General Manager | Full-Time | University of Kansas Athletics

Oak View Group

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.

Position Summary

The General Manager is responsible for the efficient, professional, and profitable operation of the University of Kansas (“KU”) David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Gateway Stadium project, and Conference Center. The purpose of this role is to manage, in conjunction with KU and Kansas Athletics, Inc. (“KAI”), all aspects of the Stadium and Conference Center, making it a high profile, commercial public venue suitable for conducting national, international and community sporting and entertainment events, in a way that enhances the University’s and venue’s reputations along with the city of Lawrence and Douglas County. In addition to managing the day-to-day business operations in coordination with KU and KAI, the General Manager solicits new sources of revenue, both on and off the venue property. Responsible for overall management, promotion, and operation of the facility, including, purchasing, policy administration, booking, sales and marketing, finance, box office, advertising, security, production, maintenance, custodial, guest services, event management, capital expenditure planning, parking, and related operations for a stadium and conference center. This position is responsible for the development, coordination and management of all aspects and strategies for the venue’s entertainment, non-intercollegiate sporting, conference, and meeting events. 

 

This role pays an annual salary of $200,000-$250,000 and is bonus eligible

 

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 March 13, 2026.

About the Venue

The University of Kansas (KU) stadium is the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, a historic venue in Lawrence, Kansas, currently undergoing a massive $448 million renovation as part of the KU Gateway project, which has transformed the west side with new seating, amenities, and an intimate feel, bringing the Jayhawks' football back home after playing at other venues during construction.

Responsibilities

• Arrange for and otherwise book events at the venue, develop and maintain relationships with reputable promoters, local market contacts, agents, and talent affiliates to attract concerts, shows, entertainment events, etc.
• Administrate  specific plans and programs prescribed by corporate directives, to include HR, Sales and Marketing, quality assurance, energy efficiency, safety/emergency procedures, crowd control and crisis management practices, or other areas as needed.
• Initiate and grow community connection with the venue through the development of local partnerships and collaborative event content planning with the University, the City of Lawrence, Jayhawk Hospitality, Explore Lawrence, local businesses and community groups.
• Develop new business in the area of sport and entertainment suitable for the stadium and compatible with purpose to ensure the financial viability of the venue.
• Hire and develop the necessary staff to manage and operate a world class venue.
• Generate for client in a timely manner with regular cadence, financial, sales, and other reports detailing the arena activities.
• Prepare a proposed annual Operating Budget and submit such proposed budget to client/corporate.
• Coordinate with and provide support to the OVG Hospitality on-site General Manager
• Service as main point of contact with the KU contract administrator, Explore Lawrence, and City of Lawrence.
• Coordinate all of KU’s activities in the new Gateway project plaza.
• Manage, oversee, and coordinate all of the required pre-opening activites for OVG within the KU Gateway stadium project.
• Oversees day to day operation, ensuring technical and staff resource needs for all events, oversees plans for allocating those resources, and successfully manages their efficient implementation.
• Ensure all agreements made regarding the Facility follow the contract, state, federal, and alcohol laws.
• Provide final approval for all contracts and agreements.
• Attending conferences and trade association meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or better from an accredited college or university in Business/Hospitality Management or related field.