Manager, Ritchie Center Events & Operations

At the University of Denver, Student Affairs is at the heart of the student journey—empowering every student to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Rooted in DU’s signature 4D Experience, our division is committed to fostering holistic development through four dimensions: deepen intellect, develop wellbeing, discover character, and design careers and lives of purpose.
Our work reaches far beyond the classroom. Through dynamic, high-impact programs, services, and experiences offered at both the Denver Campus and the Kennedy Mountain Campus, we foster inclusive communities, promote health and wellness, cultivate exploration, engagement, and leadership, and develop a deep sense of belonging. We are committed to creating a high-touch environment where students and participants connect meaningfully, grow confidently, and thrive personally and collectively.
As a division, we serve the broader DU and Denver community which includes:

• Current DU Students & Families
• Prospective Students & Families
• Faculty & Staff
• Alumni & Donors
• Local Community
• Companies & Organizations
• National Peers & Media

Together, we are shaping a vibrant, supportive, and dynamic campus culture where every student and participant can discover their potential and make a meaningful impact.

The Student Affairs division includes the following units:

• 4D Experience
• Office of External Relations (OER)
• Housing, Residential Education and Dining Services
• Driscoll & Community Commons
• Business and Planning
• Student Engagement
• New Student & Family Programs
• Kennedy Mountain Campus
• DU Outdoors
• Wellness & Recreation
• Health & Counseling Center
• First@DU
• Learning Effectiveness Program
• Student Disability Services
• Student Outreach & Support
• Student Rights & Responsibilities
• Veteran & Military Resources
• Office of the Dean of Students

Kennedy Mountain Campus, Wellness & Recreation

The Kennedy Mountain Campus, Wellness & Recreation department at the University of Denver (DU) is a vibrant and integrative unit that advances the university’s holistic 4D Experience—supporting intellectual growth, well-being, character development, and purposeful careers and lives. By bridging DU’s urban and mountain campuses, the department offers immersive wellness and recreational programs that cultivate personal growth, resilience, and meaningful community engagement.

At the heart of our urban campus, the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports and Wellness fosters a championship culture grounded in excellence, integrity, and connection. Drawing inspiration from the spirit of the Rocky Mountain West, our team embraces innovation and builds lasting relationships that serve as a vital link across DU’s diverse community.

Nestled beside Roosevelt National Forest, the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus spans 724 acres of breathtaking wilderness. This unique setting provides students with transformative, nature-based learning experiences designed to deepen their connection to self, others, and the natural world. With a focus on leadership, character development, and holistic well-being—spanning social, spiritual, and physical dimensions—the campus is a cornerstone of DU’s commitment to experiential education.

Position Summary

The Manager of Ritchie Center Events & Operations is a visible, hands-on operational manager responsible for delivering exceptional safety, service quality, and operational excellence across the Ritchie Center’s diverse portfolio of venues, including parking facilities, fitness and aquatic centers, ice and field venues, satellite facilities, and support spaces. This role sets and sustains high performance standards for daily operations, staff performance, and customer experience, ensuring each venue operates safely, efficiently, and in alignment with divisional and department priorities.

The position provides direct management and oversight of core operating units, including facility operations, event and rental supervision, front-line staffing, food and beverage inventory, locker room operations, and service delivery systems. The Manager leads the recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management of service and facility associates, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, teamwork, and pride in service.

In addition to primary responsibility for operational venues, this position provides management and operational support for Ritchie Center spectator venues—such as Magness Arena, Hamilton Gymnasium, Barton Lacrosse Stadium, and Soccer Stadium—when utilized by the Department of Kennedy Mountain Campus, Wellness & R