Director of Venue Operations | Full-Time | Bilbrey Event Center

In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen.OverviewThe Director of Venue Operations must possess a strong background in operations, facility and arena management, and marketing, with preferred experience in rodeo management, arena setup, layout, agricultural knowledge, and stock handling. This role is responsible for the comprehensive day-to-day leadership of the Bilbrey Family Event Center, while also contributing to revenue generation, partnership development, and long-term strategic planning.The position oversees facility operations, event execution, staffing, maintenance, safety compliance, budgeting, sponsorship opportunities, guest experience, food & beverage operations, vendor coordination, and future expansion planning. The Director will actively communicate with and accommodate Kansas State University programming such as the Department of Animal Science and the Rodeo Club, working collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure the venue operates efficiently, safely, and in alignment with University policies and objectives.This role pays an annual salary of $75,000-$90,000 and is bonus eligibleBenefits 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 May 1, 2026.ResponsibilitiesFacility Operations & Event ExecutionOversee daily operational procedures including access control, user coordination, venue readiness, and event-day executionManage event scheduling, load-in/load-out, setup, teardown, and cross-departmental coordinationSupervise event staffing plans, training standards, and recommended staffing levels for full-time and part-time staffEnsure effective coordination of academic, recruiting, livestock, community, and special events within the event calendarOversee ticketing operations, entry procedures, event staffing plans, and coordination with security servicesMaintenance, Safety & ComplianceDirect routine facility maintenance programs including cleaning, repairs, preventative maintenance, and event-related supportEnsure compliance with all applicable safety, health, and risk-management requirements, including emergency response planningOversee life-safety systems, fire protection, workplace safety, and coordination with University and local authoritiesTrack preventative maintenance programs and maintain operational documentation and manualsFinancial Management & ReportingAssist in developing operational budgets, financial forecasts, pricing structures, and rental fee recommendationsImplement cost-control strategies and support financial reporting frameworksMonitor operational expenditures and recommend adjustments to improve efficiency and financial performanceGuest Experience, Marketing & BrandingEstablish and maintain guest experience standards and systems for collecting and evaluating customer feedbackSupport marketing, promotional, branding, and customer-engagement strategies to enhance event attendance and reputationCollaborate with University stakeholders on branding consistency and public-facing communicationsPartnerships, Sponsorships & Vendor CoordinationSupport sponsorship strategy development, inventory management, and alignment with philanthropic and naming-rights opportunitiesAssist with securing partnerships consistent with Kansas State University policies and objectivesCoordinate and manage vendor relationships including catering, concessions, audiovisual providers, and service partnersSupport food, beverage, and catering operations strategies and vendor performance Future Expansion & Strategic PlanningParticipate in the review of facility expansion design concepts and provide operational recommendationsReview and comment on FF&E inventories related to future facility growthSupport preparation of operational pro formas encompassing expanded event mixes and programming opportunitiesQualificationsBachelor's degree from an accredited college or universityMinimum 5-7 years of experience in venue, facility, or event operations managementDemonstrated knowledge of arena or event center operations, staffing, and event executionStrong understanding of budgeting, financial forecasting, and operational cost controlKnowledge of safety regulations, emergency planning, and risk management best practicesAbility to work nights, weekends, and holidays based on event schedulesStrong communication and relationship-building skills with internal stakeholders and external partnersProven ability to operate in a fast-paced, event-driven environmentProficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)