Marketing Manager | Full-Time | Rupp Arena

The 20,000-seat arena, affectionately referred to by some as “the Cathedral of College Basketball," is home to the National Champion University of Kentucky men’s basketball program and has played host to some of the most talented and award-winning musicians/artists in the world, including U2, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Justin Timberlake, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, and many others. Oak View Group: Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales.

Oak View Group:

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. 

Position Summary:

Oak View Group is seeking a dynamic Marketing Manager to lead promotional campaigns across Lexington's premier entertainment portfolio: Rupp Arena, Central Bank Center, the Lexington Opera House, and the OVG Concert Series at Gatton Park. This Marketing Manager position will develop, manage, and execute strategic marketing plans to ensure the success of events. The position will serve as a venue marketer, responsible for overseeing event advertising budgets, the media buying process, public relations, and grassroots promotions for concerts, family shows, and conventions.

 

This role pays an annual salary of $50,000 - $55,000.

 

Benefits for Full-Time Roles: Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)

 

This position will remain open until December 31, 2026.

About the Venue:

Lexington is an active and thriving market, craving an active and welcoming venue for events. The heart of any thriving community is its downtown—and Lexington Center and the historic Rupp Arena are truly the heart of downtown Lexington and one of the most widely recognized entertainment venues in North America. Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, is fast becoming THE must-play venue. The 20,000-seat arena, affectionately referred to by some as “the Cathedral of College Basketball," is home to the National Champion University of Kentucky men’s basketball program and has played host to some of the most talented and award-winning musicians/artists in the world, including U2, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Justin Timberlake, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, and many others.

Central Bank Center is our convention side, with over 99k sf of exhibition space, 24k sf each of meeting and ballroom space, 50k of hospitality space, 10k sf of flexible space, and over 2500 covered and uncovered parking spaces. Both venues are additionally joined in entertaining this area by the Lexington Opera House, showcasing Broadway talent through collaborative bookings of Broadway shows, small venue concerts, and local arts.

 

CommonSpirit Health Stage at Gatton Park is a 5,000-capacity outdoor venue located in the center of Lexington. From live music and stand-up comedy to unforgettable experiences set against a stunning park backdrop in the center of the city.

Founded in 2021, Lexington Sporting Club is an American professional soccer team based in Lexington, KY. The soccer complex off Athens-Boonesboro Road near I-75 opened in August 2024 in time for the organization’s first USL Super League season.

Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize, develop, and execute comprehensive marketing campaigns to promote concerts, comedy shows, theater productions, and live events at Rupp Arena, the Lexington Opera House, Central Bank Center, and the OVG Concert Series at Gatton Park
• Develop and implement creative cash/trade proposals with media partners, including digital, radio, print, TV, and outdoor
• Create and maintain collaborative relationships with local media partners, promoters, tour marketers, and community partners to ensure fully aligned event campaigns
• Explore and execute cross-marketing opportunities throughout the community and execute grassroots marketing, including but not limited to ticket giveaways, on-site activations, and third-party partnerships
• Manage internal marketing assets, oversee digital displays and marquee messaging, and maintain the venue website
• Manage event advertising budgets, oversee the media buying and billing process, and implement multi-channel advertising strategies
• Draft, distribute, and follow up on press releases, pitching feature stories to local and regional media for upcoming events and venue initiatives
• Conceptualize and collaborate on social media campaigns, email and SMS marketing, and promotions to drive ticket sales and fan engagement
• Track, analyze, and compare event ticket sales information, adjusting digital targeting parameters and overall efforts based on gathered analytics from previous events
• Prepare post-show recaps and manage post-event survey evaluations to measure attendee feedback and analyze venue operations
• Research and follow current venue and event marketing trends, implementing best practices in day-to-day activations
• Recruit and manage marketing interns and part-time employees
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experiences 
• 3-5 years of previous event or entertainment marketing experience preferred
• Intermediate to strong knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, etc.)
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Basic photography and videography skills with proficiency in editing images/videos using the following software: Adobe, Canva, and CapCut
• Independent decision-making skills; ability and knowledge to apply judgment in resolving problems of moderate scope and complexity
• Highly organized, resourceful, quick learner, and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Must be adaptable with the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule inclusive of weekends, nights, and holidays required
• Frequent bending, lifting objects, sitting, exposure to multiple external elements, extensive walking through the building

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference:

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.