Special Events and Venues Manager; Recreation Programs Manager

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.

Shape the events and spaces that define Santa Barbara. The City of Santa Barbara is seeking a skilled and community-focused professional to serve as its next Special Events and Venues Manager to lead the City’s special events, filming, venue rental, and City-produced event programs.

Read more about the Parks and Recreation Department here.

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.