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Game Day Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Game Day Skater

Rockford, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Manager, Event Presentation & Creative Services Location: Rockford, IL Duration: 2026-27 AHL Season ... This is a game day position that helps promote all aspects of game entertainment while performing ...

Manager, Event Presentation & Creative Services Location: Rockford, IL Duration: 2026-27 AHL Season ... This is a game day position that helps promote all aspects of game entertainment while performing ...

Game Day Skater

Rockford, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Manager, Event Presentation & Creative Services Location: Rockford, IL Duration: 2026-27 AHL Season ... This is a game day position that helps promote all aspects of game entertainment while performing ...

Game Day Assistant Department: Creative Services Reports To ... Creative Services & Event Presentation Manager Location: Rockford, IL Duration: 2026-27 AHL Season ...

Operations Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Lucky Lincoln is the 5th largest Route Gaming Terminal Operator in Illinois, with $110M+ in annual ... THE ROLE As an Operations Manager, you will own the day-to-day operational performance of a defined ...

Operations Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Description: Lucky Lincoln is the 5th largest Route Gaming Terminal Operator in Illinois, with ... THE ROLE As an Operations Manager, you will own the day-to-day operational performance of a defined ...

Operations Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Description Lucky Lincoln is the 5th largest Route Gaming Terminal Operator in Illinois, with $110M ... THE ROLE As an Operations Manager, you will own the day-to-day operational performance of a defined ...

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Game Day Operations Manager information

What is a game day operations manager?

Game Day Operations Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing all logistical and operational aspects of sporting events on the day of the game. Their duties typically include coordinating with teams, venue staff, security, vendors, and volunteers to ensure that the event runs smoothly and safely. They handle any issues that arise during the event, manage schedules, and work to provide an excellent experience for fans, players, and staff. Game Day Operations Managers play a key role in creating a seamless and enjoyable event atmosphere.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game day operations manager?

To thrive as a Game Day Operations Manager, you need strong organizational skills, event management experience, and a background in sports administration or related fields. Familiarity with event management software, ticketing systems, and safety regulations is typically required. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help you effectively coordinate staff and respond to unexpected issues. These skills ensure smooth event execution, positive fan experiences, and the safety and efficiency of game day operations.

What are some common challenges faced by game day operations managers during live events, and how can they be addressed?

Game Day Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as last-minute schedule changes, coordinating large teams of staff and volunteers, and ensuring seamless communication across departments. Managing unexpected issues, like equipment failures or crowd control concerns, also requires quick thinking and adaptability. Successful managers prepare by developing detailed contingency plans, maintaining open lines of communication, and fostering strong relationships with vendors, security, and venue staff. Regularly reviewing post-event feedback helps identify areas for improvement and streamline future operations.

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

AspectGame Day Operations ManagerEvent Coordinator
Primary FocusManaging game day logistics, staff, and operations at sports venuesPlanning and executing various events, including sports, corporate, and social gatherings
Work EnvironmentSports stadiums, arenas, or sports complexes during game daysEvent venues, conference centers, or outdoor locations for diverse events
Required CredentialsExperience in sports management, logistics, or operations; certifications varyEvent planning experience; certifications like CMP or CSEP beneficial

The Game Day Operations Manager primarily focuses on managing logistics and staff during sports events, ensuring smooth game day operations. In contrast, an Event Coordinator handles a broader range of events, coordinating all aspects from planning to execution. Both roles require strong organizational skills and experience in event or operations management, but their scope and environments differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Game Day Operations Manager jobs in Illinois?

For Game Day Operations Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Day Operations Manager jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Day Operations Manager jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Game Day Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Game Day Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Game Day Operations Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 14% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Athletic Game Day Operations/Administrative Staff

Svsu

Campus, IL

Part-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Job Title:

Athletic Game Day Operations/Administrative Staff

Full or Part Time:

Part time

Hours:

10

Exempt:

No

Supervisory Org:

Game Day Operations (JM-CH)

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY:

Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), an NCAA Division II institution and member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), is seeking qualified candidates to join the Athletic Game Day Operations/Administrative Staff. This position supports the Assistant Athletic Director of Facilities & Events in the planning, coordination, and execution of home athletic contests and special events for the University's 21 Division II varsity athletic programs. The successful candidates will play a key role in delivering safe, organized, and positive game-day experiences for student-athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Communicate effectively with supervisors and peers to enforce venue policies while maintaining a positive, guest-friendly atmosphere.
  • Serve as a point of contact for guest service and be able to greet, welcome, and help guide guests, opposing team personnel, and officials through our athletic facilities.
  • Collaborate with multiple campus departments and event staff to coordinate and execute varsity athletic contests and special events.
  • When challenges arise, be solution-oriented and work with our guests to ensure that they are having a positive experience.
  • Use confidence and positivity to make sure confrontation does not become conflict when assisting guests.
  • Work with tools and equipment to set up and tear down events in a safe and timely manner.
  • Operate athletic event equipment before, during, and after contests. Equipment may include, but is not limited to, radios, golf carts, ticket scanners, sound systems, scoreboards, etc.
  • Read, understand, and ask follow-up questions pertaining to pre-event information sheets and pre-event operational meetings.
  • Understand event logistics, assigned responsibilities, and how individual roles contribute to the successful execution of each event.
  • Assist with reporting accidents and incidents that arise within the athletic facilities during a contest/event.
  • Communicate availability and non-availability via email within established timelines.
  • Perform a variety of game day operation-type roles, including but not limited to: Ushers/Door Supervisors, Ticket Seller/Scanners, Shuttle Drivers, Swim Meet Timers, Announcer Spotters, Music Operators, etc.
  • Perform a variety of game day administrative-type roles, including but not limited to: Scoreboard Operator, Play Clock Operator, Game Clock Operator, Chain Crew, Public Address Announcer, etc.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports directly to the Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Facilities & Events and functionally to the Assistant Director of Athletic Facilities & Events and the Athletic Ticketing and Game Day Experience Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Two years of related work experience, preferably in athletics, athletic event operations or sport management.
  • Valid Michigan driver's license may be required for some events.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends; schedules vary based on the home competition schedule.
  • Experience and ability to positively interact with all members of the campus community
  • Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Primarily, work shifts include evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.
  • Work may be performed in both indoor and outdoor athletic venues.
  • Position may require working in varying weather conditions.
  • When scheduled, attend training and meetings within employee groups and departments.
  • All work associated with this role must be performed within the state of Michigan.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout their employment. The university does not provide employment visa sponsorship now or in the future for this job classification. Since SVSU does not participate in E-Verify, candidates for employment are not eligible for STEM OPT extensions.

The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job. It shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

About SVSU:

Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan's Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. SVSU was recognized as a "Great College to Work For" for 9 consecutive years (2016-2024).
SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation.
SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students' performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels. SVSU is constructing the first university research facility on Lake Huron to improve public health and the economy in the Saginaw Bay watershed.
More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2025). SVSU fields 20 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students. For more information, please visit our website,http://www.svsu.edu.