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Venue Operations Manager Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

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Venue Operations Manager information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$30.6K

$62.6K

$116.8K

How much do venue operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for venue operations manager in Waterloo, IA is $62,571.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,400.00 and $76,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a venue operations manager?

Venue Operations Managers are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of event venues such as stadiums, theaters, or conference centers. Their duties typically include managing staff, coordinating event logistics, ensuring safety and compliance, and maintaining the facility. They work closely with event organizers, vendors, and security teams to ensure events run smoothly. Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential for this role.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a venue operations manager?

To thrive as a Venue Operations Manager, you need strong organizational abilities, leadership skills, and experience in facility management, often supported by a degree in hospitality, business, or a related field. Familiarity with venue management software, scheduling systems, and compliance with health and safety regulations is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and customer service skills help you effectively lead teams and ensure smooth event execution. These competencies are crucial for maintaining operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and the overall success of venue events.

What are common challenges a venue operations manager faces during large-scale events, and how can they address them?

Venue Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating multiple vendors, ensuring smooth crowd flow, and responding to unforeseen issues like technical malfunctions or safety concerns during large-scale events. Effective communication, detailed pre-event planning, and having contingency protocols in place are key strategies for managing these challenges. Building strong relationships with staff and vendors, conducting thorough walkthroughs, and maintaining flexibility help ensure events run smoothly and safely for all attendees.

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

AspectVenue Operations ManagerEvent Coordinator
Primary FocusOversees daily venue operations, maintenance, staff management, and safety protocolsPlans, organizes, and executes specific events at the venue
CredentialsExperience in facility management, certifications in safety or operationsEvent planning experience, certifications in event management or hospitality
Work EnvironmentVenue management offices, operational areas, staff supervisionEvent sites, client meetings, vendor coordination
Industry UsageHotels, stadiums, convention centers, entertainment venuesWeddings, conferences, festivals, corporate events

The Venue Operations Manager focuses on the overall management and safety of the venue, ensuring smooth daily operations. In contrast, the Event Coordinator handles the planning and execution of individual events within the venue. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but their responsibilities and daily tasks differ significantly.

What job categories do people searching Venue Operations Manager jobs in Waterloo, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Venue Operations Manager jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

Venue Operations Manager jobs near you

Partnership Solutions Coordinator - University of Northern Iowa

Learfield

Cedar Falls, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Learfield rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 52 rated marketing agency

Job description

Learfield is seeking an organized and detail-oriented Partnerships Coordinator to join our Sports Properties team and support the execution of corporate sponsorship activations on campus. This role plays a key part in bringing partnerships to life in meaningful, visible ways for fans, sponsors, and the university community.
In this role, you'll be responsible for executing day-to-day fulfillment activities across partner accounts, providing behind-the-scenes coordination that ensures seamless delivery. You'll work closely with internal team members, university contacts, and brand partners to track assets, deliver campaign elements, and support gameday operations. This is a hands-on role suited for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys logistics and planning, and is excited to grow a career in sports sponsorship.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Support the activation and fulfillment of corporate partnership agreements across traditional, digital, and in-venue platforms

  • Serve as a liaison between the property team, university staff, and brand partners to ensure smooth delivery of partner assets

  • Build andmaintainstrong relationships with organization partners, athletic department staff, and internal stakeholders-serving as a trusted and respected representative ofLearfieldand the property

  • Track inventory andmaintainaccuraterecords of all sponsorship elements and deliverables

  • Assistwith gameday operations, including setup, signage placement, hospitality, and in-game promotions

  • Supervise gameday staff, as needed, to support on-site execution

  • Provide proof-of-performance documentation for fulfilled partnership elements

  • Support administrative functions such as budget tracking, invoicing, contract documentation, and expense reporting

  • Contribute to partner recap presentations and internal reporting

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with departments (e.g., sales, digital, marketing) to ensure seamless execution

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Some experience in marketing, partnerships, events, or a related field (internships or early career experience welcome)

  • Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail

  • Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

  • Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to take initiative and support where needed

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and home games

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in sports management, marketing, business, communications, or a related field

  • Previous experience supporting sponsorships, sports events, or gameday operations

  • Comfort working in live event environments and interacting with diverse stakeholders

Learfield offers a full spectrum of benefits for eligible employees including Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance and Other Insurance Plans, Flexible Paid Time Off (minimum 10+ days annually), including Parental Leave, 20 Paid Holidays, 401(k) + Match, and Short/Long Term Disability. Leave benefits are consistent with state and local laws, including the Colorado Health Families and Workplaces Act.

Learfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.

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