Title Event Manager | Full-Time | Iowa Events Center

Des Moines, IA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $45,000.00 - $50,000.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Day Shifts

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) savings plan

401(k) matching

Paid Time Off

vacation days

Job Description

Oak View Group (OVG) is a global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services. Established in 2015, the company has rapidly grown to operate a diverse platform that includes venue development, venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, OVG manages a collection of seven world-class venues and serves a prestigious client roster that features iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions across four continents. Their innovative approach and commitment to excellence have made them a key player in the live entertainment industry worldwide.

The Iowa Events Center, part of OVG’s portfolio, is a renowned venue located at 730 Third Street in Des Moines, Iowa. It serves as a major hub for a wide variety of events, ranging from concerts and sports competitions to conventions and cultural gatherings. As a crucial part of the local community, the Iowa Events Center hosts thousands of attendees annually, providing top-tier event experiences powered by OVG’s expertise in management and facilities.

The Event Manager position at the Iowa Events Center offers a full-time, regular employment opportunity with an annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $50,000. This role is essential to the success of each event hosted at the venue, overseeing all aspects of event execution from initial planning stages through event completion. The Event Manager’s responsibilities include hiring, training, scheduling, and supervising all event staff, ensuring excellent customer and lessee satisfaction, and maintaining safety and security by coordinating with local public safety officials.

This role demands a dynamic individual capable of managing complex logistics and fostering effective communication among various teams. The Event Manager must provide leadership and guidance to all event personnel, ensuring seamless operations during load-ins, performances, and load-outs. Critical duties also involve analyzing challenges, devising solutions, and implementing strategies that align with Oak View Group’s organizational objectives and commitment to customer service excellence.

Working as an Event Manager at OVG entails a flexible schedule that may require long nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays to meet event demands. It provides career growth opportunities within a globally respected live entertainment enterprise that values diversity, inclusivity, and innovation. Benefits for full-time employees include health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching, and paid time off including vacation, sick days, and 11 holidays. This ensures a well-rounded compensation package that supports both professional advancement and personal well-being.

In this role, you will be at the heart of bringing memorable events to life, contributing to the venue’s reputation as a leading entertainment destination. The Event Manager is not only an operational leader but also an ambassador of the Oak View Group’s values of excellence, teamwork, and customer focus. Candidates interested in shaping the future of live event management are encouraged to apply, as this position remains open until September 18, 2026.

Job Requirements

bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
3-5+ years of progressively responsible event management experience in a stadium, arena, convention center or public assembly facility
strong oral and written communication skills
proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
knowledge of crowd management and control techniques
ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays
strong leadership and supervisory skills
ability to coordinate with public safety officials
customer service orientation
familiarity with fire and public safety regulations
experience with budget preparation
ability to handle multiple tasks and resolve event-related challenges effectively
experience in creating schedules and staff management

Job 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 or 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, or public assembly settings
experience with AutoCAD preferred but not required

Job Duties

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
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 and holidays as needed
complete all duties with a customer service focus through teamwork and dedication to Oak View Group's principles
assist in the preparation of building to meet the requirements of upcoming events and shows
assist with the completion of pre-show event financial estimates and post-show event settlements
advise lessees on services available from independent contractors
recruit, train, and supervise event and security staff
create work schedules for event and security staff, delegate assignments, and review performance and results
function as a liaison between users of the facility and 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 professionally
maintain equipment such as radios and metal detection wands
make hospitality arrangements
communicate with municipal officials including police, fire and medical services
review emergency planning procedures with event staff
create and distribute detailed data sheets prior to events
prepare and approve bi-weekly payroll for event and security staff
coordinate service needs with food and beverage provider
serve as Manager on Duty as scheduled
perform other duties as assigned