Event Center General Manager

American Dream; East Rutherford (NJ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ seeks a General Manager to oversee all operations of the Event Center, including staff, event logistics, conventions, and exhibitions. You will drive revenue, ensure safety and profitability, and coordinate with marketing and PR to promote events.

The role requires leading multi-team efforts, budget management, and contract negotiation to maximize bookings and guest experiences, with a focus on operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, hospitality management, event management, or related field.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term strategic plans for the Event Center in line with brand goals.
• Identify growth opportunities through new formats, partnerships, and audience engagement.
• Maximize revenue from events, sponsorships, concessions, and rentals.
• Identify new business opportunities including partnerships and recurring event series.
• Analyze market trends and competitor activity to enhance competitive edge.
• Lead strategies to increase event bookings, revenue, and guest experiences.
• Coordinate with marketing, retail, and entertainment to align center initiatives.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales to attract high-profile events and exhibitions.
• Conduct market research to identify trends and benchmarks.
• Develop pricing models and promotional packages to drive bookings.
• Monitor operational performance and adjust plans to maintain excellence.
• Explore technologies to enhance guest experience and efficiency.
• Oversee daily maintenance and safe, clean operation of facilities.
• Manage scheduling and allocation of resources like equipment and staff.
• Monitor timelines, troubleshoot logistics, and adapt plans as needed.
• Ensure safety regulations and emergency preparedness during events.
• Track expenses and manage budgets for supplies, labor, and services.
• Prepare annual budgets and monthly forecasts for the Event Center.
• Track expenses and revenue streams to ensure cost control.

Skills

Venue management

Event operations

Budgeting

Vendor management

Contract negotiation

CRM platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/ Hospitality/ Event Management

Tools

Event production technologies

Ticketing systems

CRM platforms

Job description

1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, USA

Job Description

Posted Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 4:00 AM

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

1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, USA