Job Summary

The Vice President, Innovation & Technology Services is responsible for the overall technological direction of the organization, arena operations, and affiliated locations that support the overall vision of creating a world-class plus fan experience. This position is part of the leadership team and serves as a strategic business partner to all areas of the organization.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Provide strategic vision to the Infrastructure, AV & Production, and Software Development teams to ensure current and future projects focus on delivering solid foundations with competitive advantages
Develop and position overall innovation and technology vision that aligns with stakeholders and organizations growth both in arena and other properties/venues
Develop strong relationships with all VSG team members and provide innovation and information technology support to entire organization
Build and manage a dynamic and customer focused technology team to support the mission and vision
Create overall technology standards, policies, and practices and ensuring adherence that supports the business needs of the organization
Lead the strategy for technology platforms, partnerships, and external relationships
Overseeing research and development initiative to keep organization at the forefront of innovative trends
Collaborating with the executive team to assess and recommend technologies in support of organizational needs
Financially manage resources and budgets to align with business needs and expectations
Prepares systems cost estimates and cost-benefit analyses
Lead and manage special projects and initiatives from inception to completion assuring quality control and financial projections are met
Make recommendations to senior management through presentations and advocacy
Manage data systems implementation and monitoring their effectiveness in meeting business goals and objectives
Supervise software testing, and information systems security and maintenance
Manage staff in functional areas such as LAN/WAN architecture, systems operations and administration, telephony, access control & CCTV, audio/video services, help desk, and hardware support, and software development and support
Develop strategic relationships with vendors and contractors that support projects and operations
Anticipate and react to major technology changes
Develop technology contingency plans to keep systems operational in the event of a disaster and keep projects on track
Actively participate in resources reduction, energy optimization and good sustainable practices
Generate new innovative products and facilitate their entry to market when applicable
Other duties as assigned

Supervisory & Management Responsibilities

Hire and lead full-time staff and manage their workflow
Oversight of part-time game/event staff and USF Fellows (as applicable)
Responsible for ongoing coaching and development of staff and timely performance feedback

Game/Event Responsibilities

Game/Event Night responsibilities: Yes
Approximate number of events worked per year: 60-100

Qualifications

At least ten (10) years progressive experience in the technology field with experience at the Director or VP level as well as experience serving as a member of the business leadership team
Experience preferably in arena/stadium/venue/sports and entertainment industry or other related innovative technology industry that focuses on the customer experience
Relevant and updated certifications required for project management, system implementation, maintenance and management (Cisco, Microsoft, CPM, PMP etc.)
Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Computer Science or related field required
Proven strategic leadership ability including the ability to plan, organize, coordinate, assign, direct, and evaluate the work of professional and administrative staff
Ability to build strong and collaborative relationships with their team, the executive team, and ownership
Ability to think proactively and a confident decision maker who will challenge the status quo finding creative financial solutions, while remaining sensitive to the complexities and multi-dimensional aspects of VSG
Oriented toward long-term strategic success
Strong business acumen and operational instincts
Excellent communication skills (oral and written); excellent analytical and abstract reasoning skills; excellent organization skill
Demonstrated experience managing departmental and organizational technology budget and fiscal management including creation of strategic business plans
Ability to deal with others in a variety of situations using tact and diplomacy
Ability to appropriately handle confidential matters and information
Ability to work in a fast-paced changing environment and as part of a team, taking on tasks at all levels
Prior experience building an effective IT infrastructure to meet business requirements
Track record of data driven and analytical decision making

Working Conditions

Ability to work efficiently and effectively in office and arena environment that can be exciting, loud and distracting
This is an onsite role; flexibility to work a minority of time remotely.
Ability to work extended hours including late nights, holidays, and weekends as needed
Ability to work prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Ability to use hands and fingers on office and mobile technology
Ability to listen and speak on phone, in meetings, and in one-on-one conversations
Ability to move comfortable throughout the arena with minimal accommodations
Ability to stand on feet for long periods of time, walk long distances and climb stairs.

We are an equal opportunity employer and 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.