General Manager | Full-Time | University of Kansas Athletics

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development management and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential highest attended arenas convention centers music festivals performing arts centers and cultural institutions on the planet.

The General Manager is responsible for the efficient professional and profitable operation of the University of Kansas (KU) David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium Gateway Stadium project and Conference Center. The purpose of this role is to manage in conjunction with KU and Kansas Athletics Inc. (KAI) all aspects of the Stadium and Conference Center making it a high profile commercial public venue suitable for conducting national international and community sporting and entertainment events in a way that enhances the Universitys and venues reputations along with the city of Lawrence and Douglas addition to managing the day-to-day business operations in coordination with KU and KAI the General Manager solicits new sources of revenue both on and off the venue property. Responsible for overall management promotion and operation of the facility including purchasing policy administration booking sales and marketing finance box office advertising security production maintenance custodial guest services event management capital expenditure planning parking and related operations for a stadium and conference center. This position is responsible for the development coordination and management of all aspects and strategies for the venues entertainment non-intercollegiate sporting conference and meeting events.

This role pays an annual salary of $200000-$250000 and is bonus eligible

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health Dental and Vision Insurance 401(k) Savings Plan 401(k) matching and Paid Time Off (vacation days sick days and 11 holidays)

This position will remain open until March 13 2026.

The University of Kansas (KU) stadium is the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium a historic venue in Lawrence Kansas currently undergoing a massive $448 million renovation as part of the KU Gateway project which has transformed the west side with new seating amenities and an intimate feel bringing the Jayhawks football back home after playing at other venues during construction.

• Arrange for and otherwise book events at the venue develop and maintain relationships with reputable promoters local market contacts agents and talent affiliates to attract concerts shows entertainment events etc.
• Administrate specific plans and programs prescribed by corporate directives to include HR Sales and Marketing quality assurance energy efficiency safety/emergency procedures crowd control and crisis management practices or other areas as needed.
• Initiate and grow community connection with the venue through the development of local partnerships and collaborative event content planning with the University the City of Lawrence Jayhawk Hospitality Explore Lawrence local businesses and community groups.
• Develop new business in the area of sport and entertainment suitable for the stadium and compatible with purpose to ensure the financial viability of the venue.
• Hire and develop the necessary staff to manage and operate a world class venue.
• Generate for client in a timely manner with regular cadence financial sales and other reports detailing the arena activities.
• Prepare a proposed annual Operating Budget and submit such proposed budget to client/corporate.
• Coordinate with and provide support to the OVG Hospitality on-site General Manager
• Service as main point of contact with the KU contract administrator Explore Lawrence and City of Lawrence.
• Coordinate all of KUs activities in the new Gateway project plaza.
• Manage oversee and coordinate all of the required pre-opening activites for OVG within the KU Gateway stadium project.
• Oversees day to day operation ensuring technical and staff resource needs for all events oversees plans for allocating those resources and successfully manages their efficient implementation.
• Ensure all agreements made regarding the Facility follow the contract state federal and alcohol laws.
• Provide final approval for all contracts and agreements.
• Attending conferences and trade association meetings.

• Bachelors degree or better from an accredited college or university in Business/Hospitality Management or related field.
• Minimum of ten (10) years management experience in a Stadium Arena Convention Center or other similar public assembly facility
• Minimum of 3 years experience at a senior level position serving as a AGMGM or Similar role
• Experience opening a new venue
• Experience working with higher education and collegiate athletics
• The ability to research develop and maintain relationships with artist agents artist management as well as local regional and national promoters.
• Proven leadership skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of event solicitation and presentation public relations advertising and media relations and event planning facility operations budget preparation and personnel management
• Ability to apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to express ideas clearly through both oral and written communication.
• Superior Sales and Marketing skills
• Knowledge of budget preparation and control
• Considerable knowledge of safety regulations and other federal state or local laws and regulations
• Effectively work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate with employees co-workers volunteers management staff and guests in a clear professional and courteous manner which fosters a positive enthusiastic and cooperative work environment.
• Ability to make sound business/operations decisions quickly and under pressure.
• Ability to speak read and write in English.
• Solid working knowledge of computer applications: Microsoft office POS systems timekeeping systems.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented fast-paced event-driven environment.
• Ability to work independently with little direction.

At OVG we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation strengthens ourpeople improves ourservice and raises ourexcellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (protected class) including but not limited to veteran status uniform service member status race color religion sex national origin age physical or mental disability genetic information or any other protected class under federal state or local law.