Sports Facilities – VP for Operations and services
Operations VPs are the premier providers of world-class sports, entertainment and hospitality experiences and operators of either the sports venue or exhibition center or both. This position reports to the President of the facility operating company and is responsible for directing all arena business and operations to ensure industry leading service, facilities and operations.
VP level employees must also employ progressive and innovative leadership and management oversight to maximize the profitability of facility events, provide excellent service, and optimize guest and client experiences.
Employer’s ideal candidate at this level must have a bachelor’s degree and often prefer an operations or business related graduate degree as well as more than ten years of management experience in all facets of arena operations and service. As with other high level positions, Operations VP’s must possess strong organizational, verbal and written communication, interpersonal, management and presentation skills as well.
It should be noted, that the above mentioned operations experience doesn’t have to be related specifically to sports, and can be acquired through non-sports operations positions. Many Operations VP’s have extensive non-sports operations expertise but are tired of working on the corporate side and want to be a part of one of their local professional sports teams. It is not just low-level employees that decide to switch industries; those with a comprehensive operations background can make the switch as well.
Compensation:
Salary levels vary substantially, depending upon the level of managerial responsibility, length of service, education, professional level (minor league versus top professional league), location, and sport.
Major League Baseball: $94,000 – $124,000
National Football League: $105,000 – $145,000
National Basketball Association: $92,000 – $120,000
National Hockey League: $82,000 – $100,000
*The low end NHL salary included a conversion from Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars.