Director of Center Operations

Description

About Viticus Group

At Viticus Group, we are more than just an organization — we are a community of innovators, educators, and professionals dedicated to advancing science, medicine, and education. Based in Las Vegas, we provide hands-on continuing education courses, conferences, and training programs that connect experts from around the world with the latest advancements in research, technology, and practical application.

Our mission is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and real-world practice, empowering professionals to take what they learn and apply it in meaningful ways that improve lives, industries, and communities.

Are you someone who loves science, thrives on learning, and gets inspired by innovation?
Join us as we teach and share the discoveries that drive progress — because at Viticus Group, education fuels innovation.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Center Operations is a key operational leader responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization’s facility, events, logistics, and supporting operational teams. Reporting directly to the COO, this role ensures operational excellence, consistent service delivery, and seamless execution of conferences, year-round events, and onsite activities.

This position partners cross-functionally with internal teams, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure facilities, logistics, safety, and event operations align with the organization’s mission, values, and strategic goals. The Director of Center Operations is a hands-on, solutions-oriented leader who can manage multiple priorities, optimize resources, and maintain a professional, service-focused presence with all internal and external partners.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education & Experience:

•  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Management, Hospitality, or Event  Management; equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
•  7+ years of progressive experience in operations, facilities or event management. 
•  5+ years of people management experience, including staff supervision, coaching, and performance management.
•  Experience with nonprofit organizations preferred.
•  Demonstrated fiscal responsibility, including planning, managing, and adhering to operational and event budgets.
•  Proven experience managing conferences, large-scale events, or multi-day programs.

Operational & Technical Skills

•  Strong understanding of event operations, logistics, facilities management, and vendor coordination.
•  Ability to develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and internal controls.
•  Proficiency with operational systems and reporting tools (technical oversight only; not IT management).
•  Advanced ability to read, interpret, and create clear documentation and operational plans.

Leadership & Management Skills

•  Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams while fostering accountability and collaboration.
•  Strong vendor negotiation and contract management experience.
•  Ability to manage competing priorities, respond effectively to operational challenges, and lead through change.
•  Demonstrates sound judgment, initiative, and problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

•  Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly convey expectations and operational updates.
•  Ability to effectively present information to staff, volunteers, vendors, and leadership.
•  Exceptional relationship-building skills across departments and with external partners.
•  Flexibility and availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel as required for events and business needs.

Professionalism & Personal Qualities

•  Fully embraces and upholds the organization’s Mission and Vision.
•  Demonstrates professionalism, respect, and integrity in all interactions.
•  Strong commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
•  Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
•  Ability to travel as needed to support business objectives.
•  Availability to work 12 months per year.

JOB SPECIFIC DUTIES

OPERATIONS & FACILITY MANAGEMENT:

• Oversee daily center operations to ensure efficient, safe, and professional facility use.
• Lead facility improvement initiatives, capital projects, space planning, and building utilization needs.
• Ensure facility systems are functioning properly and securely, including access control, cameras, and security systems (in coordination with IT as needed).
• Support the facilities team with building maintenance, upgrades, and large-scale facility projects.
• Develop, maintain, and improve operational policies, procedures, and workflows.

EVENT & CONFERENCE   MANAGEMENT:

• Oversee event support functions and operational event staff.
• Shadow departmental managers and frontline teams gain firsthand insight into current processes, tools, and daily operations. 
• Coordinate   with staff and vendors to monitor timelines, deliverables, and budget considerations.
• Analyze workflow, customer feedback, and operational data to identify improvements.
• Attend events and provide onsite operational leadership and support as requested by the COO.
• Ensure participants and clients have a seamless, high quality experience from  arrival to departure.

LOGISTICS & TEAM COORDINATION:

• Ensure weekly logistics meeting are being held to prepare the team for upcoming courses and to go over improvements from previously held courses (pre event/post event)
• Manage and support the team responsible for onsite event logistics and client experience.
• Ensure all operational resources are properly planned, allocated, and utilized

Vendor & Stakeholder Relations:

•  Establish and maintain relationships with internal staff, external vendors, and service providers
• Negotiate and manage contracts with event venues and vendors to protect organizational interests 
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure service levels meet organizational standards.

SAFETY & RISK MANAGEMENT:

• Collaborate with the Viticus Group Safety Committee to ensure implementation of the Annual Conference Safety and Communication Plan.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and risk management procedures for all events and facility operations

KPI’s:   

• Operations Management
• Budget Adherence.
• Event Timeliness and Execution.
• Vendor Management.
• Client Satisfaction: Measured by post-event surveys (e.g., satisfaction rating of 85% or higher).
• Process Improvement and Operational Efficiency.

Leadership & Team Development

• Team Retention Rate: Percentage of staff retention in IT and Center Operations, aiming for 90% or higher annually.
• Employee Satisfaction: Measured through internal surveys (target satisfaction score of 80% or higher).

EVENT & LOGISTICS PERFORMANCE

• On-Time Event Readiness: Percentage of events operationally ready by scheduled deadlines.
• Issue Resolution: Timely resolution of onsite operational challenges.

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION

• Internal Stakeholder Satisfaction.

Viticus Group is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, discharge, compensation or any other term or condition of employment on the basis of race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, gender, or on the basis of disability if the employee can perform the essential functions of the job, with a reasonable accommodation if necessary. 

WHY YOU WILL LOVE WORKING HERE

What sets us apart, however, is not just our commitment to excellence in education but also our dedication to creating a workplace that values each team member. At Viticus Group, we foster a sense of belonging, tap into individual passions, and provide an enjoyable environment that encourages personal and professional growth. We believe in work-life balance and inject fun into our professional ethos through team outings, contests, and shared lunches. Joining Viticus Group means being part of a dynamic and supportive community where your contributions are not only recognized but celebrated.

PERKS

• Competitive & Transparent Salary – Know what you're worth and be paid fairly for it. 
• Free Employee-Only Coverage – Medical, Dental, Vision, Short & Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance – all 100% covered      for you! 
• 401(k) with 3% Company Match – Invest in your future with our retirement plan. 
• Supportive & Collaborative Work Culture – Be part of a mission-driven team that values connection, communication, and      kindness. 
• Ongoing Professional Development – From workshops to conferences, we’ll support your growth every step of the way. 
• Wellness Programs –Take care of your mental and physical health with access to resources and wellness incentives. 
• Employee Recognition & Appreciation Events – We celebrate wins—big or small—throughout the year! 
• Unique Industry Impact – Make a real difference in veterinary medicine and animal health. 
• Work-Life Balance – We respect your time with predictable scheduling and occasional flexibility. 
• Fun Workplace Culture – Holiday contests, team lunches, and just enough quirks to make work more enjoyable.

Requirements

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Viticus Group is committed to principles of equal opportunities for all employees. The Company will provide reasonable accommodations that are necessary to comply with State and Federal disability discrimination laws.

General Requirements

•  Ability to sit, use hands and fingers, talk or hear, and smell continually.
•  Ability to stand, walk, and reach frequently.
•  Ability to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch occasionally.

Lifting and Carrying

•  Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 10 lbs.
•  Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Vision and Hearing

•  Close vision required to see computer monitors, read documents, and operate copy and fax machines.
•  Distance vision is required to drive an automobile if driving is a requirement of the job.

Work Environment

•  Work environment is indoors and climate-controlled.
•  Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.
•  Moderate noise levels as found in a business office with computer printers, households with TVs and dishwashers, and driving in  light traffic.