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Sports Event Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

... Sports, and Restaurant venues across the country. For more information on what we are about as a ... Performs inventory management to maintain high valuation and minimal waste. * Ensures that staff is ...

... Sports, and Restaurant venues across the country. For more information on what we are about as a ... Performs inventory management to maintain high valuation and minimal waste. * Ensures that staff is ...

... Sports, and Restaurant venues across the country. For more information on what we are about as a ... Performs inventory management to maintain high valuation and minimal waste. * Ensures that staff is ...

Site Manager

Clive, IA · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

It's the way youth sports should be. What does your company do? Job Summary The Site Manager is ... Field set up and breakdown for game day events * Manage/supervise part-time staff members and ...

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Sports Event Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$24.9K

$58.9K

$94.4K

How much do sports event manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports event manager in Iowa is $58,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $70,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sports event manager do?

A Sports Event Manager oversees the planning, organization, and execution of sports events such as tournaments, matches, and competitions. Their responsibilities include coordinating logistics, managing budgets, securing venues, handling promotions, and ensuring that the event runs smoothly from start to finish. They work closely with athletes, sponsors, vendors, and staff to create a successful and safe experience for participants and attendees. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills are essential for this role.

How much do sports event managers get paid?

Sports event managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, with experienced professionals or those working in large organizations earning higher. Salaries can vary based on location, level of experience, and the size of the events managed, and the role often requires strong organizational and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sports event manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sports Event Manager, you need strong organizational skills, project management experience, and a relevant degree in sports management or a related field. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and ticketing systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help you coordinate teams and ensure smooth event execution. These skills are crucial for delivering successful, well-organized sporting events that meet stakeholders’ expectations and provide a positive experience for attendees.

What are some common challenges faced by sports event managers during large-scale events, and how can they be addressed?

Sports Event Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating logistics across multiple venues, ensuring the safety and security of participants and attendees, and managing last-minute changes or emergencies. Effective communication, contingency planning, and working closely with vendors, local authorities, and team members are essential to overcoming these obstacles. Leveraging project management tools and maintaining flexibility can also help manage stress and ensure a successful event.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Event jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Sports Event jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Sports Event Manager jobs in Iowa? For Sports Event Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sports Event Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Sports Event Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Sports Event Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Sports Event Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Sports Event Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,924 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Event Manager | Full-Time | Iowa Events Center

Spectra

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


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.
Overview
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; and be responsible for and ensure overall customer and lessee satisfaction and experience.
This role pays an annual salary of $45,000-$50,000
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 September 18, 2026.
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
  • 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 the 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
  • 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.