Sports Facilities – Sports event coordinator / Event Manager
Many teams have an exhibition center attached to the facility that is operated by either a public stadium authority or private company or both. These entities provide sports jobs at arenas, stadiums, and other athletics facilities.
An Event Coordinator/Manager assists the Director of Event Operations in coordinating and managing all non-team related events at the stadium and/or event center. It should be noted, however, that the position may also be required to work sporting events when needed. Not only do Coordinators help make sure that events are successful once booked, they also have a hand in selling the venue to different events such as road shows, boat shows, corporate meetings, all-star games and similar events, etc.
The Events Coordinator also aids the Director with execution of all objectives, monitoring of budgets, and compile advertising summaries for partners. He or she may also oversee intern program for the department if working for a larger organization. In this capacity, the Coordinator will be the key marketing liaison to all vendors associated with promotions at the facility. This may also include working with an outside advertising agency if advertising is not done in-house.
Because this position handles many activities that are in direct contact with the fans/consumers, Coordinators often utilize consumer and marketplace data/research to recommend and execute initiatives that drive affinity when appropriate.
The most common experience required is a B.A. or B.S. in sports management or a closely related field plus experience in event management, facility operations, or a related field. This position requires exceptional organization skills with an ability to effectively multi-task; excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal with vendors and clients and a mastery of Microsoft Office Products such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Because events don’t always and in fact rarely happen during normal work hours, Coordinators must have a willingness to work flexible hours based upon events including daytime, evening, weekend and holidays as needed.
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. One more thing to note is that this position usually includes a commission producing much more variance in potential salary.
Major League Baseball: $34,000 – $65,000
National Football League: $43,000 – $79,000
National Basketball Association: $31,000 – $69,000
National Hockey League: $28,000 – $65,000
Collegiate: $25,000 – $60,000
*The low end NHL salary included a conversion from Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars.