Game Day Operations Manager

Winston-Salem, NC, USA|Remote

Job Overview

Benefits

competitive salary

Team apparel

Opportunity to grow within a professional sports organization

Job Description

The Twin City Thunderbirds are a professional ice hockey team based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, competing in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL). As a community-focused sports organization, the Twin City Thunderbirds take pride in offering electrifying game-day experiences and engaging outreach programs that foster a strong connection between the team and its fans. With a rich tradition of promoting the sport at grassroots levels, the organization is dedicated to developing hockey talent while providing premier entertainment to local sports enthusiasts. The team is committed to inclusivity and diversity, ensuring everyone in the Winston-Salem area can partake in the excitement of live hockey events and community activities.

We are currently seeking a dynamic and highly organized Game Day Operations Manager to join our team and lead the planning, coordination, and execution of all aspects of game day entertainment and community relations. This role is crucial in delivering an exceptional fan experience from the moment fans enter the arena to post-game celebrations and interactions. The Game Day Operations Manager will be responsible for managing pre-game activities, in-game entertainment, promotions, contests, and specialty night events that keep the energy and enthusiasm high throughout the hockey season. Alongside these duties, the individual will oversee the team’s community outreach calendar, organizing player appearances at schools, hospitals, and various civic or charitable organizations to maintain strong community ties.

This position demands an individual who excels in project management, is an effective communicator, and thrives in fast-paced environments. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, such as marketing, ticketing, broadcasting partners, sponsors, and arena personnel, to ensure seamless game day operations. Additionally, the role involves recruiting, training, and supervising game-day staff and volunteers, handling setup and teardown of promotional areas, and coordinating special ceremonies and events that accentuate team spirit.

The Game Day Operations Manager must be comfortable working irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, particularly during the hockey season. A passion for hockey, creativity in enhancing fan engagement, and the ability to multitask under pressure are essential for success in this role. The Twin City Thunderbirds provide a competitive salary based on experience, team apparel, and opportunities for professional growth within a respected professional sports organization. Joining the Twin City Thunderbirds means becoming part of a vibrant sports community dedicated to delivering memorable and entertaining hockey experiences while positively impacting the greater Winston-Salem area.

Job Requirements

2+ years of experience in sports event management, game presentation, or live event operations
outstanding organizational and project management skills
strong leadership and communication abilities
ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
comfortable working nights, weekends, and holidays during the hockey season
proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

Job Qualifications

2+ years of experience in sports event management, game presentation, or live event operations
outstanding organizational and project management skills
strong leadership and communication abilities
ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
comfortable working nights, weekends, and holidays during the hockey season
proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
experience with professional or collegiate sports is strongly preferred
experience managing live sporting events
strong customer service skills
ability to work independently while leading volunteers and part-time staff
creative mindset with a passion for enhancing the fan experience

Job Duties

Plan, organize, and execute all pre-game activities
coordinate all in-game entertainment, promotions, contests, and intermission activities
manage all post-game events, including specialty presentations, autograph sessions, and fan experiences
develop detailed game-day timelines and production schedules
coordinate with arena staff, marketing, ticketing, broadcasters, sponsors, mascots, and game-day volunteers
ensure all promotions are executed professionally and on schedule
create and maintain the season-long promotional calendar
coordinate specialty nights including Military Appreciation Night, Pink in the Rink, Teddy Bear Toss, Education Day, First Responders Night, and other themed events
work with sponsors to ensure promotional obligations are fulfilled
coordinate giveaways, contests, and sponsor activations
schedule player appearances at schools, hospitals, churches, youth organizations, civic groups, sponsor events, and charitable functions
maintain the team’s community appearance calendar
serve as the primary point of contact for appearance requests
coordinate transportation, promotional materials, and staffing for appearances
recruit, train, and supervise game-day staff and volunteers
assist with setup and teardown of game-day promotional areas
coordinate special ceremonies, anthem singers, color guards, youth teams, and ceremonial puck drops
work closely with the coaching staff and front office to ensure seamless operations