Job Description

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

May include, but not limited to:
 

The Chief Operating Officer, Kalamazoo Event Center is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team responsible for the strategic leadership and operational execution of all activities at the Event Center. This role ensures world-class service and performance delivery in concerts, sporting events, entertainment experiences, private events, and athletic performance programming. The COO will drive excellence in guest experience, revenue growth, event execution, and operational efficiency, leading all venue operations, food & beverage, programming, guest services, and partnership execution. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Venue Leadership

  • Lead the operational vision, planning, and execution for the Event Center and Athletic Performance Center.

  • Partner with the CEO and executive team on long-term growth strategies, capital planning, and business development opportunities.

  • Position the venue as a premier destination for concerts, sporting events, live entertainment, exhibitions, and athletic performance services.
     

• Event Center Operations

  • Oversee all facets of venue operations including front-of-house, guest services, facilities, concessions, security, production, and event execution.

  • Manage the calendar of events and maximize booking strategies, balancing concerts, sporting events, community programming, and corporate activations.

  • Deliver seamless execution of large-scale events with an emphasis on safety, fan satisfaction, and service excellence.
     

• Athletic Performance Center Oversight

  • Oversee daily operations and programming of the Athletic Performance Center.

  • Ensure partnerships with sports teams, training programs, individual athletes, and health & wellness providers are executed with precision.

  • Integrate sports science, customer experience, and athlete care into performance delivery.
     

• Revenue Growth & Financial Management

  • Drive operational performance through innovative programming, efficient staffing models, and cross-functional collaboration.

  • Manage annual budgets, forecasting, and financial accountability across all departments within the venue.

  • Optimize revenue streams including ticketing, F&B, merchandise, partnerships, and premium experiences.
     

• Team Leadership & Culture

  • Lead a multidisciplinary team of venue, event, and performance center professionals.

  • Cultivate a high-performing, guest- and partner-focused culture through leadership development, accountability, and recognition.

  • Promote collaboration across departments including Sales, Marketing, Security, Facilities, and Production.
     

• Stakeholder & Partner Engagement

  • Serve as the senior point of contact for major tenants, sponsors, promoters, community leaders, and contracted partners.

  • Ensure contractual obligations are fulfilled, brand standards are upheld, and partner experiences exceed expectations.

  • Represent the company in high-profile external engagements related to entertainment and sports partnerships.
     

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or related field.

• 6+ years of executive leadership experience in venue management, arena operations, sports or entertainment business.

• Proven track record leading large-scale, revenue-intensive venues (arenas, stadiums, or similar).

• Strong financial acumen, guest-centric mindset, and operational excellence in event and facility management.

• Experience with athlete training centers, live event execution, and guest experience design.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills with internal teams and external stakeholders.