Director of Event Operations | Full-Time | Ryan Field at Northwestern University

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management hospitality and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015 the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas stadiums convention centers music festivals performing arts centers and cultural institutions spanning four continents.

The Director of Event Operations is responsible for leading the day-to-day operational readiness of Ryan Field and ensuring the successful execution of athletic events concerts commencement ceremonies and other special events. This position oversees event operations event management venue conversions housekeeping and operational staffing to ensure the stadium is safe clean and prepared to deliver an exceptional guest experience. The Director of Event Operations provides leadership for Event Managers the Event Operations Crew Housekeeping grounds/field staff and the Operations Coordinator while collaborating with Facilities Security Guest Experience Ticket Operations Marketing Northwestern Athletics promoters and external partners to execute world-class events. This position requires flexibility to work evenings weekends holidays and extended hours based on the event calendar.

This role pays an annual salary of $130000 - $150000 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 November 13 2026.

• Lead all event operations and venue readiness activities for Ryan Field.
• Direct the planning execution and post-event evaluation of football games concerts commencement ceremonies and special events.
• Supervise and develop Event Managers the Operations Coordinator Event Operations Crew Housekeeping and Grounds/Fields staff.
• Oversee venue setup event conversions room configurations furniture moves field protection systems staging support and post-event breakdowns.
• Ensure the stadium is clean safe and event-ready through effective housekeeping and operational planning.
• Develop staffing plans and operational schedules to support all stadium events.
• Collaborate with Northwestern Athletics event promoters production teams and internal departments to ensure seamless event execution.
• Direct operational logistics including loading docks back-of-house activities storage areas and event equipment.
• Establish and maintain standard operating procedures for event operations housekeeping and venue conversions.
• Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency guest satisfaction and cost effectiveness.
• Develop and manage departmental operating budgets labor costs equipment purchases and operational contracts.
• Oversee inventory and maintenance of operational equipment including tables chairs barricades staging crowd control equipment and event furnishings.
• Partner with the Director of Facilities to coordinate preventative maintenance activities and ensure building systems support event operations.
• Support emergency preparedness planning and serve as a member of the venues incident response team.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations safety standards University policies and Oak View Group operating procedures.
• Develop coach and evaluate departmental staff while promoting a culture of accountability teamwork and exceptional service.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelors degree in Sports Management Hospitality Management Business Administration Facility Management or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5-7 years of progressive operations or event management experience in a stadium arena convention center university or similar large public assembly venue.
• Minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience supervising full-time staff.
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale events and venue operations.
• Strong knowledge of event logistics venue conversions housekeeping operations and operational planning.
• Experience managing departmental budgets and staffing plans.
• Excellent leadership communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and event management software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in NCAA Division I athletics or professional sports.
• Experience supporting concerts and large-scale entertainment events.
• Knowledge of crowd management emergency preparedness and public assembly operations.
• Experience working in a union environment.
• Certified Venue Executive (CVE) Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or related certification is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk throughout the stadium for extended periods.
• Ability to climb stairs and access all areas of the venue.
• Ability to lift heavy objects as needed.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work evenings weekends holidays and extended hours based on event schedules.

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.