Director of Operations Ryan Field at Northwestern University

Oak View Group

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 centres, music festivals, performing arts centres and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.

The Director of Operations manages, supervises and coordinates the day‑to‑day operations of the venue, including but not limited to maintenance, set‑up / change‑overs, custodial / housekeeping, landscaping / grounds‑keeping, equipment safety and capital projects. This employee also provides overall administrative planning, direction and policies to operating managers and supervisors, assuring the highest quality service program to assure booking and rebooking of events.

The Director of Operations ensures an effective and cost‑efficient programme by controlling the departmental operating budget while providing highly responsible staff assistance to the General Manager.

This role pays an annual salary of $165,000 – $180,000 and is bonus eligible.

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 September 4, 2026.

The new Ryan Field will create a world‑class home for Northwestern University Athletics and a best‑in‑the‑nation football experience for fans and players and be a year‑round asset for the community.

• Oversees overall daily operation and maintenance of the facility and all systems. This includes HVAC, sound, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, life safety, workplace safety, communications, scoreboard systems, pest control, custodial services, etc.
• Participate in the development and administration of the facility’s operations and capital budgets; forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; and implement adjustments as necessary.
• Oversees the advancing and communicating of event information to the appropriate departments and staff.
• Oversees the operation of event set‑up and tear‑down, i.e. chairs, signs, etc.
• Select, train, motivate and evaluate staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; and implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Responsible for health & safety compliance.
• Develop and update comprehensive management reports and manuals (i.e., Operations Manual, Annual Preventative Maintenance Plan, Annual Facility Report, Fire Code Rules & Regulations, etc.).
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality, seamless customer service.
• Conduct a variety of organizational and operational studies; recommend modifications to programmes, policies and procedures as appropriate.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, facility stakeholders and facility users.
• Direct and monitor the work of contractors, engineers and architects on building projects.
• Maintain hazardous materials communication programme and material safety data sheets; maintain knowledge of changes in pertinent federal, state and local regulations.
• All other duties as assigned by the General Manager/SVP.

• B.S. or B.A. degree from an accredited college/university.
• 5‑7+ years of experience in facility operations management.
• Must show demonstrated knowledge of physical plant management, supervisory skills and experience in work crew supervision in facility operations.
• Ability to work event nights, weekends and holidays as required.
• Knowledge of budget preparation and control.
• Knowledge of OSHA requirements.
• Basic knowledge of boilers, chillers, refrigeration and ice making.
• Basic knowledge of Fire Alarm / Fire Protection Systems.
• Knowledge of event production and theatre technology.
• Capab…