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Event Operations Manager Jobs in Elmhurst, IL (NOW HIRING)

This role will coordinate daily restaurant and event operations, supervise team members, manage labor and operational efficiencies, and partner with culinary and service leaders to ensure consistent ...

This role will coordinate daily restaurant and event operations, supervise team members, manage labor and operational efficiencies, and partner with culinary and service leaders to ensure consistent ...

The Operations Manager is responsible for managing and executing banquet and event operations with precision and professionalism. This role ensures that all front-of-house (FOH) elements, service ...

The Operations Manager is responsible for managing and executing banquet and event operations with precision and professionalism. This role ensures that all front-of-house (FOH) elements, service ...

Showing results 21-40

Event Operations Manager information

See Elmhurst, IL salary details

$20.9K

$59.8K

$91.1K

How much do event operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for event operations manager in Elmhurst, IL is $59,817.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,300.00 and $70,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an event operations manager do?

An Event Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of events to ensure everything runs smoothly. Their duties include managing logistics, supervising staff, coordinating with vendors, and addressing any issues that arise during the event. They work closely with clients to understand their needs and ensure that each event meets expectations and stays within budget. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an event operations manager?

To thrive as an Event Operations Manager, you need strong organizational skills, event planning experience, and often a degree in hospitality, event management, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and logistics platforms is typically required. Outstanding communication, problem-solving abilities, and leadership are essential soft skills for managing teams and client relationships. These skills ensure smooth event execution, client satisfaction, and the ability to handle unexpected challenges effectively.

What are some common challenges event operations managers face during large-scale events, and how can they effectively address them?

Event Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as last-minute changes, vendor delays, and coordination of large teams during high-profile events. To address these, it's essential to maintain detailed contingency plans, foster clear communication with all stakeholders, and stay adaptable under pressure. Building strong relationships with vendors and ensuring regular briefings with the event team can help mitigate disruptions and keep the event running smoothly.

What is the difference between Event Operations Manager vs Event Coordinator?

AspectEvent Operations ManagerEvent Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall event logistics, manages teams, and ensures smooth executionAssists with planning, coordinates vendors, and manages event setup
Required SkillsLeadership, project management, problem-solvingCommunication, organization, multitasking
Work EnvironmentManagement level, often in office and on-sitePrimarily on-site during events
CertificationsEvent planning or management certifications preferredEntry-level certifications or experience often sufficient

The Event Operations Manager typically holds a higher-level role with responsibilities for overseeing entire events and managing teams, while the Event Coordinator focuses on assisting with planning and executing specific event tasks. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but the manager position involves more leadership and strategic oversight.

What job categories do people searching Event Operations Manager jobs in Elmhurst, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Event Operations Manager jobs in Elmhurst, IL are:

What cities near Elmhurst, IL are hiring for Event Operations Manager jobs?

Cities near Elmhurst, IL with the most Event Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Event Operations Manager job openings in Elmhurst, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,817 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Director of Event Operations | Full-Time | Ryan Field at Northwestern University

Oak View Group

Evanston, IL • On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Oak View Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 37 rated event venues


Job description

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 centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.
Position Summary
The Director of Event Operations is responsible for leading the day-to-day operational readiness of Ryan Field and ensuring the successful execution of athletic events, concerts, commencement ceremonies, and other special events. This position oversees event operations, event management, venue conversions, housekeeping, and operational staffing to ensure the stadium is safe, clean, and prepared to deliver an exceptional guest experience. The Director of Event Operations provides leadership for Event Managers, the Event Operations Crew, Housekeeping, grounds/field staff, and the Operations Coordinator while collaborating with Facilities, Security, Guest Experience, Ticket Operations, Marketing, Northwestern Athletics, promoters, and external partners to execute world-class events. This position requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on the event calendar.
This role pays an annual salary of $130,000 - $150,000 and is bonus 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 13, 2026.
Responsibilities
  • Lead all event operations and venue readiness activities for Ryan Field.
  • Direct the planning, execution, and post-event evaluation of football games, concerts, commencement ceremonies, and special events.
  • Supervise and develop Event Managers, the Operations Coordinator, Event Operations Crew, Housekeeping and Grounds/Fields staff.
  • Oversee venue setup, event conversions, room configurations, furniture moves, field protection systems, staging support, and post-event breakdowns.
  • Ensure the stadium is clean, safe, and event-ready through effective housekeeping and operational planning.
  • Develop staffing plans and operational schedules to support all stadium events.
  • Collaborate with Northwestern Athletics, event promoters, production teams, and internal departments to ensure seamless event execution.
  • Direct operational logistics, including loading docks, back-of-house activities, storage areas, and event equipment.
  • Establish and maintain standard operating procedures for event operations, housekeeping, and venue conversions.
  • Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, guest satisfaction, and cost effectiveness.
  • Develop and manage departmental operating budgets, labor costs, equipment purchases, and operational contracts.
  • Oversee inventory and maintenance of operational equipment, including tables, chairs, barricades, staging, crowd control equipment, and event furnishings.
  • Partner with the Director of Facilities to coordinate preventative maintenance activities and ensure building systems support event operations.
  • Support emergency preparedness planning and serve as a member of the venue's incident response team.
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, safety standards, University policies, and Oak View Group operating procedures.
  • Develop, coach, and evaluate departmental staff while promoting a culture of accountability, teamwork, and exceptional service.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Facility Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 5-7 years of progressive operations or event management experience in a stadium, arena, convention center, university, or similar large public assembly venue.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience supervising full-time staff.
  • Demonstrated experience managing large-scale events and venue operations.
  • Strong knowledge of event logistics, venue conversions, housekeeping operations, and operational planning.
  • Experience managing departmental budgets and staffing plans.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and event management software.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in NCAA Division I athletics or professional sports.
  • Experience supporting concerts and large-scale entertainment events.
  • Knowledge of crowd management, emergency preparedness, and public assembly operations.
  • Experience working in a union environment.
  • Certified Venue Executive (CVE), Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), or related certification is a plus.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand and walk throughout the stadium for extended periods.
  • Ability to climb stairs and access all areas of the venue.
  • Ability to lift heavy objects as needed.
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on event schedules.

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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About Oak View Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oak View Group (OVG) is a Development and Investment Company based in Los Angeles, CA, USA. Founded in 2015, the company plays a significant role in the sports and live entertainment industry. Specializing in arena & stadium alliances, OVG is committed to establishing partnerships that facilitate the growth of the live entertainment industry. The company operates multiple subdivisions involved in different aspects like facilities, security, content & media, and investments. Oak View Group's core mission is to be an industry leader that can be trusted by partners, residents, and fans to create world-class experiences.

Industry

Management of companies and enterprises

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US