Overview

The General Manager will be responsible for overall management, promotion, and operation of the facilities, including contracting, purchasing, booking, marketing, finance, human resources, event management/operations, food and beverage, box office, capital project planning, advertising, security, production, maintenance, and related operations by performing the following duties personally or through subordinates. The General Manager is accountable for the development of policies, procedures, and programs for achieving the goals set for Hilliard Center by OVG. The position reports directly to the District General Manager, OVG.

This role pays an annual salary of $160,000-$180,000 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 August 21, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Maintains active contact with the Client/Contract Administrator.
• Monitors OVG’s compliance with all provisions of the management contract
• Aggressively promotes the use of the facilities to maximize their utilization
• Negotiates contracts and lease agreements with event organizers, meeting planners, promoters and agents for all managed spaces
• Responsible for working directly with promoters, artist agents and managers to book concerts, family shows and other ticketed and non-ticketed events at Hilliard Center
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Client/Contract Administrator, tenants, government departments and agencies, entertainment/convention industry, community and civic organizations to encourage continual and regular use of the facility
• Coordinates facility involvement with Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as other appropriate destination marketing agencies
• Assures the coordination, implementation and administration of specific plans and programs prescribed by corporate directives, to include training and development, quality assurance, energy efficiency, safety/emergency procedures, crowd control and crisis management, or other areas as needed
• Develops and implements facility goals in accordance with the management contract, the client’s objectives, corporate policy, and good business practice
• Prepares and maintains required and necessary reports/records for the Client/Contract and Corporate Office
• Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs all activities and personnel engaged in maintaining and operating the facilities
• Assists and coordinates with the development of the annual operating calendar, activity schedules, and projections for the attendance and/or revenue
• Conducts weekly staff meetings
• Directs the development and administers the execution of operating and marketing financial plans and documents, to include operating revenue and expense budgets and capital expense budgets
• Provides for control of the day-to-day operations, assuring the coordination of programs and events
• Conducts post-event operational financial review and analysis
• Provides final approval of all contracts and agreements with suppliers, promoters, and tenants for necessary activities and services at the facilities
• Provides or coordinates for timely and effective response to directives and requests received from internal and external organizations, agencies, departments and individuals; assures and maintains the integrity of the facility and OVG in all forms of communication
• Oversees and advises Human Resources on any necessary revisions/modifications to staffing plans, including number and types of employees, essential functions, salaries, and benefits
• Assures the administration of personnel and the operation of the venue and facilities are conducted in accordance with applicable local, state and federal regulations
• Evaluates the facility practices and recommends improvements to better reflect the needs of the Client and the facilities, and/or to improve the efficiency and safety of operation, in compliance with OVG policies
• Responsible for recruiting, training, supervising and evaluating administrative and supervisory staff
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with tenants, employees, union representatives and the general public
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Manages subordinate Directors or Managers who supervise employees in the Finance, Marketing, Event Operations, Food & Beverage, Sales, or other facility departments.
• Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with OVG’s policies and applicable laws. 
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding; disciplining employees in conjunction with Human Resources; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (BA) from a four-year accredited college or university with major coursework in business or public administration or related fields
• Minimum of 5-7+ years progressively responsible experience, ideally in a leadership role, with an arena or convention center or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in contract negotiation, purchasing procedures, and supervising personnel
• Experience in labor relations and union contracts, if applicable
• A dynamic leader with visionary abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and organizational ability
• Ability to work with and maintain highly confidential information is required
• Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays as required by event schedule
• Ability to work simultaneously with a broad variety of vested interest groups and to foster a cooperative environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices used in the successful management of convention and arena facilities
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel and be internet proficient
• Ability to anticipate problems and implement immediate corrective action
• Ability to perform effectively under significant pressure typically associated with meeting the demands and timetables of the entertainment industry
• Considerable knowledge of safety regulations and other federal, state or local laws and regulations
• Strong orientation towards hospitality/customer service for the meeting, convention and entertainment industry
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, sales/marketing, event management, facility operating standards, building maintenance, custodial, personnel and office management
• Effective supervisory skills
• Ability to deal effectively with human resource and personnel problems, to deal constructively with conflict, and to provide counsel and execute applicable solutions
• Ability to manage facilities of same size and type