Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.
Position Summary
The Santa Clara Convention Center General Manager will oversee all Directors and assist with the management, promotion, and operation of the facility in all facets, including operations, sales, marketing, finance, food and beverage, security, IT, production, technology, capital projects, partnerships, special events, community relations, sustainability, branding, and all other related departments within the Convention Center. The General Manager is responsible for shaping the overall culture, direction, coordination, and evaluation of the team and facility. This executive will also be responsible for maximizing the number of events and revenue opportunities at the venue and will work in unison with the City of Santa Clara, DMO (Discover Santa Clara), and community stakeholders to maximize regional and national convention/meeting business annually at the Santa Clara Convention Center.
This role offers an annual salary of $225,000-$250,000 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 October 17, 2025.
About the Venue
The Santa Clara Convention Center is owned by The City of Santa Clara and managed by Oak View Group. Located in Silicon Valley, it hosts top technology and trade events, with proximity to hotels, restaurants, Levi’s Stadium, California’s Great America Theme Park, and major tech companies. It features 100,000 sq ft of exhibit space, a 22,400 sq ft ballroom, 31 breakout rooms, and a 607-seat theater, attracting over 350,000 visitors annually. The center contributes significantly to the local economy and is connected to the Hyatt Centric Santa Clara Silicon Valley hotel.
Responsibilities
- Maintain active relationships with food and beverage providers, city departments, CVB, clients, community stakeholders, industry decision makers, labor unions, and civic organizations.
- Monitor compliance with management contract provisions.
- Promote the facility with local destination sales and marketing organizations.
- Negotiate contracts with meeting planners, third-party organizations, and event organizers.
- Coordinate with the Convention and Visitors Bureau on event hosting.
- Implement policies and procedures per corporate directives, including safety, emergency, and crowd control protocols.
- Develop and implement facility goals aligning with contractual and corporate objectives.
- Prepare reports and maintain records for stakeholders and corporate offices.
- Organize and direct all facility activities and personnel.
- Assist in developing the annual event calendar and financial projections.
- Conduct leadership and staff meetings regularly.
- Manage budgets and financial plans for operations and marketing.
- Oversee daily operations and event activities.
- Approve contracts and vendor agreements.
- Respond to directives and requests from internal and external entities.
- Advise HR on staffing plans and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Evaluate and improve facility practices for efficiency and safety.
- Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate staff.
- Maintain effective working relationships within the team.
- Create a positive working environment and ensure peak operational efficiency.
Qualifications
Successful candidates must perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in business, public administration, or related fields.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive management experience in a similar-sized facility.
- Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience in contract negotiations, budgeting, forecasting, human resources, operations, security, sponsorships, and sales.
- Experience with labor relations and union contracts.
Skills and Abilities:
- Strong collaborator and relationship builder.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Detail-oriented with high-level reporting experience.
- Multi-tasker capable of handling multiple priorities.
- Discreet with confidential information.
- Ability to work with diverse groups and foster cooperation.
- Knowledge of convention facility management principles.
- Problem-solving and proactive planning skills.
- Ability to perform under pressure.
- Knowledge of safety regulations and laws.
- Experience collaborating with DMOs and hotels to drive business.
- Leadership and entrepreneurial spirit.
At OVG, we celebrate diversity and are committed to inclusivity, believing it drives innovation and excellence.
Oak View Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to non-discrimination based on protected classes including veteran status, race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information.
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