weather situations.
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Have a basic knowledge of lighting and sound design, preferred.
- Must be able to lift at least 50lbs.
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Must be willing to work, learn, and problem solve independently.
- Willingness to earn knowledge base as a Level 1 Sommelier.
