Vice President, Venue Operations

The Vice President, Venue Operations will lead the Event & Facility Operations Department with oversight of matches, events, organization owned and external facilities and associated logistics to ensure adherence with league requirements. Responsible for relationship management with NWSL Operations, Facilities and Broadcast departments and all event and facility stakeholders and vendors.

• Lead the Facility & Event Operations Department, overseeing all Chicago Stars FC matches, events, external facilities, and associated logistics.
• Drive operational efficiency and profitability across the full event lifecycle by developing standardized tools, processes, and budgets at both the individual event and organizational level.
• Manage capital planning, P&L performance, staffing levels, and labor utilization across all event types.
• Oversee planning and execution of matches and special events in partnership with internal teams and external stakeholders, including managing relationships with external facility owners and operators.
• Oversee inventory, storage, and transportation logistics for all team equipment across facilities.
• Ensure adherence to CBA regulations across all facilities used by Chicago Stars FC.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with venues, vendors, and suppliers, and collaborate with the Corporate Partnerships team on facility-related agreements.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the guest experience; lead initiatives and policy improvements that advance guest safety, security, and overall satisfaction.
• Oversee event command post and incident tracking systems, using data to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead the development and implementation of emergency response plans and crisis management protocols.
• Oversee development and operational readiness of the organization's new training facility
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of managers and coordinators, with accountability for staffing, training, and performance management across the department.

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in large venue event management, including direct supervision of personnel, conflict management, rewards and recognition, guest services, mentor and motivate a diverse and dynamic workforce.
• Demonstrated event safety and security best practices, and performance management.
• Demonstrated leadership and personnel management experience with the ability to coach, experience with Federal, State and Local OSHA regulations compliance, including fire, life-safety.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks, prioritize quickly, problem solve, and work collaboratively and professionally with colleagues, fans, athletes, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge in determining and coordinating logistical needs for large events, preferably in a large sports stadium or event venue.
• Outstanding proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite with priority in Word, Excel, & PowerPoint.
• Proven job reliability, diligence, dedication, and attention to detail through the full life-cycle of events (planning, matchday, post-evaluation).
• Demonstrate a service-oriented approach, outstanding guest service, and a results-oriented mindset in all aspects of job and team performance.

• Master’s degree in Sports Administration or Management is preferred.
• Self-starter – intrinsically motivated and able to motivate others.
• Passion for delivering service both externally and internally.

• Must be able to lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Must have willingness to work in an outdoor stadium environment.

• Must be able to attend all Chicago Stars FC home matches.
• Must have ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and…