Job Title: Coordinator, Arena Network – Fifth Third Arena

Date:  3/20/2024

Department:  Amateur Hockey (Fifth Third Arena)

Reports to:  Manager, Amateur Hockey Business Strategy

# Direct Reports:  ~5 Part-Time Staff

What It’s Like Working Here:

The Fifth Third Arena, Blackhawk Community Ice Rink, LLC., located just two blocks south of the United Center, promotes a fun, engaging, fast-paced and collaborative atmosphere while promoting a welcoming environment for members of the community, customers and employees. Our commitment to curating an environment where all individuals feel empowered to bring their best self to work each day can be seen throughout our organization. Whether you are a job seeker looking to join the organization, a current member of our amazing team, or someone looking to help support our mission, our goal is the same – to reimagine the potential of hockey, which we aim to achieve through memorable, inclusive experiences.

The Fifth Third Arena is not only the practice home of the Chicago Blackhawks, but also a community rink that hosts youth teams, high school hockey clubs, adult leagues, public skating, community programs and more on the ice. Off the ice, the facility boasts a variety of off-ice spaces to host parties, events, or corporate outings. The rink is always “buzzing” with lots of energy and activity!

What You’ll Do:    

We are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual to join our organization as a Manager of Arena Network and Partnerships. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and managing strategic partnerships with ice rinks to support Amateur Hockey’s departmental goals and objectives. You will play a crucial role in expanding our network, creating strong relationships, and coordinating various programs related to arena partnerships. If you have a passion for meaningful work in hockey, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on our organization.

The Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will possess a passion for developing and maintaining relationships to enhance partnerships and growth in our sport. The ideal candidate will have proven success with partnership development, network expansion, relationship management, contract negotiations, and strategic planning.

How You’ll Contribute:    

Identify, engage, and manage strategic partnerships across rinks and hockey organizations. Establish and maintain relationships with ice rink owners, operators, and managers.
Provide insights and sales channels for the Corporate Partnership and Membership departments.
Establish and maintain a pro-active approach on the engagement of the youth hockey organizations throughout Illinois and other surrounding markets.
Work closely with Chicago Blackhawks departments to assist in the implementation of sponsorship, hockey, and community development programs.
Assist in the development of the Hockey Hub Project centralizing information for IL hockey participants and families.
Establish partnership agreements, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with all NHL Facilities to facilitate potential collaboration with programs and leagues.
Assist with the management of IGF Budgeting, reporting, and application for funding.
Work with Community Relations and Charitable Partnerships to enhance strategic partnerships across rinks and hockey organizations.
Develop new and innovative ideas to continually support all internal programs and grow the Chicago Blackhawks brand among young fans and youth leagues.
Develop and execute strategic plans to reach out to the future fan base through programming, partnerships, and avenues of data collection.
Help to develop and implement metrics to measure the success of partnership and program initiatives including participation and retention, track key performance indicators, and generate reports for management.
Identify and pursue strategic partnerships with relevant industry stakeholders, such as sports associations, leagues, and governing bodies.
Collaborate with partners to develop joint marketing and promotional initiatives.
Seek out sponsorship opportunities to support ice rink operations and events.
Coordinate and oversee all aspects of youth hockey initiatives (i.e Little Blackhawks Learn to Play) related to programming at Arena Network partners.
Create a positive and collaborative working environment with partners, promoting long-term engagement with the hockey hub.
Coordinate and support administrative logistics for all programs.
Monitor and manage budgets associated with ice rink partnerships and initiatives.
Work closely with BSA to track fandom journeys.
Identify and pursue opportunities to generate additional revenue and data collection.
Develop, train, and manage Full time Coordinator and Part-Time staff.
Adhere to all policies and procedures to ensure a safe work ensure.
Properly report and document incidents.
Support all department initiatives including execution.

What You Bring to the Table:    

3-5 years of experience with program management/development or ice rink facility management.
Bachelor's degree in business administration, recreation management, marketing, or a related field.
Strong understanding of the ice sports industry, including knowledge of ice rink operations and regulations.
Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities to establish and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong business acumen and strategic mindset.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and occasional travel.
Ability to address, adapt to, and overcome challenges in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Demonstrated aptitude for driving results.
High attention to detail.
Demonstrates Chicago Blackhawks core values of integrity, curiosity, empathy, collaboration, and originality.

About Us:    

The Fifth Third Arena, Blackhawk Community Ice Rink, LLC, first opened its doors in November 2017 with a focus on ensuring the Chicago Blackhawks’ needs were met through equipment storage space, training rooms, a player’s lounge, weight room, two NHL-size ice rinks, and many other state-of-the-art amenities. The Fifth Third Arena Team is also passionately dedicated to giving back to the local community by providing access to multipurpose rooms, event spaces, program registrations, and drop-In admissions.

Furthering the Chicago Blackhawks mission to Reimagine the Potential of Hockey, the Fifth Third Arena is home year-round to hockey players of all ages and skill levels. They host annual Summer Hockey Camps, Learn to Skate lessons, Adult/Youth/AA Hockey Clubs, Rat Hockey, and many other options to make the Fifth Third Arena a one stop shop for every current OR future hockey player in Chicago.

The Fifth Third Arena, Blackhawk Community Ice Rink, LLC, is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels.  All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.  All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases.

Coordinator, Arena Network - Fifth Third Arena