DESCRIPTION

ABOUT US

At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive. Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here.

THE POSITION

The Special Events and Venues Manager oversees a dynamic portfolio of community-serving programs and high-profile public events. This position leads a professional team and works extensively across City departments and with event organizers, businesses, community organizations, production companies, residents, and other stakeholders. The successful candidate will combine strong management and organizational skills with excellent judgment, customer service, and the ability to navigate complex operational and regulatory issues.

With a strong emphasis on event logistics, permitting, public safety, and interdepartmental coordination, this position plays a central role in delivering City-sponsored events and supporting the safe, successful execution of hundreds of small and large public and private events each year. It is also a highly visible, public-facing role that requires frequent collaboration and communication with the City Administrator’s Office, Mayor and City Council, senior leadership across City departments, nonprofit and business leaders, and community members of all backgrounds. The ability to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics with professionalism, diplomacy, and responsiveness is essential to success in this position.

Core Program Areas Under Management

• Public Special Events and Filming: Oversee coordination, permitting, and City support for large and small public events and filming occurring on City property and in the public right-of-way.
• City-Produced Events: Lead the planning and execution of the City’s signature events, including the Independence Day Celebration, the Concerts in the Park series, the Children’s Fiesta Parade, and seasonal programming at the historic Plaza del Mar Park Bandshell.
• Private Event Rentals and Outdoor Venues: Oversees the City’s recreation facility and event venue rental program, including weddings, meetings, conferences, and other private rentals at indoor and outdoor venues.
• Santa Barbara Arts and Crafts Show: Manage operations, permitting, and compliance for this long-standing weekly tradition that supports over 125 local artists.

Work Schedule

This position generally works a regular weekday schedule (9/80 Flex or 5/40 Traditional) however, the nature of the programs requires occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-disciplinary team, including full-time supervisors, coordinators, administrative staff, seasonal employees, and volunteers.
• Provide strategic direction, policy guidance, and operational oversight across all assigned program areas.
• Prepare and manage complex budgets, fee structures, and revenue programs in accordance with City goals and financial policies.
• Continuously evaluate program effectiveness, community impact, and operational efficiency.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a creative, strategic thinker and skilled operational leader who is energized by the complexity and visibility of community-facing work.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

There is currently one (1) vacancy within the Parks and Recreation Department. Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application.