Careers at RMU

Position Department: Athletics Administration

Position Type: Staff Full-Time

Robert Morris University is seeking a strategic and operationally-minded leader to serve as the General Manager of the UPMC Events Center. This pivotal role marks the transition of the venue to an in-house management model, fully integrating the facility into the University’s infrastructure. Reporting directly to the Vice President and Director of Athletics, the General Manager will be responsible for the overall success, profitability, and operational excellence of the UPMC Events Center. This individual will serve as the primary liaison between the arena’s operations and the University’s central administration, ensuring that the venue serves as a premier destination for RMU Athletics, student life, and the Greater Pittsburgh region.

• Strategic Leadership & University Integration Institutional Alignment: Align venue operations with the mission and goals of Robert Morris University and the Athletics Department. Serve as a key member of the Athletics leadership team to support Division I basketball and volleyball programs. Internal Collaboration: Work in direct partnership with the University Finance and Business Operations division to ensure fiscal transparency, accurate reporting, and strict adherence to University procurement and budgetary protocols. Facility Coordination: Collaborate closely with the University Facilities and Operations division to manage the physical plant, mechanical systems, deferred maintenance, and campus-wide safety and energy efficiency standards. Policy Administration: Develop and implement venue-specific plans and programs prescribed by University directives, including safety/emergency procedures, crowd control, and crisis management.
• Event Booking & Revenue Generation Strategic Booking: Proactively solicit, negotiate, and book a diverse calendar of external events, including concerts, family shows, trade shows, and corporate functions. Industry Relations: Maintain and leverage high-level relationships with national promoters (e.g., Live Nation, AEG), talent agents, and local market contacts to ensure the UPMC Events Center remains a premier regional destination. Sales & Marketing: Oversee advertising, media relations, and event solicitation strategies to maximize venue exposure and attendance.
• Financial Stewardship Budget Management: Prepare, present, and manage the annual operating budget. Focus on maximizing revenue and controlling expenses in strict alignment with University financial goals. Financial Reporting: Provide regular, detailed financial reports to the VP/Director of Athletics and the Finance division detailing arena activities and performance metrics. Contracting & Compliance: Provide final oversight and approval for all vendor and event contracts, ensuring all agreements comply with University policy, as well as state and federal laws.
• Venue & Event Operations Day-to-Day Management: Oversee all aspects of venue administration, including the Box Office (ticketing), event production, security, housekeeping, and maintenance. Technical Excellence: Manage staff and technical resource allocation for all events, ensuring high-quality execution for both University-sponsored athletic contests and complex external productions. Guest Experience: Maintain a "best-in-class" environment for all attendees, fostering a professional, safe, and welcoming atmosphere for students, staff, and the public. Compliance: Ensure all venue activities meet ADA requirements, health and safety regulations, and liquor liability standards (including oversight of alcohol service policies and food sanitation).
• Staff Oversight & Leadership Team Development: Recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing internal team. Foster a positive, professional, and enthusiastic work environment that reflects RMU’s values. Resource Allocation: Oversee plans for allocating technical and staff resources, ensuring the efficient implementation of labor for all events.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Business,
• Hospitality Management, Sports Management, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of management experience in an Arena,
• Convention Center, or similar public assembly facility is required.
• Industry Knowledge: Proven track record in event solicitation, contract
• negotiation, and maintaining relationships with artist management and national
• promoters.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Google Workspace, modern POS systems, ticket
• management software and venue management software.
• Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to work cross-functionally within a complex
• institutional or entertainment environment, specifically interfacing with finance
• and facilities departments.
• Leadership: Demonstrated experience in personnel management, budget
• preparation, and event solicitation.
• Communication: Strong professional presence with the ability to express ideas
• clearly to University executives, promoters, and community partners.
• Adaptability: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends,
• and holidays, in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.

Exemption Status: Exempt

Act 153 Clearance Required: Yes

Required To Pass a Motor Vehicle Report Check (If driving on behalf of the University): Yes

Required to Pass a Credit Check: Yes

Additional Posting Information: None

Special Applicant Instructions: None

RMU complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please email humanresources@rmu.edu or call us at (412) 397-6270 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.