Description

The Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center has retained SearchWide Global to find a hands-on leader to serve as the new General Manager. 

From trade shows, conferences, and corporate meetings to banquets, weddings, and galas, the award-winning Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center will host your event with professionalism and personality…with style!

The Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center is seeking a dynamic and visionary General Manager to oversee all aspects of the facility’s operations, financial performance, and guest experience. Known for its exceptional standards of service and hospitality, RRCC takes pride in delivering outstanding guest experiences and is recognized for producing and serving the finest quality food. This executive leader will ensure the Convention Center remains a premier destination for conventions, trade shows, and events, driving economic impact for the region.

The General Manager reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the overall management and supervision of the venue’s departments, including event services, engineering, maintenance, sales & marketing, food & beverage, finance, and guest services.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience in a major convention center, multipurpose facility, or equivalent venue.
• Certified Venue Executive (CVE) certification is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of operations, financial management, event planning, engineering, food & beverage, and hospitality services.
• Proven ability to lead diverse teams, manage large-scale budgets, and drive revenue growth.
• Experience in sales, marketing, and community engagement within the event and hospitality industry.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree required, with emphasis in business, hospitality, management, engineering, or related fields preferred.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS: 

• Community & Relationship-Oriented – Builds strong connections with city, county, and state leaders while engaging deeply in Rochester.
• Forward-Facing & Visible – Actively networks with stakeholders and is present in the community.
• Hospitality & Service-Minded – Understands the industry, prioritizes guest experience, and upholds high service standards.
• Innovative & Visionary – Brings fresh ideas, embraces change, and drives continuous improvement.
• Financially & Business-Savvy – Strong grasp of budgeting, funding, revenue generation, and new business development (NBD).
• Diplomatic & Collaborative – Works effectively across teams, government agencies, and private-sector partners.
• Adaptable & Resilient – Navigates challenges with creativity, determination, and a problem-solving mindset.
• Empathetic & Inspirational Leader – Fosters a strong team culture, motivates staff, and retains top talent.
• Operationally & Technologically Competent – Experienced in venue, hotel, or convention center management with a focus on efficiency and technology.
• Hands-On & Accountable – Engaged in daily operations, approachable, and leads by example.

TOP PRIORITIES (for the first 6-12 months):

• Build Community & Government Relationships – Engage with key city, county, and state leaders to strengthen support for the convention center.
• Preserve and Strengthen Team Excellence – Maintain the high standards of service delivery, uphold the value and quality of in-house food and beverage, foster a strong team culture, and ensure accountability at all levels.
• Advance Capital Improvements – In partnership with the City, County, and State, secure $66M funding and begin critical upgrades to modernize the facility.
• Drive Sales & New Business Development (NBD) – Strengthen partnerships with the Visit Rochester, hotels, and vendor partners to attract larger events.
• Maximize Revenue Streams – Leverage opportunities such as the parking garage to generate additional income.
• Align with Rochester’s Economic Development – Integrate the convention center’s strategy with downtown revitalization and hospitality growth.
• Maintain Strong Union Relationships & Enhance Vendor Partnerships – Continue fostering a positive union dynamic while strengthening collaborations with key vendors like OnServices and Great Lakes to optimize operations.

If interested in learning more about this great opportunity, please send your resume to our SearchWide Global Executive, Mark Gnatovic, President of Retained Search, Info@searchwideglobal.com

Job ID

58818

Job Title

General Manager, Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center

Start Date

03/10/2025

Salary Range

no minimum salary specified - no maximum salary specified

Job Location

Rochester NY United States

Contact Information

Name & Title

Mark Gnatovic

Email

info@searchwideglobal.com 

Best Method of Contact

EMAIL