Job ID: 52310
Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Last Updated: 4 days ago
The Myrtle Beach Convention Center is a high-performing public asset at a defining moment in its evolution. With strong occupancy, an experienced operations team, and a central role in the region’s tourism economy, the facility is well positioned for continued success. At the same time, increasing operational complexity, aging infrastructure, evolving market expectations, and a highly engaged stakeholder environment have created a clear opportunity and need for the next phase of leadership.
The next General Manager will step into a role that is far more than operational oversight. This is a visible, strategic, and highly influential leadership position, requiring presence, judgment, and the ability to align diverse interests around a shared vision for the future of the Convention Center and the broader destination.
The General Manager of the Convention Center provides strategic, operational, and financial leadership for one of the City’s most visible and economically impactful facilities. Reporting to City leadership, this executive oversees all aspects of Convention Center operations, Including sales, events, administration, and facility management, while ensuring exceptional customer experiences for clients, exhibitors, and the community. This role offers the opportunity to lead a complex, high-profile public venue, build strong partnerships with hospitality and hotel stakeholders, and contribute directly to the City’s economic development and tourism strategy.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Executive Leadership & Staff Management
- Provide leadership and direction to administrative, operations, sales, and event staff
- Recruit, train, evaluate, and mentor employees; oversee performance management, discipline, and succession planning
- Foster a customer-focused, collaborative, and high-performing organizational culture
Convention Center Operations & Event Oversight
- Direct all event coordination activities before, during, and after events
- Oversee daily operations, staffing levels, facility readiness, and equipment maintenance
- Ensure compliance with all building rules, safety standards, and operating procedures
- Serve as the primary point of contact for show promoters, exhibitors, vendors, and clients
Financial & Contract Management
- Develop and manage the Convention Center’s operating budget and monitor expenditures
- Present budget requests to City Council and ensure fiscal accountability
- Approve purchase requisitions, invoices, payroll, travel reimbursements, and contracts
- Lead procurement processes, including requests for proposals and contract awards
- Negotiate and approve license agreements and rental agreements with clients
Stakeholder & Community Engagement
- Serve as liaison with Convention Center hotel management and oversee lease-related coordination
- Coordinate with hotel partners on labor, ballroom and meeting space setup, and food and beverage services
- Represent the Convention Center at community events, public meetings, and professional forums
- Participate in City committees and cross-departmental initiatives as needed
Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement
- Establish short- and long-term operational and strategic goals
- Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices
- Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and innovations in convention and civic center management
- Promote continuous improvement in service delivery, efficiency, and customer satisfaction
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality, Facility Management, or a related field
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in convention center, civic center, or large facility operations
- Strong knowledge of management, budgeting, accounting, event planning, and customer service
- Proven ability to lead large teams and manage complex operations
- Exceptional communication skills—both written and verbal
- Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
- Skilled in building relationships, motivating teams, and navigating high-visibility stakeholder environments
- Comfortable operating in a dynamic, fast-paced public-sector environment
- Valid driver’s license required
COMPENSATION
The salary offered at the time of hire is expected to be between $135,000 – $160,000, with the broader salary range offering long term salary growth within the role. There may be potential for performance based incentives.
The City of Myrtle Beach offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes city paid medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, along with access to a no cost employee health and wellness center, telemedicine, and wellness programs that reward healthy behaviors with paid time off. Employees also receive strong retirement benefits through the South Carolina Retirement System, education reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, optional supplemental insurance plans, and an Employee Assistance Program.
Additional perks include a yearly holiday bonus, free use of city recreation centers, incentives for bilingual employees, and discounted or pre tax savings options such as deferred compensation plans. Overall, the benefits emphasize affordability, wellness, long term retirement security, and employee well being.
