Event Manager | Full-Time | NOW Arena
Company : Dallas Convention Center
Location : Hoffman Estates, IL, 60192
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
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.
Position Summary
The Event Manager will manage every aspect of their assigned events from the advance planning stages through the end of the event; hire, train, schedule and supervise all event staff; oversee building security and interact with local public safety officials to ensure events run smoothly; coordinate communication between event staff/security and delegate assignments; be responsible for and ensure overall customer and lessee satisfaction and experience.
This role pays an annual salary of $55,000-$65,000
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 February 20, 2026.
About the Venue
NOW Arena is an 11,800-seat multi-purpose family entertainment, cultural and sports center. Seating capacity for the arena ranges from 3,000-6,000 for theater shows; 9,400 for football, hockey, lacrosse and soccer games; 10,000 for basketball games and 11,800 for concerts. The Hideaway Brew Garden is adjacent to the arena where we provide live music and entertainment to the local community over the summer months.
Responsibilities
- Advance, plan, service, and supervise all events
- Plan, direct and evaluate the work of subordinates
- Provide leadership and guidance for event personnel
- Analyze challenges, identify alternative solutions, and project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of organizational objectives
- Communicate clearly and concisely in the English language, both orally and in writing
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with lessees/clients, co-workers, part-time staff, contractors, patrons/public and municipal officials
- Work a flexible schedule, including long nights, early mornings, weekends & holidays as needed
- Complete all duties with a customer service focus through teamwork & dedication to Oak View Group’s principles
- Assist in the preparation of building to meet the requirements of upcoming events/shows
- Assist with the completion of pre-show event financial estimates
- Assist with the completion of post-show event settlements
- Advise lessees on services available from independent contractors for events
- Recruit, train, and supervise event & security staff
- Create work schedules for event & security staff, delegate assignments, and review performance/results
- Function as a liaison between users of the facility and the facility staff
- Recommend and evaluate required event staffing levels
- Coordinate communication between building staff and show staff during load in and load out
- Investigate and resolve event-related complaints in a professional manner ensuring customer satisfaction
- Maintain equipment (radios, metal detection wands, etc.) for all event and security staff
- Make hospitality arrangements as needed
- Communicate with municipal officials, including police, fire and medical services, event staff and public to ensure security of patrons and events run smoothly
- Review emergency planning procedures with all event staff for each event
- Create and distribute detailed data sheets prior to every event
- Prepare and approve bi-weekly payroll for all event staff and security staff
- Coordinate service needs with Food and Beverage provider & make hospitality arrangements as needed
- Serve as Manager on Duty as scheduled
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Qualifications
- 3-5 years of increasingly responsible experience in event management in a stadium, arena, convention center or public assembly facility setting
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university with major coursework in facility management, hospitality management, business, or related field
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office applications, word processing, and Internet
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid drivers’ license
- Knowledge of operational characteristics of events
- Ability to identify the needs of users of the facility
- Knowledge of crowd management and control techniques
- Knowledge of customer service practices
- Knowledge of principles of supervision, scheduling, and training employees
- Demonstrated familiarity with facility use contracts
- Knowledge of fire and public safety regulations
- Knowledge of A/V equipment and electronic systems in public assembly facilities
- Experience with budget preparation and control
- Familiarity with terminology used in entertainment/convention/public assembly settings
- Experience with AutoCAD is preferred but not required
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.
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Frequently asked questions
An Event Manager at Now Arena must demonstrate strong decision-making, effective communication, and team leadership skills to handle complex event logistics. These traits enable smooth coordination among staff, security, and municipal officials, ensuring high-quality experiences across sports, concerts, and cultural events.
Managing varying seating capacities and event types requires the Event Manager to anticipate logistical hurdles such as crowd control, scheduling staff shifts, and coordinating multiple vendors. Their ability to adapt plans efficiently is critical to maintaining smooth operations and patron satisfaction.
Hoffman Estates hosts several sizable event venues, creating moderate competition for full-time Event Manager roles. Candidates with a strong background in stadium or arena management, plus local networking, tend to have an advantage due to the specialized skill set required.
Given Hoffman Estates’ suburban setting, candidates should assess public transit availability, parking facilities at Now Arena, and traffic patterns during event times. Efficient commuting plans are crucial due to variable work hours, including nights and weekends.
This salary band is competitive within the Chicago metro region for event management positions in arenas and convention centers. It reflects the role’s demands, including flexible scheduling and leadership responsibilities, aligning well with regional compensation trends.
Event Managers at Dallas Convention Center benefit from exposure to diverse event types including conventions and cultural gatherings, expanding skillsets beyond sports and concerts. The company’s emphasis on comprehensive venue solutions fosters professional growth in event operations and hospitality management.
Being part of Oak View Group’s global venue network offers Event Managers access to industry-leading resources, networking, and professional development. This affiliation can accelerate career advancement by broadening experience across high-profile live entertainment settings.
Recruiters prioritize candidates with 3-5 years in venue event management, a relevant bachelor's degree, strong communication, and experience in crowd control and staff supervision. Familiarity with budgeting and public safety regulations also enhances candidacy for this position.
Some may underestimate the necessity for irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, given the live event nature. The role demands adaptability and stamina to ensure seamless event execution regardless of time, which is vital for candidate preparedness.