First Opportunity Program: Event Operations Manager - Portland Expo Center

First Opportunity Program: Event Operations Manager - Portland Expo Center

Salary

$89,563.73 - $120,023.26 Annually

Location

Expo Center, OR

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2026-1301-Expo-F

Department

Expo Center

Division

Expo Center Operations

Opening Date

08/11/2026

Closing Date

8/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

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 visitwww.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, youll 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 and 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 resources 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 teams while fostering positive and collaborative work environment.
• Sound judgment and ability to make timely, effective decisions in a fast-paced and high-pressure situations.
• Ability to resolve conflict, resolve issues, and address escalated concerns with professionalism and tact.
• Proven ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining high standards for safety, service and operational effectiveness.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and event management technology.
• Professionalism and discretion when addressing employee matters, client concerns, and confidential information.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro's goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications

• High school diploma plus at least one year of specialized training from college or technical school, and

• Three years of relevant experience in event, venue or hotel management, and

• Two years of supervisory experience, or

• Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Required qualifications

• Current and valid driver's license

• Finalist will need to be able to successfully pass a background check.

• Must have availability to work an evening and weekend, event driven schedule.

Schedule:This position is based onsite at the Portland Expo Center and plays a key role in supporting event operations. The Expo Center operates seven days a week, with events and activities occurring at various times throughout the day and evening. As a result, this position requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and occasional extended hours based on event schedules and operational needs. The typical workweek is 40 hours, with additional hours periodically required during busy event periods. Primary schedule is expected to be Wednesday-Sunday 2:00 pm-10:30 pm with adjustments based on event and operational needs.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Experience working in a public assembly facility, such as a convention center, exposition center, arena, stadium, performing arts venue, or similar event facility.

• Experience leading venue or event operations, including coordinating staff, contractors, and operational services during events.

• Experience developing, implementing, or improving operational procedures and service standards.

• Knowledge of workplace safety, crowd management, emergency response, or other safety practices applicable to public assembly facilities.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an?incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• Attachment of a resume that includes the following details for each employer:

• Name of employer

• Working title

• Dates of employment; including if the work was full-time or part-time

• Number of employees supervised

• Detailed summary of your responsibilities

• Responses to supplemental questions

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check
• Backgroundanddriving records check for finalist candidate

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The full-salary range for this position is step 1:$89,563.73 to step 7:$120,023.26 annually. However, unless a candidate's qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro's internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1:$89,563.73 to the equity range step5: $108,864.39 annually.

This position is not eligible for overtime and is notr epresented by a union. It is classified as an Event Operations Manager.

Classification descriptions are typically?written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.View the classification description.

Questions?

Recruiter: Megan Warneke

Email: megan.warneke@oregonmetro.gov

Additional Information

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Non-discrimination in hiring decisions

Metro is committed to equal employment opportunity and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws. Metro employment decisions - including recruitment, screening, interviewing, selection, promotion, compensation, and separation - must not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected class.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework

This position is designated as "hybrid telework." You will be required to work onsite and at times have the option to work away from your assigned work location. The specific schedule and balance of onsite and telework will be discussed with the hiring manager at the time of offer. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington to work at Metro. Please note, the designation of hybrid telework may be subject to change at a future time.

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro's "How to apply" page.

Government Jobs

For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs "Help and Support" page.

Metro

Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area's garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home.

As part of the Metro family, Portland Expo Center, helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale.

The Portland Expo Center and Metro

The Portland Expo Center is a versatile public venue in Portland, Oregon, hosting trade shows, conventions, sporting events, concerts and community gatherings. With more than 330,000 square feet of flexible space - including five exhibit halls, meeting rooms equipped with modern technology and 53,000 square feet of outdoor event space - Expo supports a wide range of regional and national events. The facility also offers parking for more than 2,500 vehicles, providing convenient access for exhibitors and guests across the Pacific Northwest.

As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.

Family members, including eligible spouses, domestic partners, and children, are covered under most of our benefits programs. Benefits vary depending on position and full-time, part-time, and variable hour status.

This is a budgeted, regular status position with a full-time schedule. The position is eligible for these benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision health insurance
• Paid sick leave
• Paid vacation, holiday, and other leave
• Paid parental leave
• Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement
• No-cost TriMet Hop Pass
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training opportunities
• Flexible schedules depending on position and department
• Hybrid/Telework living in Oregon /Washington depending on position and department

Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights!), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more. Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first-time home buying and ownership counseling.

Learn more about employee benefits.

Some positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.

View union contracts here.

01

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school diploma or GED
• Some College
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Doctorate degree or higher
• None of the above

02

How many years of experience do you have in event management, facility setup, or related event operations in a convention center, exposition facility, arena, stadium, hotel, performing arts venue, or similar large-scale facility? (Make sure this is reflected in your resume)

• No experience
• 1 year or less of related experience
• 1 year but no more than 2 years of related experience
• 2 years but no more than 3 years of related experience
• 3 years but no more than 4 years of related experience
• 4 years but no more than 5 years of related experience
• 5 years but no more than 6 years of related experience
• 6 years but no more than 7 years of related experience
• 7 years but no more than 8 years of related experience
• 8 years but no more than 9 years of related experience
• 9 years but no more than 10 years of related experience
• 10 or more years of related experience

03

Please indicate your total years of experience supervising and managing direct reports, including responsibilities such as performance evaluations and disciplinary actions. (Make sure this is reflected in your resume)

• No experience
• 1 year or less of related experience
• 1 year but no more than 2 years of related experience
• 2 years but no more than 3 years of related experience
• 3 years but no more than 4 years of related experience
• 4 years but no more than 5 years of related experience
• 5 years but no more than 6 years of related experience
• 6 years but no more than 7 years of related experience
• 7 years but no more than 8 years of related experience
• 8 years but no more than 9 years of related experience
• 9 years but no more than 10 years of related experience
• 10 or more years of related experience

04

Which environments have you managed event operations in? (Select all that apply)

• Convention center
• Trade show/exhibition venue
• Hotel/conference center
• Arena/stadium
• Performing arts venue
• Festival/outdoor events
• None of these locations

05

Do you have a current and valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

06

After reviewing the Event Operations Manager position, describe the experience that best prepares you for this role. Include specific examples of supervising staff, overseeing event operations, managing client relationships, and resolving unexpected challenges.

07

Please describe your approach to leading employees and overseeing work, including when employees may not report directly to you. How do you build engagement and collaboration, provide clear direction, and address situations when expectations or performance standards are not being met?

08

Describe the most challenging event-related issue you have resolved without escalation to senior leadership. What was the outcome?

09

This position requires working on-site and being available for a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event needs. Please describe your experience working in similar operational environments and how you have successfully managed these scheduling expectations.

Required Question

Employer Oregon Metro

Address 600 NE Grand Ave

Portland, Oregon, 97232

Phone 503-797-1570

Website http://www.oregonmetro.gov