Chief Programs Officer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Located on the waterfront of Lake Superior in Duluth’s vibrant Canal Park district, the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) is one of the region’s premier destinations for conventions, meetings, sports, arts, entertainment, and community gatherings. Since opening in 1966, the DECC has grown into a dynamic campus of ten distinct venues that welcome residents and visitors for a wide range of experiences.

Guided by its mission to host events, create experiences, and drive the regional economy, the DECC plays an important role in Duluth’s tourism, hospitality, and business communities. In 2025, the organization welcomed approximately 670,000 attendees and generated an estimated $72.3 million in regional economic impact.

The DECC’s work is grounded in the values of hospitality, entertainment, community, visionary leadership, and stewardship. The organization is accountable to the community it serves and committed to operating its facilities responsibly, safely, and sustainably. The DECC continues to invest in experiences and facilities that strengthen Duluth as a destination and improve quality of life throughout the region.

Job Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides executive-level leadership for the daily operations, safety, readiness, and long-term stewardship of the DECC. The position ensures that facilities, operational teams, and service partners are prepared to support safe, efficient, and high-quality experiences for event organizers, guests, performers, athletes, employees, and the community.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Chief Operating Officer serves as a member of the DECC’s leadership team and translates the direction of the Executive Director and Board of Directors into operational priorities. The position works across departments and directly oversees Building Maintenance, Building Services, Box Office, event planning, and Food & Beverage operations. The COO also manages relationships with vendors, suppliers, contractors, facility users, and service providers.

The ideal candidate will bring substantial operations or venue-management experience, strong financial and organizational judgment, and a demonstrated ability to lead teams through changing priorities and high-pressure situations. This individual must balance strategic planning with daily operational oversight while maintaining clear performance expectations, strong safety standards, effective communication, and accountability across the organization.

• Establish performance measures, operational standards, and reporting practices to evaluate efficiency, strengthen accountability, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Review business procedures and implement policies, systems, and process improvements that support effective day‑to‑day operations.
• Translate direction from the Executive Director and the Board into operational priorities, clearly communicating changes, answering employee questions, and supporting staff understanding and morale.
• Coordinate work across operations, engineering, technology, customer service, and other departments to improve workflow, control costs, and enhance customer and client satisfaction.

• Oversee facility operations, including heating, cooling, ventilation, utilities, engineering, maintenance, security, safety, and event execution.
• Develop and oversee routine, preventive, and deferred maintenance schedules to protect the safety, reliability, and long-term condition of DECC facilities and equipment.
• Direct facility operations and support staff, with ultimate responsibility for ensuring spaces, systems, equipment, and personnel are prepared on time for scheduled events and daily operations.
• Manage facility-use arrangements and event schedules to avoid operational conflicts and ensure spaces are safely and efficiently rented, set up, cleaned, and restored.
• Develop, forecast, implement, and evaluate departmental budgets while monitoring expenses and ensuring resources are used responsibly.
• Review and approve staffing, equipment, and operational invoices for accuracy, necessity, and alignment with approved budgets.
• Manage vendors, suppliers, contractors, and service agreements, including custodial, landscaping, post-event cleaning, and routine maintenance services.
• Coordinate operational staffing, equipment, vendors, and service agreements to maintain facility readiness and support scheduled events.
• Oversee organizational safety and risk‑management programs to maintain secure environments for employees, clients, event participants, and guests.
• Develop, maintain, and implement facility operating manuals, policies, procedures, and training resources.
• Establish and communicate clear performance, safety, and training expectations.
• Monitor compliance with operational and safety standards and address concerns through appropriate corrective action.
• Lead Building Maintenance, Building Services, Box Office, Food & Beverage, and Event Planning operations.
• Establish operational assignments and priorities, delegate responsibilities, and ensure employees understand performance standards and expectations.
• Participate in hiring decisions and support the selection of employees who can meet the DECC’s operational and customer-service needs.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide direction and feedback, address performance concerns, and support employee development and accountability.
• Represent the DECC and promote a positive image with employees, customers, event partners, industry professionals, and the community.

Schedule

This position is full-time, 40 hours per week. The schedule is primarily Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm but will vary based on event needs.

Physical Work Environment and Requirements

Most work is conducted indoors, partly in an office space and event spaces. The temperature will fluctuate throughout the day. The COO must be able to move quickly to different spaces within the facility and be on feet for lengthy period of time as needed. They must be able to lift and move up to 40lbs.

Requirements and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in related field with a minimum of 7 years of experience OR a relevant master’s degree with five years of experience
• Ability to ensure a high-quality customer and client experience
• Ability to monitor departments and hold staff accountable
• Ability to execute direction and vision of the Executive Director and Board of Directors
• Ability to succeed during high-pressure situations
• Ability to adapt to changes, delays, or unexpected events
• Ability to maintain a calm demeanor and manage difficult situations as needed
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with strong attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite as well as budget creation and analysis software

Preferred Requirements

• 5+ years in the public venue industry
• Graduate of Venue Management School
• Knowledgeable in best practices within the public venues industry
• Vacation Time, Sick Time, and Floating Holidays (3)
• Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) 7% match
• Medical & Dependent Care Flex Spending Account
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Deferred Comp (Voluntary)
• Parental Leave Plan
• City of Duluth Wellness Program
• Gym facility access, free parking and bus transportation, employee referral program, and employee discounts!