Title Event Manager | Full-Time | Iowa Events Center

Oak View Group (OVG) is a globally recognized leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services. Established in 2015, the company operates a wide-ranging platform that includes venue development and complete venue management capabilities. OVG’s portfolio ranges across multiple types of venues such as arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions spanning four continents. With a reputation for excellence in the sports and entertainment industries, OVG is committed to innovation, inclusivity, and delivering exceptional experiences to its clients and patrons. Located in Des Moines, Iowa, the Iowa Events Center is one of OVG's premier venues, hosting a diverse array of events that require meticulous planning, coordination, and execution to ensure an unrivaled guest experience.

The Event Manager role at the Iowa Events Center is a full-time position that offers an annual salary between $45,000 and $50,000. This position plays a critical role in managing the lifecycle of assigned events from initial planning and logistics through to execution and post-event wrap-up. The Event Manager is tasked with hiring, training, scheduling, and supervising all event staff, ensuring proper building security, and coordinating closely with local public safety officials. Acting as the primary liaison between event users, clients, venue staff, and municipal entities, the Event Manager ensures seamless communication and exceptional customer satisfaction. In essence, the Event Manager orchestrates all operational aspects of events to uphold the Oak View Group’s standards of excellence.

Key responsibilities include advanced event planning, directing event teams, analyzing operational challenges, and implementing viable solutions to maintain smooth event flows. The role demands the ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as required by event demands. Strong leadership capabilities are needed to establish effective working relationships with lessees, contractors, public officials, and patrons. The Event Manager also plays an essential role in financial elements such as estimating event costs and managing post-event settlements. Additionally, ensuring that all safety regulations and emergency protocols are adhered to during events reinforces the venue’s reputation as a secure and highly professional facility.

This position is ideal for individuals with 3 to 5 plus years of experience in managing events in large-scale assembly settings such as arenas, stadiums, or convention centers. Candidates are expected to have a bachelor’s degree in facility management, hospitality management, business, or a closely related field. The ideal applicant possesses strong communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and a deep understanding of crowd management, public safety regulations, and customer service principles. Knowledge of audio/visual equipment, contracts, budget control, and familiarity with entertainment industry terminology further strengthens the candidate's profile. Experience with AutoCAD is considered a plus though not a requirement.

Oak View Group fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment, celebrating different backgrounds to drive innovation and excellence across its organizational culture. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment ensures that all applicants are treated fairly and without discrimination based on protected characteristics. The Event Manager position at the Iowa Events Center represents a unique opportunity for a dynamic professional to contribute to a world-class entertainment platform while enriching their career with challenging, meaningful work in a vibrant, forward-thinking company.