Event Operations Manager Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

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

Under the direction of the Director of Ticket Sales, the Senior Account Executive is responsible for generating ticket sales revenue through the sale of season tickets, partial plans, group outings, premium seating, and special event packages for URI Football, Men's and Women's Basketball, and Ryan Center events. This position plays a key role in driving new business, retaining existing customers, cultivating premium sales opportunities, and enhancing the overall fan experience. The Senior Account Executive also assists in developing and executing annual ticket sales campaigns, manages customer relationships through the department's CRM platform, supervises part-time sales staff and interns, and collaborates with internal departments to maximize revenue and customer satisfaction.

This role pays an annual salary of $45,000-$50,000 and is commission 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 November 20, 2026.

A state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility, the Thomas M. Ryan Center, located on the University of Rhode Island campus in scenic South County, opened its doors in June 2002. Home to URI Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs, the Ryan Center also features the URI football team's locker room, along with athletic department offices, training rooms, players' lounges, and a souvenir store. The venue seats 8,000 for basketball and over 6,300 for concerts, family shows, lectures, and other community events. The Ryan Center was designed and built to meet all ADA specifications to accommodate our guests with disabilities. Located in Kingston, the Center draws on an audience of over 1.4 million people within a 40-mile radius.

Sales and Revenue Generation

• Generate ticket revenue through the sale of full-season tickets, partial plans, group tickets, premium seating, and hospitality packages for URI Athletics and Ryan Center events.
• Meet or exceed established individual and departmental sales and revenue goals.
• Develop new business opportunities through outbound phone calls, appointments, networking, referrals, and community engagement.
• Execute season ticket renewal campaigns while identifying opportunities to increase retention and account growth.
• Sell premium hospitality products, including suites, club seating, and other premium experiences for athletic events and select entertainment events.
• Maintain an active pipeline of prospects and sales opportunities.  

Customer Relationship Management

• Build and maintain long-term relationships with season ticket members, donors, corporate partners, group leaders, and prospective customers.
• Maintain accurate customer records, sales activity, and prospect information within the department's CRM system.
• Resolve customer concerns in a professional and timely manner while delivering exceptional customer service.

Sales Strategy and Administration

• Assist the Director of Ticket Sales in planning and executing annual sales campaigns.
• Prepare sales presentations, promotional materials, and client proposals.
• Analyze sales performance and provide reports, forecasts, and recommendations to improve revenue generation.
• Research industry trends and best practices to enhance sales strategies and customer engagement.

Leadership and Supervision

• Recruit, train, mentor, and supervise part-time account executives and interns.
• Assist in onboarding, coaching, and evaluating sales staff.
• Foster a collaborative, positive, and results-oriented sales culture.

Event and Game Day Responsibilities

• Assist with game day and event operations, including client hospitality, premium guest services, ticket issue resolution, and customer engagement.
• Coordinate with Athletics Development, Marketing, Communications, Event Operations, and other departments to support sales initiatives and enhance the fan experience.
• Represent URI Athletics and the Ryan Center at community events, promotional appearances, and networking opportunities.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• 2-3 years of successful sales, ticket sales, fundraising, or business development experience with a collegiate or professional sports organization, entertainment venue, or related industry.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated success meeting or exceeding sales and revenue goals.
• Experience utilizing CRM platforms, preferably Salesforce.
• Experience with ticketing systems preferred, including Paciolan and/or Ticketmaster.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays and travel to clients as needed.

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.

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.