General Manager | Peoria Civic Center (Peoria, IL)

LEGENDS GLOBAL

Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands. We deliver a fully integrated solution of premium services that keeps our partners front and center through our white‑label approach. Our network of 450 venues worldwide, hosting 20,000 events and entertaining 165 million guests each year, is powered by our depth of expertise and level of execution across every component — feasibility & consulting, owner’s representation, sales, partnerships, hospitality, merchandise, venue management, and content & booking — of world‑class live events and venues.

Peoria Civic Center

The Peoria Civic Center is a multi‑purpose facility serving as a central hub for entertainment, business, and cultural events in Central Illinois. Blending contemporary architectural design with highly adaptable spaces, the Civic Center features three primary venues: Arena, Prairie Home Alliance Theater, and the expansive Convention Center. Nearing completion of a $42 million dollar renovation and following attendance and revenue recording breaking performance in 2025, the Peoria Civic Center is a premier destination.

THE ROLE

The General Manager serves as the senior leadership representative for the Peoria Civic Center Authority and is responsible for the overall management, strategic direction, promotion, and operation of its Arena, Theatre, and Convention Center. This individual will oversee all aspects of venue operations including booking, marketing, finance, event services, operations, engineering, food & beverage partnerships, security, parking, maintenance, box office, and guest experience.

This role will lead the venue’s operational and financial performance while driving revenue growth, maximizing facility utilization, strengthening community and client partnerships, and ensuring delivery of best‑in‑class guest and event experiences. The General Manager will act as the primary liaison between ownership, community stakeholders, promoters, tenants, and Legends Global leadership while fostering a collaborative, service‑focused, and high‑performing culture across the organization.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of the facility’s operations, business development initiatives, and long‑term growth strategy.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the facility, ownership/client representatives, community stakeholders, tenants, promoters, and Legends Global corporate leadership.
• Drive booking strategy and business development initiatives to maximize venue utilization, revenue growth, and economic impact within the community.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with Convention & Visitors Bureaus, destination marketing organizations, local government officials, promoters, hospitality partners, sponsors, tenants, and community organizations.
• Lead the development and execution of strategic business plans aligned with ownership objectives, management agreements, and Legends Global operational standards.
• Oversee all venue departments including Booking, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Event Services, Engineering, Security, Human Resources, Parking, and Box Office operations.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all operational departments and venue functions to ensure operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences.
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets, capital expense plans, financial forecasts, and long‑range strategic planning initiatives.
• Monitor and analyze financial performance, identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiencies, profitability, and revenue diversification.
• Negotiate and provide final approval on lease agreements, vendor contracts, event agreements, and service partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with all management agreements, company policies, safety standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee labor relations strategy and maintain productive working relationships within unionized environments where applicable.
• Lead crisis management planning, emergency preparedness initiatives, crowd management procedures, and business continuity planning efforts.
• Champion a culture focused on hospitality, accountability, innovation, employee engagement, diversity, and customer service excellence.
• Evaluate organizational structure, staffing models, and operational processes to identify opportunities for improvement and scalability.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, coaching, and performance management for senior leadership staff and venue employees.
• Collaborate with ownership groups, tourism officials, and community stakeholders on strategic initiatives designed to enhance the venue’s visibility and long‑term success.
• Ensure the facility maintains the highest standards related to cleanliness, maintenance, operational readiness, safety, and overall presentation.
• Prepare and present financial reports, operational updates, and strategic recommendations to ownership and Legends Global leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with all Legends Global policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Education And/or Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Sports Management, Public Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive leadership experience within convention centers, arenas, stadiums, performing arts venues, hospitality, or similar public assembly facilities.
• Prior General Manager, Assistant General Manager, or senior venue leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Proven experience managing large‑scale operations, financial performance, budgeting, business development, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Experience with contract negotiations, labor relations, capital planning, and stakeholder management preferred.
• Strong understanding of venue operations, event management, and the live entertainment industry.

Skills And Abilities

• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship‑building skills.
• Demonstrated financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasting, and operational performance.
• Ability to lead large teams in fast‑paced, high‑profile environments.
• Strong business development mindset with experience driving venue utilization and revenue growth.
• Ability to build effective partnerships with ownership groups, promoters, community stakeholders, and corporate leadership.
• Excellent problem‑solving, organizational, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong customer service and hospitality orientation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively under pressure.
• High level of professionalism, accountability, and executive presence.

Compensation

$140K–$160K plus benefits commensurate with experience, and a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid vacation, and 401k plan.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Location: Peoria Civic Center – Peoria, IL

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

NOTE

The essential responsibilities of this position are described under the headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Also, this document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.

Legends Global is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, and encourages Women, Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, and protected Veterans to apply. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.