Event Center General Manager

American Dream; East Rutherford (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

American Dream is seeking a General Manager to lead the Event Center’s operations, staff, and guest experiences for large-scale events, conventions, and exhibitions in East Rutherford, NJ.

You will drive revenue, manage budgets, negotiate with vendors, and coordinate with marketing and PR to promote events, while upholding safety and profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, hospitality management, event management, or related field.
• 7–10 years in venue management or hospitality leadership.
• Proven track record with large-scale events and revenue growth.
• Experience with event technologies, ticketing, and CRM.
• Strong vendor management, logistics, and contracts.
• Proven ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences in high-traffic venues.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term strategic plans for the Event Center.
• Identify growth opportunities through new formats and partnerships.
• Maximize revenue from events, sponsorships, concessions, and rentals.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial controls.
• Oversee safety, operations, and guest experience during events.
• Coordinate with marketing, sales, and operations teams.
• Monitor market trends and adjust plans to stay competitive.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Negotiation

Guest experience excellence

Vendor management

Operations management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Event Management, or related field

Tools

CRM platforms

Ticketing systems

Job description

The General Manager for the American Dream Event Center is a leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of the center’s operations. This includes managing staff, event logistics, conventions, exhibitions, and maximizing large-scale events. This position will be responsible for driving revenue, ensuring operational excellence, and delivering unforgettable guest experiences, while maintaining high standards for safety, service and profitability. This position is also responsible for budget management, negotiating contracts with vendors and coordinating with marketing and PR teams to promote events.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute long-term strategic plans for the Event Center aligned with American Dream’s brand and business goals.
• Identify growth opportunities through new event formats, partnerships, and audience engagement strategies.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize revenue from events, sponsorships, concessions, and rentals.
• Identify new business opportunities including partnerships, branded activations, and recurring event series.
• Analyze market trends and competitor activity to identify new business opportunities and enhance the venue’s competitive edge.
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative strategies to increase event bookings, maximize revenue, and ensure exceptional guest experiences.
• Partner with marketing, retail, and entertainment teams to align operations with broader center initiatives.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to attract high-profile events and exhibitions.
• Conduct market research to identify trends and competitive benchmarks.
• Develop pricing models and promotional packages to drive bookings and attendance.
• Monitor and evaluate operational performance, adjusting strategic plans as needed to achieve desired outcomes and maintain excellence.
• Explore and implement cutting-edge technologies to enhance guest experience and operational efficiency.
• Oversee daily maintenance and operation of the Event Center, ensuring all facilities remain safe, clean, and functional.
• Manage scheduling and allocation of resources such as equipment, staff, and transportation.
• Monitor event timelines, troubleshoot logistical issues, and adapt plans as needed to maintain smooth operations.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and maintain emergency preparedness throughout events.
• Track operational expenses and manage budgets for supplies, labor, and services.
• Prepare annual budgets and monthly forecasts for the Event Center.
• Track expenses and revenue streams, ensuring cost control and financial efficiency.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Hospitality Management, Event Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7–10 years in venue management, event operations, or hospitality leadership.
• Proven track record managing large-scale entertainment, retail, or exposition venues.
• Familiarity with event production technologies, ticketing systems, and CRM platforms.
• Strong understanding of building systems, vendor management, and logistics coordination.
• Experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets, forecasting, and P&L accountability.
• Skilled in contract negotiation and cost control strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences in high-traffic environments.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

American Dream is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are to be made without regard to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, pregnancy, national origin/ancestry, citizenship, physical/mental disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law