Sports Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (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. 

The Ticket Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of ticket operations for Ryan Field, ensuring the accurate setup, sale, distribution, and reconciliation of tickets for athletic events, concerts, and other special events. This position oversees ticketing systems, financial reconciliation, event builds, reporting, and game-day ticket office operations while delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining the integrity of all ticketing processes. The Ticket Operations Manager works collaboratively with Northwestern Athletics, Event Management, Marketing, Premium Seating, Finance, promoters, and third-party ticketing partners to support successful events and maximize the guest experience. This position requires the flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on the event schedule.

This role pays an annual salary of $65,000 - $85,000.

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 November 13, 2026.

• Manage all ticket operations for athletic events, concerts, and special events at Ryan Field.
• Build, configure, and maintain events within the ticketing system, including seating manifests, pricing, ticket types, offers, promotions, and holds.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the ticket office, including staffing, scheduling, and training of part-time ticket sellers.
• Ensure accurate ticket inventory management and maintain the integrity of all ticket allocations.
• Manage ticket sales, complimentary ticket distribution, will call, and credential fulfillment.
• Monitor daily ticket sales and prepare reports for leadership, event promoters, and University stakeholders.
• Reconcile ticket sales, cash, credit card transactions, and event settlements in partnership with Finance.
• Troubleshoot ticketing issues and provide resolutions for guests, clients, and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate with Marketing and Event Management to implement ticket promotions and special offers.
• Ensure compliance with University, Oak View Group, and ticketing platform policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate documentation of ticket inventory, financial transactions, and event reports.
• Provide exceptional customer service while resolving escalated guest concerns.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with the ticketing platform provider for operational support and system updates.
• Assist with event-day operations, including supervising the ticket office, resolving operational issues, and supporting guest entry.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, Hospitality, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3-5 years of ticket operations experience in collegiate athletics, professional sports, entertainment, performing arts, or a similar venue.
• Experience with ticketing platforms such as Ticketmaster, Paciolan, SeatGeek, Tickets.com, or similar systems.
• Strong understanding of ticket inventory management, financial reconciliation, and event reporting.
• Experience managing part-time staff or temporary employees.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CRM and customer database management.
• Knowledge of access control and mobile ticketing technologies.
• Experience with event settlements and financial reporting.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to walk throughout the stadium during events.
• Ability to lift heavy objects as needed.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on event schedules.

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.

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