Manager, Events

The National Hockey League (NHL®), founded in 1917, is the premier professional ice hockey league in the world and one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada. With over 1,500 employees across the U.S. and Canada, the NHL is a global sports and entertainment organization committed to building healthy and vibrant communities through the sport of hockey.

About the role

This Manager of Events will lead the planning and coordination of various projects for the NHL Events Department. The role is hands-on with multiple tentpole fan festival events, including all NHL Outdoor Games, NHL All-Star Weekend, and operational roles for other League jewel events.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate pricing and contracts with various production vendors.
• Collaborate with the NHL Events Department on Fan Festivals, including attraction development, audio/visual, event decor, F&B, hospitality, partner obligations, and security.
• Work directly with league partners, sponsors, and agencies to execute on-site activations at NHL Events.
• Manage and oversee wayfinding, event transportation, directional signage, and venue setup for events such as the Stanley Cup Final, NHL Draft, and other League events.
• Participate in event site reviews and provide creative ideas to enhance NHL fan events.
• Manage multiple event budgets and perform invoice reconciliation post-events.
• Oversee the NHL Asset Inventory and manage the NHL Mascot Program at NHL All-Star Weekend.
• Perform other departmental duties as assigned.

Requirements

• At least 3-5 years of experience coordinating public events, preferably in the sports & entertainment industry.
• Prior experience leading large-scale fan events.
• Experience managing operations in event transportation, directional signage/wayfinding, and venue setup.
• Experience collaborating with sponsors and their creative agencies to execute activations.
• Ability to lead meetings and clearly communicate information to upper management.
• Ability to collaborate with multiple internal departments, including Partnership Marketing, Sales, Creative Services, Security, NHL Productions, and Finance.
• Willingness to work long hours, including weekends and holidays, and travel to host event cities.
• Must be able and willing to travel within the U.S. and internationally.

Qualifications

• College degree required, preferably in Sport Management, Sport Marketing, or a related field.
• Preferred experience working within sports, entertainment, media, or consumer brands.
• Passion for hockey, sports, culture, and fan engagement is a plus.

Skills

• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Result-driven, "can-do" attitude with a focus on client service satisfaction.
• Positive, energetic attitude and willingness to learn as part of a close team.
• Quick thinking and problem-solving skills on the fly.
• Highly organized, creative, and able to multi-task.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, publicly visible, high-pressure, and deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to share ideas and develop effective responses.
• Ability to maintain a positive, team-oriented attitude with guests, vendors, and fans.

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Inclusion
• Professionalism
• Teamwork & Collaboration

Benefits

• Time to Recharge: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), including paid holidays, vacation, personal and sick days, plus an extra day off for your birthday.
• Health Benefits: Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision) effective on the first day, with the NHL subsidizing a large portion of costs. Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental, physical, and financial health, as well as a digital wellness resource.
• Childcare Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for the primary caregiver and up to 6 weeks for non-primary caregivers following the birth, adoption, or placement of a child.
• Retirement: Participation in the NHL’s Savings Plan, including a 401K (pre-tax and Roth options) with non-elective employer contributions.
• Hybrid Work Schedule: Flexibility in work locations/schedules for most roles.
• Office Amenities: State-of-the-art offices at One Manhattan West in Hudson Yards, featuring high-tech conference rooms, game rooms, and access to shops, dining, and public artwork.
• Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax commuter benefit plan to offset travel costs.
• NHL Partner Rates: Exclusive pricing from NHL partners, including savings on travel, consumer goods, and the NHL Store.
• Life at the NHL: Opportunities to participate in team-building activities such as Tuesday Night Skate at Chelsea Piers, Employee Resource Groups, and more.

Pay

Salary range: $85,000–$90,000. Actual base pay will be determined based on experience, training, market demands, and geographic location.