Director of Facilities | Full-Time | Ryan Field at Northwestern University

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. 

The Director of Facilities is responsible for the strategic leadership, maintenance, and long-term stewardship of Ryan Field's physical assets, building systems, and infrastructure. This position oversees engineering, preventative maintenance, building automation systems, utilities, grounds, and capital improvement projects to ensure the stadium operates safely, efficiently, and reliably year-round. The Director of Facilities partners closely with the Director of Operations to ensure the venue's mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, life safety, and structural systems support athletic events, concerts, commencement ceremonies, and other special events. This position is responsible for maintaining the stadium's physical assets while ensuring compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. This position requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as operational needs dictate.

This role pays an annual salary of $135,000 - $150,000 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 November 13, 2026.

• Provide strategic leadership for all facility maintenance, engineering, building systems, and grounds operations.
• Direct and oversee the operation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, structural, fire/life safety, and building automation systems.
• Develop and manage comprehensive preventative and predictive maintenance programs to maximize equipment reliability and asset life.
• Lead long-term facility planning, capital improvement projects, renovations, and deferred maintenance initiatives.
• Direct and develop the Building Engineer(s), Turf & Grounds Manager, and maintenance personnel.
• Develop and administer departmental operating and capital budgets while monitoring expenditures and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Oversee utility management, energy conservation initiatives, and sustainability programs.
• Manage vendor relationships, service contracts, equipment warranties, and contractor performance.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, ADA, fire codes, environmental regulations, and University and Oak View Group policies.
• Oversee the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), ensuring work orders, preventive maintenance schedules, inspections, and asset records are maintained accurately.
• Coordinate facility shutdowns, maintenance windows, and infrastructure projects with the Director of Operations to minimize impacts on event operations.
• Develop emergency response and business continuity plans related to facility systems and infrastructure.
• Ensure all building systems are fully operational and event-ready for football games, concerts, and special events.
• Prepare operational reports, capital forecasts, maintenance metrics, and facility assessments for executive leadership.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, Building Systems, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5-7 years of progressive facilities or engineering management experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience managing maintenance or engineering teams.
• Experience managing large public assembly venues, collegiate athletics facilities, stadiums, arenas, convention centers, airports, hospitals, or similar facilities.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, structural, building automation, and life safety systems.
• Experience managing capital projects, preventative maintenance programs, vendor contracts, and operating budgets.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting NCAA Division I athletics, professional sports, or entertainment venues.
• Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Facilities Management Professional (FMP), Certified Energy Manager (CEM), or equivalent certification.
• EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification.
• Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS) and CMMS software.
• Experience directing union and non-union workforces.
• Knowledge of LEED or sustainability initiatives.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk throughout the stadium, including rooftops, mechanical rooms, utility tunnels, and event spaces.
• Ability to stand, climb stairs and ladders, and access elevated work areas.
• Ability to lift heavy objects.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to respond to facility emergencies outside normal business hours.

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.

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.