Vice President of Business Operations
About the role
The Vice President of Marketing & Operations oversees the Trenton Ironhawks' operational infrastructure. Reporting directly to the President, this role provides cross-functional leadership across Business Operations, Community and Corporate Relations, Revenue Generation, Game Day Execution, and General Management.
Responsibilities
- Staff Supervision and Leadership: Lead staff across all departments, including ticket sales, sponsorship sales, social media and marketing, merchandise, and interns. Address questions and concerns, support problem-solving, and foster employee growth through mentorship, guidance, and ongoing encouragement.
- Finance: Oversee staff spending and purchase requests for office supplies, furniture, equipment, technology, and other operational needs. Manage technology needs, identify issues, and research solutions that support business operations. Serve as the primary liaison to the IT provider to secure hardware and software, manage staff accounts and access, and resolve technical problems.
- Travel Coordination: Coordinate staff travel including transportation, lodging, and meals.
- Arena Relations: Build strong working relationships with CURE Insurance Arena and Oak View Group leadership and staff. Identify and address issues related to fan experience, sound and lighting, ice operations, and sponsor fulfillment.
- Sales, Marketing & Promotions: Collaborate with the department directors to ensure effective execution of marketing objectives and vision. Develop and execute long-term, revenue-generating strategies. Maintain regular communication with directors, managers, and staff to monitor progress, identify challenges, and provide guidance that supports growth.
- Ticket Sales: Contribute to the ticket sales team effort to increase individual game, full-season, and partial-season membership and group sales. Generate qualified leads through strategic networking and community engagement initiatives. Report progress on all ticket sales to President.
- Sponsorship Sales: Work with the President to build relationships within the community to identify prospective corporate partners. Develop strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships with regional businesses that enhance their visibility while supporting their business objectives. Collaborate with President and Arena sales staff to identify prospective partners.
- Community and Local Government Relations: Serve as a visible ambassador for the Trenton Ironhawks, alongside the President, within Trenton and the surrounding communities. Cultivate leadership roles in local and regional organizations and boards and develop strategic partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups. Build and sustain strong relationships with local and regional government officials to demonstrate and advance the organization’s commitment to the growth and development of the Trenton area.
Requirements
- Proven Track Record: 4-6+ years of progressive leadership experience in professional sports management at the major or minor league level; hockey preferred.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field required. Master’s Degree or MBA preferred.
- Executive Skillset: Proven success in supervision, leadership, and training of staff along with budget management, and contract negotiations.
- Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication style capable of adapting to multiple constituencies.
- Demands of the Game: Flexibility to work long, non-traditional hours, including weekends, nights, and holidays, according to the demands of a professional hockey organization.
Qualifications
- Compensation & Benefits: Executive Tier Base Salary supplemented by performance/revenue bonuses. Full Corporate Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Vision). Paid Time Off (PTO). Corporate relocation assistance provided where necessary.
Skills
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Benefits
- Full Corporate Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Vision).
- Paid Time Off (PTO).
- Corporate relocation assistance provided where necessary.
Pay
Executive Tier Base Salary supplemented by performance/revenue bonuses.
Schedule
Flexibility to work long, non-traditional hours, including weekends, nights, and holidays, according to the demands of a professional hockey organization.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Pro Hockey Partners, LLC dba Trenton Ironhawks is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.