Director of Guest Experience | Full Time | Ryan Field at Northwestern University

Oak View Group$95K — $110K *
Hospitality & Recreation
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years managing guest service programs in large-scale hospitality or event settings.
  • Experience in guest services at large venues (10,000+ seats) is highly desirable.
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate large teams.
  • 3+ years creating and delivering effective training programs, especially in customer service.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
  • Exceptional communication skills for presenting new ideas.

Responsibilities

  • Lead Guest Experience Managers to foster a customer-focused culture.
  • Supervise over 100 event staff to enhance guest experiences during events.
  • Work with HR to recruit and train front-of-house staff.
  • Develop and facilitate comprehensive training programs for staff.
  • Collaborate with Security to establish top-notch Guest Service policies.
  • Oversee front-of-house staff during large-scale events and crowd management.
  • Create reporting procedures to analyze guest feedback and drive improvements.

Benefits

  • Health, Dental and Vision insurance.
  • 401(k) savings plan with matching.
  • Paid time off including vacation days and holidays.
Full Job Description
Overview

The Director of Guest Experience reports directly to the Senior Vice President. The position will be responsible for enhancing the experiences of our guests, employees, and stakeholders. This dynamic leader will be responsible for developing, executing, and continuously evaluating all Guest Service plans for all stadium events. This individual will create and enforce a vibrant customer-focused culture among all key stakeholders, managers, and employees. The successful candidate will be a hands-on professional who enjoys rolling up their sleeves and working as part of a team. The goal is to ensure we become and remain the industry standard for excellence and ensure that all our guests and staff have exceptional experiences.

This role pays a yearly salary of $95,000 - $110,000 and is bonus eligible.

Benefits for FT roles: Benefits: 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 September 18, 2026.

Responsibilities

  • Direct and lead the Guest Experience Manager and Supervisors while creating and enforcing a customer-focused culture at the venue.
  • Directs more than 100 event staff employees to strategically enhance the guest experience for the various events throughout the year.
  • Facilitate a strong relationship with Human Resources to ensure the Guest Experience team can recruit, interview, select, and train all front-of-house staff according to established guidelines.
  • Handle the development & facilitation of the Guest Experience training program for employees with Guest Services, Event Security, and Box Office to include content around identified core values, curriculum, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Works closely with the Director of Security to help create and oversee the best Guest Service policies and practices for Ryan Field.
  • Aids in directing front-of-house staff in managing large crowds under constantly changing event environments.
  • Create reporting procedures to help review and analyze guest feedback, identify trends, and use data analytics for process improvements for both guest experience and operational improvements.
  • Works closely with all departments and business lines to address guests both proactively and reactively. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with clients, partners, and all Stakeholders.
  • Resolves any escalated complaints/concerns.
  • Create and oversee recognition and appreciation initiatives for all Front-of-house event staff to ensure consistency in service and venue knowledge across all levels of the venue.
  • Responsible for managing expenses within the annual approved department budget, including but not limited to researching, reviewing, and recommending training, uniforms, equipment, materials, and supplies required for the Guest Experience department.
  • Plan and lead operational meetings as required, ensuring smooth coordination of Guest Experience.
  • Responsible for the policies, systems, and processes that provide a strong foundation and support the company culture.
  • Ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during events.
  • All other duties as assigned.


Qualifications

  • Minimum 5-7 years' experience managing guest service & experience programs in a large-scale hospitality or event setting.
  • Guest Services experience with large-scale events in a stadium, concert, or multi-use facility setting of a similar size (10,000+ seats) is highly desirable.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Sport/Event Management, Hospitality, Training & Education, HR, or Business Administration or an equivalent combination of education and experience in the field.
  • This individual is a natural integrator and solution-oriented person who has experience driving and motivating results with large teams/departments.
  • Experience in event planning and/or event execution experience in a sports/live entertainment facility.
  • Has 3+ years of practice creating and teaching/delivering effective employee training programs, preferably in the area of customer service.
  • Passion for providing the highest quality service and puts guests' needs before their own needs first.
  • Must be a creative problem solver who can identify solutions and address guest concerns efficiently and professionally while remaining calm under pressure
  • Must be adaptable with the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to build and manage a collaborative and diverse workforce.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an expert ability to present and communicate new ideas and concepts.
  • A high degree of personal integrity and consistently put the interests of the organization first.
  • Experience servicing various stakeholders and demographics.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize needs efficiently.
  • Proficient in all Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
  • Ability to work non-traditional hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays

About Oak View Group

Oak View Group is a global sports and entertainment company that specializes in venue management, event production, and sponsorship sales. The company was founded in 2015 by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff, and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Oak View Group manages a number of high-profile venues, including the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle and the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The company also produces a variety of live events, including concerts, festivals, and sporting events. Oak View Group has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
Learn more about Oak View Group
Size
200 employees
Industry

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