Director of Facility Operations | Full-Time | Ryan Center and Boss Ice Arena (U of Rhode Island)

Oak View Group

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. 

Position Summary

The Director of Facility Operations provides hands-on leadership and oversight of facility operations for the Ryan Center and Boss Ice Arena, including building systems, maintenance, event operations, housekeeping, conversions, projects, staffing, and departmental resources. The role directs the Facility Operations team, establishes priorities and accountability, and ensures both venues are safe, well-maintained, and operationally ready for events and daily activities. This position is expected to actively support facility operations, events, projects, snow operations, and emergency response as needed.

This role pays an annual salary of $80,000 - $85,000 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 December 31, 2026.

About the Venue

A state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility, the Thomas M. Ryan Center, located on the University of Rhode Island campus in scenic South County, opened its doors in June 2002. Home to URI Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs, the Ryan Center also features the URI football teams' locker room, along with athletic department offices, training rooms, players' lounges, and a souvenir store. The venue seats 8,000 for basketball and over 6,300 for concerts, family shows, lectures, and other community events. The Ryan Center was designed and built to meet all ADA specifications to accommodate our guests with disabilities. Located in Kingston, the Center draws on an audience of over 1.4 million people within a 40-mile radius.

Responsibilities

• Direct and lead the Facility Operations team; establish priorities, assign responsibilities and projects, balance workloads, and ensure clear ownership and accountability. Provide coaching, performance management, and professional development for department staff.
• In conjunction with the Assistant General Manager, oversee the condition, safety, operation, and readiness of the Ryan Center and Boss Ice Arena, including physical plant, electrical and building systems, preventive maintenance, housekeeping, and general facility operations.
• Direct and oversee day-to-day housekeeping, event cleaning, operational inventory, and facility supplies.
• Manage the event-cleaning contract, budget, and service standards. 
• In conjunction with the Assistant General Manager, manage the Facility Operations budget, purchasing, invoices, service agreements, contractors, and vendors.
• Establish preventive maintenance and facility project priorities. Assign and oversee projects utilizing the Assistant Director of Facilities, Facility Engineer & Operations Manager as primary project leads and monitor through completion.
• Ensure appropriate Facility Operations planning, staffing, conversions, and coverage for events, University activities, and other venue needs. Serve as Manager on Duty and/or assign Facility Operations event coverage as appropriate.
• Oversee IATSE union labor and show calls, including loaders, stagehands, riggers, and other represented positions.
• Provide active direction during load-ins, events, and load-outs to ensure quality, productivity, consistency, and a high level of service.
• Assist in the administration and management of the IATSE collective bargaining agreement, ensuring contract compliance, appropriate staffing, and labor utilization.
• Assist the Assistant General Manager with facility improvements and capital projects involving OVG, University personnel, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders. Assign internal responsibilities and monitor progress through completion.
• In conjunction with the University, oversee facility life-safety requirements, including fire protection and alarm systems, emergency egress, inspections, testing, and corrective actions.
• Promote compliance with applicable codes, OSHA requirements, safety procedures, and venue policies.
• Oversee department planning and coverage for snow and ice operations, facility emergencies, and other situations requiring a coordinated response.
• Operates company truck to plow snow, transport equipment and materials, assist with event setup activities such as barricade placement, and travel between company facilities and event locations, including the Boss Ice Arena, as needed.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years’ experience in an arena, convention center, or similar operation is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of facility operations, maintenance practices, building systems, event operations, life-safety systems, and workplace safety.
• Experience managing budgets, contractors, service agreements, vendors, and facility projects.
• Strong leadership, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Ability to respond effectively to facility emergencies and operational issues.
• Proficiency with computers, especially Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word.
• Valid driver's license is required.
• Ability to remain on your feet for extended periods and climb stairs, bend, stoop, push, pull, and perform physical tasks associated with facility and event operations.
• Ability to lift heavy objects as needed.
• Must be comfortable working in an environment with loud noise, flashing lights, and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overnights based on facility, event, project, and emergency needs.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.