Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $48,900.00 - $82,600.00
Work Schedule
Day Shifts
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
Tuition Assistance
Employee wellness programs
Professional development opportunities
Job Description
The University of Delaware is a prominent public research university located in Newark, Delaware, serving a diverse student population with comprehensive academic programs and vibrant campus life. Known for its emphasis on research, innovation, and student success, the University has a robust Department of Athletics, Community & Campus Recreation that supports wellness, competitive sports, and recreational activities for students, faculty, and staff. The department aims to foster community engagement and promote healthy lifestyles through a variety of athletic and recreational facilities and programs.
Among these vital facilities are the Fred Rust and Gold Ice Arenas, key venues for ice sports activities and events at the University. These arenas host varsity hockey games, figure skating shows, club competitions, youth tournaments, and other recreational activities that draw participants and spectators from the university and the local community. Alongside the ice arenas, the department also manages the Outdoor Pool Aquatics Center, offering aquatic programs and seasonal recreational opportunities.
The Facilities & Events Manager - Ice Arenas plays a critical role in maintaining and advancing the operational excellence of these ice arenas. Reporting to the Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Ice Arenas, this manager oversees day-to-day facility operations, ensuring the arenas are safe, clean, and fully operational for all users. This hands-on leadership position involves supervising part-time and student staff, managing ice maintenance including resurfacing with Zamboni machines, overseeing facility repairs, and coordinating logistics for a variety of ice arena events. The manager is the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders in the planning and execution of competitions, shows, rentals, and scheduled activities, striving to deliver seamless and high-quality customer experiences.
Given the dynamic nature of ice arena operations and event management, the position requires flexibility in work hours, including availability during nights, weekends, and holidays, aligned with facility schedules. Typical working hours are Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 11:30 PM to handle arena closings and event support. The role demands a combination of technical expertise in ice rink management and strong interpersonal skills to lead teams, engage with clients, and collaborate with various university departments such as custodial services, security, environmental health and safety, and business offices.
In addition to overseeing ice arena operations, the Facilities & Events Manager also supports the Outdoor Pool Aquatics Center with seasonal openings, daily maintenance, and closures to ensure the proper functioning and safety of this aquatic facility. This blended responsibility highlights the manager's versatile role in supporting the broader recreational facilities managed by the Department of Athletics, Community & Campus Recreation at the University of Delaware.
This position is classified under pay grade 26N and is a full-time staff role based in Newark, Delaware. The University offers competitive total rewards packages that include salary and comprehensive benefits, reflecting its commitment to employee well-being and job satisfaction.
Overall, the Facilities & Events Manager - Ice Arenas is a vital member of the athletics and recreation community at the University of Delaware, dedicated to achieving excellence together by providing outstanding facility operation, event management, and customer service to promote an active and engaged campus culture.
Among these vital facilities are the Fred Rust and Gold Ice Arenas, key venues for ice sports activities and events at the University. These arenas host varsity hockey games, figure skating shows, club competitions, youth tournaments, and other recreational activities that draw participants and spectators from the university and the local community. Alongside the ice arenas, the department also manages the Outdoor Pool Aquatics Center, offering aquatic programs and seasonal recreational opportunities.
The Facilities & Events Manager - Ice Arenas plays a critical role in maintaining and advancing the operational excellence of these ice arenas. Reporting to the Assistant Athletic Director and Director of Ice Arenas, this manager oversees day-to-day facility operations, ensuring the arenas are safe, clean, and fully operational for all users. This hands-on leadership position involves supervising part-time and student staff, managing ice maintenance including resurfacing with Zamboni machines, overseeing facility repairs, and coordinating logistics for a variety of ice arena events. The manager is the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders in the planning and execution of competitions, shows, rentals, and scheduled activities, striving to deliver seamless and high-quality customer experiences.
Given the dynamic nature of ice arena operations and event management, the position requires flexibility in work hours, including availability during nights, weekends, and holidays, aligned with facility schedules. Typical working hours are Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 11:30 PM to handle arena closings and event support. The role demands a combination of technical expertise in ice rink management and strong interpersonal skills to lead teams, engage with clients, and collaborate with various university departments such as custodial services, security, environmental health and safety, and business offices.
In addition to overseeing ice arena operations, the Facilities & Events Manager also supports the Outdoor Pool Aquatics Center with seasonal openings, daily maintenance, and closures to ensure the proper functioning and safety of this aquatic facility. This blended responsibility highlights the manager's versatile role in supporting the broader recreational facilities managed by the Department of Athletics, Community & Campus Recreation at the University of Delaware.
This position is classified under pay grade 26N and is a full-time staff role based in Newark, Delaware. The University offers competitive total rewards packages that include salary and comprehensive benefits, reflecting its commitment to employee well-being and job satisfaction.
Overall, the Facilities & Events Manager - Ice Arenas is a vital member of the athletics and recreation community at the University of Delaware, dedicated to achieving excellence together by providing outstanding facility operation, event management, and customer service to promote an active and engaged campus culture.
Job Requirements
- Must be available to work nights weekends and holidays in accordance with event and facility schedules
- Required to drive and maintain proficiency with Zamboni ice resurfacing equipment
- May be required to lift and move heavy equipment or supplies with or without assistance up to 50 lbs
- Must be able to work in both indoor cold environments and outdoor seasonal conditions
Job Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED with at least three years of job-related experience or bachelor's degree with facility or event operations experience
- Prior experience in ice arena operations including Zamboni use and maintenance ice preparation and mechanical system oversight is strongly preferred
- Experience managing events coordinating logistics and working with customers or clients in a recreational athletics or public-facing environment
- Demonstrated ability to lead and train staff organize workflows and respond to dynamic operational needs
- Proficiency in computer applications including Microsoft Office Google Workspace and facility/event scheduling systems
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and within team environments
- Comfortable working in physically demanding environments including cold temperatures and outdoor conditions
Job Duties
- Manage daily operations of the Fred Rust and Gold Ice Arenas ensuring safe clean and operational environments for all users
- Oversee ice maintenance activities including resurfacing Zamboni ice depth management blade changes painting and seasonal adjustments
- Perform and oversee facility maintenance and coordinate repairs with appropriate university departments or vendors
- Supervise and train part-time staff and student employees in arena procedures including Zamboni operation emergency protocols customer service and event support
- Maintain inventory and coordinate maintenance of arena equipment including Zamboni skate aids and mechanical systems
- Conduct pre-event and daily facility inspections identifying and resolving issues related to ice quality equipment function and public safety
- Produce and maintain operational logs maintenance records and daily shift reports
- Serve as the lead or assist event manager for ice arena events including varsity hockey figure skating shows club competitions youth tournaments learn-to-skate sessions and private rentals
- Plan and implement all logistical aspects of each event including staffing plans client coordination facility setup and breakdown
- Collaborate with internal units and external partners such as custodial security EHS and vendors to ensure seamless event delivery
- Manage the expectations and requests of clients during their events providing exceptional service and timely issue resolution
- Generate pre and post-event documentation and coordinate with the Business Office for invoicing and reconciliation
- Assist with seasonal opening daily pool maintenance and closing of the Outdoor Pool Aquatics Center
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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