Job Summary
The Director of Alumni Relations & Jr. Lightning is responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive alumni relations strategy that strengthens relationships with former Tampa Bay Lightning players while advancing the business, brand and community objectives of Vinik Sports Group (VSG), the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Lightning Foundation. The Director is also responsible for leading the planning, coordination, marketing, and communication efforts for the Jr. Lightning Tier 1 Hockey program, overseeing all aspects of program implementation, including interaction with our Alumni. This position plays a key role in bridging the legacy-to-future hockey ecosystem while maintaining operational excellence and providing an exceptional experience for players, families, coaching staff, and Alumni, ensuring that the organization's history (alumni) and future (AAA hockey) are connected through a single strategic vision.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Alumni Relations
- Provide strategic vision, leadership, and oversight for the Alumni Relations department, developing and executing a multi-year strategy aligned with VSG's organizational objectives and focused on sustainable program growth and alumni engagement.
- Develop, implement, and oversee alumni programs and initiatives that strengthen relationships with former players, enhance organizational value, and support long-term engagement
- Activate portfolio of events that align with Alumni Relations goals, including Fantasy Camp, Hall of Fame recognition, Alumni Golf Tournament, and Alumni Game, including event execution and budget management
- Coordinate alumni participation in marquee organizational and NHL events, including Opening Night, Stanley Cup Playoffs, milestone celebrations, and other high-profile initiatives that drive fan engagement, celebrate organizational history, and strengthen the Lightning brand
- Collaborate with the Marketing, Digital, Game Presentation Communications team to develop a multifaceted alumni communications plan to increase alumni engagement within VSG and throughout the community.
- Oversee the coordination and execution of alumni appearances, including talent identification,
- scheduling, contractual obligations, stakeholder alignment, and on-site engagement, ensuring a consistent, professional experience that delivers value to alumni and organizational partners
- Drive the strategic integration of alumni across all business units of Vinik Sports Group, including Membership Sales and Service and Corporate Partnerships, to support business growth, develop revenue-generating assets, expand engagement platforms, and deliver meaningful experiences for fans, partners, and the community
- Collaborate with the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) and NHL Alumni Association on player wellness and post-retirement initiatives.
- Collaborate with the Hockey Hall of Fame and other institutions for storytelling and archival projects.
- Assist Alumni with building their personal brands and creating visibility in the region.
- Establish processes to ensure a smooth transition into the program when a former Lightning player retires.
- Manage funds by planning, developing and managing departmental budget.
- Create reports and analysis tools to help ensure the program is responsive to the needs of alumni.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Jr Lightning
- Ensure full compliance with USA Hockey rules, regulations, and bylaws, including registration, eligibility, and roster requirements. Including coach certification and Safesport related oversight.
- Facilitate and oversee player, parent, and coaching contracts, including documentation and compliance tracking.
- Serve as a primary administrative contact for players, parents, coaches, leagues, and SAHOF.
- Assist with updates and content of website and digital communication platforms
- Manage team equipment and apparel ordering, inventory management, and distribution
- Coordination of team managers in blocking hotels and other travel related issues for league play, showcases, and tournaments
- Manage tournament registrations, league entries, and required documentation
- Coordinate coach schedules, ice times, practices, seasonal calendars, and additional ice scheduling.
- Assist with budget planning, financial tracking, and payment management
- Process registrations, payments, invoicing, and expense tracking
- Support day-to-day hockey operations to maintain a professional Tier I AAA standard
- Supporting organizational coaches and helping carry forward the Lighting Tier 1 Board’s vision for the program.
- Work with internal VSG partnership and fundraising team to generate funds for programming.
- Communicate with Director, Alumni Relations to ensure Lightning Alumni are properly represented and engaged throughout the program.
- Manage the development and execution of all training sessions and development camps.
- Assist with other responsibilities to support Tier 1 programming
Game/Event Responsibilities
- Game/Event Night responsibilities: Yes
- Approximate number of games/events worked per year: 20+
Qualifications
- At least 7-10 years relevant experience in a non-profit or related alumni relations field
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Experience in sports and entertainment industry or other related industry preferred
- Experience managing and leading team members
- Demonstrated skill in building and maintaining effective working relationships with athletes and coworkers
- Ability to build credibility and establish trust among players and management
- Experience putting on successful, large-scale events
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to handle multiple tasks, allocate and optimize resources, and manage timelines
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word)
- Results oriented with strong interpersonal and customer service skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and use of discretion
- Ability to work collaboratively with others
Working Conditions
- Ability to work efficiently and effectively in an office and arena environment that can be exciting, loud and distracting
- Ability to work extended hours including late nights, holidays, and weekends as needed
- Ability to lift/carry/move up to 10lbs
- Ability to work in cold/hot indoor and outdoor temperatures
- Ability to commute to various venues throughout the Greater Tampa Bay Area
- Ability to travel within the US and Canada for up to one-week at a time, multiple times per year
- Ability to work in areas that can become crowded with equipment and/or people
- Ability to move comfortably throughout the arena
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.
