Overview

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 $130,000 - $150,000 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 venue's 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's 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.