Executive Director, Arena Programming & Live Events

Oak View Group; Palm Desert (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

401(k) Matching

Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and 11+

Job summary

Oak View Group seeks a Vice President of Programming for Acrisure Arena to lead the programming and booking strategy, cultivate a diverse calendar of concerts, sports, and events, and maximize venue utilization. You will manage relationships with promoters, agents, and touring personnel while aligning programming with strategic and financial goals.

The role reports to arena leadership, requires strategic vision, and involves collaboration across Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, sports management, hospitality, entertainment, marketing, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in arenas, venues, live entertainment, event booking, programming, or event development.
• Established relationships within the live entertainment industry, including promoters, agents, touring representatives, and event producers.
• Proven experience negotiating complex event agreements and evaluating event economics, financial projections, deal structures, and risk.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the overall programming and booking strategy for Acrisure Arena, aligning priorities with business goals.
• Pursue and secure a diverse mix of ticketed and non-ticketed content to maximize venue utilization.
• Direct procurement of events and negotiate terms with promoters, agents, and managers.
• Build and maintain strong industry relationships to position Acrisure Arena as a preferred destination.
• Serve as primary liaison with promoters, talent representatives, touring personnel, and booking resources.
• Identify and pursue new event concepts and programming opportunities to expand audience.
• Evaluate prospective events using market intelligence, attendance, and financial return.
• Lead development of the annual event calendar and programming plan, balancing schedules and priorities.
• Collaborate with departments on planning, marketing support, and event execution.

Skills

Leadership

Industry relationships

Strategic planning

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/sports management/entertainment or related field

10+ years in arenas/venues/live entertainment

Job description

Oak View Group seeks a Vice President of Programming for Acrisure Arena to lead the programming and booking strategy, cultivate a diverse calendar of concerts, sports, and events, and maximize venue utilization. You will manage relationships with promoters, agents, and touring personnel while aligning programming with strategic and financial goals.

The role reports to arena leadership, requires strategic vision, and involves collaboration across Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Partnerships.