Background:

The United Center, nested in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, is one of the nation’s premier arenas, renowned for its cultural significance and impressive scale. Since opening its doors in 1994, it has been home to the six-time NBA champion Chicago Bulls and the six-time Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks as well as host to some of the most iconic moments in sports and entertainment history. Constructed to succeed the legendary Chicago Stadium, this multi-purpose venue stands as a flagship of professional sports while also serving as a leading destination for concerts, collegiate sporting events, conventions, and other marquee events. Spanning over 960,000 square feet, the United Center features a maximum seating capacity of 23,500 for large scale events and concerts in the round, making it a sought-after location for live performances. With nearly 21,000 seats for basketball, it is the largest arena in the NBA and the second largest in the NHL, accommodating 19,717 fans for hockey games. This expansive facility remains a cornerstone of Chicago’s vibrant sports and entertainment landscape.

Over the years, the United Center has undergone a series of strategic renovations and enhancements over the years to elevate the fan experience and reinforce its status as a premier venue. These upgrades encompass cutting-edge digital technology, improved seating options, and luxurious premium suites. With one of the largest scoreboards in professional sports, interactive fan zones, and a diverse selection of dining choices highlighting local restaurant partners, the arena ensures a captivating, inclusive, and immersive experience for all guests. This adaptability empowers the United Center to excel in an ever-evolving landscape, successfully hosting a diverse range of events—from blockbuster concerts to significant political conventions—while consistently redefining the standard of excellence for entertainment venues.

The 1901 Project marks a significant milestone in the next chapter of the United Center and Chicago’s West Side. The 1901 Project is a $7 billion private investment to transform over 55 acres of surface parking lots on Chicago’s West Side into a vibrant neighborhood with more than 25 acres of public open space, housing, retail and entertainment. The 1901 Project is poised to be the largest private investment in the area’s history. By enhancing the local infrastructure and fostering economic opportunity, the 1901 Project not only elevates the United Center experience but also solidifies Chicago and its West Side as a leading global destination for sports and entertainment.

The organization’s enduring success is anchored in its philosophy of “Humble Promise, Huge Potential”, which establishes its reputation as a modest yet prevailing leader in the sports and entertainment industry. As a family-owned business, the United Center & The 1901 Project prioritizes the delivery of unparalleled experiences. This commitment, instilled by its founders, reflects a culture of humility, dedication, and service to all who walk through its doors—guests, corporate partners, artists, staff, and athletes alike. With an unwavering focus on enhancing its positive impact throughout Chicago’s West Side and the industry, the United Center consistently strives to elevate the standard of excellence.

Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly. 

Contacting United Center will only delay consideration of your qualifications. 

Position Summary: 

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) will play a pivotal role in collaborating with stakeholders, including those associated with the United Center and the 1901 Project, to align technology strategies with the area’s entertainment, sports, and community engagement goals as it relates to transforming Chicago’s West Side into a neighborhood-of-choice and year-round destination.

Reporting directly to the project’s leadership, the CTO will be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive technology strategy that integrates innovative solutions across residential, commercial, entertainment, and public spaces within the development. This leader will ensure the project leverages advanced technologies to create a sustainable, interconnected, and vibrant community, fostering economic growth and enhancing the experience for both neighborhood residents, tenants and visitors.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Technology Vision and Strategy: Develop and execute a long-term technology roadmap to support the 1901 Project's mixed-use objectives, including smart city applications, digital infrastructure, and sustainable technologies.

• Growth Vision: Expand the reach of the United Center beyond its iconic status, focusing on elevating fan experiences and securing a leading role in the national live entertainment market.

• Venue Leadership: Lead technology strategy and operations at the United Center, a cornerstone of Chicago’s entertainment scene and home to world-class live events, including NBA and NHL games, concerts, and special performances in compliance with NBA, NHL and other event promoter technology requirements.

• Entertainment Innovation: Spearhead initiatives to enhance live entertainment offerings, leveraging cutting-edge technology and partnerships to attract premier talent and events.

• Operational Excellence: Oversee technology systems for mixed-use spaces, focusing on tenant experience, operational efficiency, and real-time data utilization.

• Digital Infrastructure: Design and deploy robust connectivity systems, including 5G networks and city-scale digital platforms, ensuring secure and efficient data management.

• Data Infrastructure and Analytics: Build and support a centralized data ecosystem that integrates IoT devices, digital platforms, and operational systems to enable real-time monitoring, predictive insights and strategic decision-making for programming, visitor engagement and infrastructure investments.

• Emerging Technology and Innovation: Oversee the implementation of IoT, AI, and other emerging technologies to enhance mobility, safety, and sustainability.

• Actionable Intelligence: Leverage advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning to analyze visitor behavior, optimize operational efficiency and uncover trends that guide long-term development and enhance overall user experience.

• Risk Management: Implement cybersecurity frameworks and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations to protect sensitive information.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work with city officials, private investors, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Blackhawks, event promoters, and community groups to align technology initiatives with project goals.

• Community Engagement: Collaborate with urban stakeholders to integrate the United Center’s and the 1901 Project’s impact on Chicago’s vibrant cultural and entertainment fabric. Drive the integration of community-facing technologies, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity through public Wi-Fi, digital kiosks, and mobile applications.

• Sustainability Leadership: Lead efforts to incorporate renewable energy solutions and green technologies into the development’s infrastructure.

• Vendor / Partner Selection: Build and maintain strategic partnerships with vendors and innovative providers, negotiating contracts to ensure high-quality services, operational efficiency, and alignment with the venue's goals.

• Team Leadership: Lead by example with a hands-on approach to leadership, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment, while prioritizing continuous professional development, mentorship, and performance management to build a high-performing team aligned with organizational goals. 

Key Skills and Attributes:

1. Strategic Technology Leadership

• Proven track record in setting and executing large-scale technology strategies for robust sports and entertainment properties and/or urban or mixed-use developments.

• Experience leading cross-disciplinary teams to integrate technology into real estate, infrastructure, and community planning.

• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders, including municipal authorities, private investors, and community groups, to align on tech-driven objectives.

• Commitment to enhancing guest experiences through innovation and deep knowledge of entertainment, sports, and event industry trends.

• Expertise in audience analytics, ticketing solutions, and fan engagement platforms.

• Knowledge of immersive technologies like AR/VR to enhance visitor experiences.

2. Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity

• Experience in planning and deploying city-scale digital infrastructure, including high-speed internet, 5G networks, and data centers.

• Expertise in cyber-physical systems, ensuring seamless integration of physical spaces with digital environments.

• Knowledge of digital twins and predictive analytics for managing infrastructure lifecycle and urban planning.

3. Community-Centric Technology Solutions

• Understanding of community-focused technologies, such as digital kiosks, public Wi-Fi, and accessible mobile apps for navigation and engagement.

• Experience in using technology to foster inclusivity, public safety, and community participation.

• Expertise in designing platforms for managing residential, commercial, and retail interactions, such as tenant portals and digital concierge systems.

4. Emerging Technology and Innovation

• Proficiency in AI, machine learning, and blockchain applications for urban and community services.

• Familiarity with cutting-edge construction technologies, such as 3D printing and modular buildings.

• Insight into trends like autonomous transportation and its integration into city planning.

5. Data Management and Security

• Proficiency in designing secure systems for handling large-scale data collection, storage, and analysis.

• Familiarity with compliance requirements for data privacy (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and cybersecurity frameworks.

• Ability to implement community-facing technology while safeguarding user data and digital interactions.

6. Mixed-Use and Multi-Functional Development Expertise

• Expertise in technology systems for mixed-use developments, including residential, commercial, entertainment, and retail spaces.

• Knowledge of systems for real-time operational data, tenant experience optimization, and visitor engagement.

7. Financial and Technical Feasibility

• Experience in budgeting and financial planning for technology implementations.

• Familiarity with ROI-driven assessments for adopting emerging technologies.

• Knowledge of securing grants, public-private partnerships, and potential investments for innovation.

8. Sustainable Energy and Environmental Integration

• Familiarity with renewable energy solutions such as solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems.

• Experience in energy management platforms and integrating technologies for net-zero buildings.

• Knowledge of urban agriculture or similar green initiatives enabled by technology.

9. Vendor Management

• Establish and maintain relationships with key vendors and partners to ensure alignment with the venue’s strategic goals and operational standards.

• Evaluate and negotiate contracts to secure the best value while maintaining the highest quality of services and products.

• Foster partnerships with innovative technology and service providers to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency.

10. Team Leadership and Development

• Take a hands-on approach to leadership, working alongside your team to drive the day-to-day operations and foster a collaborative, inclusive environment.

• Cultivate a culture of continuous learning by identifying and supporting opportunities for professional growth and skill development within the team.

• Provide guidance, mentorship, and career development support to team members, helping them grow into future leaders and reach their full potential.

• Set clear expectations and performance goals for team members, providing regular feedback and fostering accountability while celebrating successes and addressing challenges.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate is a visionary technology leader with a passion for sports, entertainment and urban innovation, and will boast a track record of delivering transformative projects. Must be adept at navigating the intersection of entertainment, technology, community, and sustainability, and possess the technical expertise and leadership skills required to position the 1901 Project as a global benchmark in smart urban development. 

Qualifications, Skills, and Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technology or business-related discipline, and minimum 10 years of progressive technology leadership roles.

• Proven experience creating a strategic technology direction for businesses, including the development of tactical details while maintaining a clear view of the big picture.

• In-depth understanding of aspects of corporate technology, data networking, telephony, and information security, preferably in the sports, entertainment or hospitality industry.

• Proven record of developing and maintaining strong partnerships and collaborative spirit with peers in all lines of the business.

• A demonstrated strong and supportive leadership style.

• Superior listening skills and brings a level of intellectual ability/agility to the team.

• Disciplined yet flexible; possess high personal integrity and consistently put the organization's interests ahead of his/her own.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively translate complex technology concepts into accessible business terms.

• Aptitude for independent decision-making, creative thinking, and innovation with technology.

• Demonstrated logical, practical, and customer focused approach to problem solving.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple competing priorities.

• PMP (Project Management Professional), ITIL, or PROSCI certifications would be an asset.

• Experience with broadcast technologies (e.g., broadcast media, scoring and video boards, press/media distribution, in-house television systems, broadcast & audio cabling systems) would be an asset.