IT Director | Full-Time | Ryan Field at Northwestern University

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with venue business goals and guest experience initiatives.
• Lead IT modernization efforts, including smart venue technologies, mobile integration, and digital transformation.
• Establish IT governance, policies, and standards across all venues.
• Manage IT budgets, forecasting, and capital planning for technology investments.
• Oversee all IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, cloud environments, and on-prem systems.
• Ensure high availability of critical systems such as ticketing platforms, POS systems, access control, and event management tools.
• Manage Wi-Fi and connectivity solutions to support high-density event environments.
• Maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Oversee event-day IT operations, ensuring seamless support for ticketing, audiovisual integrations, broadcast needs, and vendor systems.
• Support technology needs for concerts, sporting events, conferences, and large-scale public gatherings.
• Ensure integration of systems such as digital signage, IPTV, and building management systems.
• Develop and maintain cybersecurity frameworks, including threat detection, risk assessments, and incident response.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations (PCI-DSS, data privacy laws, etc.) related to payments and customer data.
• Implement security measures across networks, endpoints, and user access.
• Manage relationships with IT vendors, service providers, and technology partners.
• Oversee contract negotiations, SLAs, and vendor performance.
• Collaborate with event organizers, promoters, and tenants to support unique technical requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop IT staff across multiple venues.
• Build a high-performing team capable of supporting complex event environments.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and service excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5–7+ years of progressive IT leadership experience, preferably in venue management, hospitality, entertainment, or large-scale operations.
• Experience managing IT in high-traffic, real-time operational environments.
• Strong knowledge of: Network infrastructure (high-density Wi-Fi, SD-WAN), Cloud platforms (Azure, AWS), Ticketing and POS systems, Cybersecurity frameworks, and AV and broadcast technologies (preferred).
• Experience with smart building technologies and IoT systems is a plus.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to align IT initiatives to revenue and customer experience goals.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate in fast-paced, event-driven environments with flexible hours.
• Availability to support evenings, weekends, and holidays aligned with event schedules.