General Manager | University Of Kansas Athletics

Oak View Group

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.

More information at OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Overview

The General Manager is responsible for the efficient, professional, and profitable operation of the University of Kansas ("KU") 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 University's and venue's reputations along with the city of Lawrence and Douglas County. In 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 venue's entertainment, non-intercollegiate sporting, conference, and meeting events.

This role will pay a salary of $125,000 to $175,000.

For FT roles: Benefits: Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, 401(k) matching, and paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 12 holidays).

Remove Sept 17, 2024

Responsibilities

• 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 KU's 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's 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 year's experience at a senior level position serving as a AGM,GM, 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.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference.

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 our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. 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.

EEO

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.