National College Leadership Program Trainee

About the Role

Encore is seeking individuals interested in a career in operations management or sales through our National College Leadership Program (NCLP). This 5-month Manager in Training program prepares individuals for immediate placement into an operations, production, or sales manager role within Encore's nationwide network. The program typically starts in July.

Key Responsibilities

Upon placement in an Operations Manager role:

• Manage floor operations to achieve service excellence with a focus on customer service, staff leadership, performance management, and development.
• Achieve organizational goals through effective workforce and inventory cost control.

Upon placement in a Sales Manager role:

• Guide customers through event experiences, identifying solutions that meet their goals and objectives, resulting in a compelling event experience.
• Utilize all available tools to ensure maximum event and revenue capture from assigned customer base.

Training

• Trainees participate in Technical, Operations, and Sales rotations.
• Hands-on learning in venues alongside field leaders.
• Instructor-led training conducted at the corporate office in Chicago, IL.
• Certifications through online courses from ENCORE University Academies – Leadership, Technical, Operations, Sales, and Service.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• 4-year college graduate with a BA/BS degree required; preference for Hospitality, Business/Management, Communications, Event Management, Theater, or related field.
• At least 1 year of related professional work experience or a combination of employment/internships.
• Strong interest in a management career with the opportunity for advancement and promotion.
• Excellent communication, listening, and presentation skills.
• Effective leadership abilities and customer satisfaction focus.
• Technical aptitude demonstrated through interest and exposure to new technology.
• Ability to work at a hotel location within major metro markets.
• Flexibility to relocate.

Qualifications

• Graduating within the Fall class of 2026 or Spring class of 2027.
• Prior experience in management, operations, technology, and/or hospitality is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting: 2-3 Hours
• Standing: 4-5 Hours
• Walking: 4-5 Hours
• Stooping: 2-3 Hours
• Crawling: 2-3 Hours
• Kneeling: 2-3 Hours
• Bending: 2-3 Hours
• Reaching (above your head): 2-3 Hours
• Climbing: 0-1 Hours
• Grasping: 4-5 Hours

Lifting Requirements

• 0 - 15 lbs*: Continuously
• 16 - 50 lbs*: Frequently
• 51 - 100 lbs: Occasionally
• Over 100 lbs: Occasionally

Carrying Requirements

• 0 - 15 lbs*: Continuously
• 16 - 50 lbs*: Frequently
• 51 - 100 lbs: Occasionally
• Over 100 lbs: Never

Auditory/Visual Requirements

• Close Vision: Continuously
• Distance Vision: Continuously
• Color Vision: Frequently
• Peripheral Vision: Occasionally
• Depth Perception: Frequently
• Hearing: Continuously

Pushing/Pulling Requirements

• 0 - 15 lbs*: Continuously
• 16 - 50 lbs*: Frequently
• 51 - 100 lbs*: Frequently
• Over 100 lbs: Occasionally

Compensation

• Salary Pay Range: $42,414.00 - $55,138.00
• Trainees will receive a base salary.
• Potential for base salary + bonus incentive upon placement as an Operations Manager, Associate Producer, Director of Events, or Venue Sales Manager.

Locations

• Chicago, Illinois (Training)
• Nationwide network of 2,100 venues including luxury hotels, casinos, and conference center properties.
• Specific placement locations include:
• West: Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Las Vegas
• Southwest: Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Denver, Phoenix
• Midwest: Chicago, Nashville, Memphis
• Southeast: Atlanta, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Charlotte, Puerto Rico
• Northeast: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, DC Metro Area
• Canada: Toronto, Vancouver