Manager, Partner Development and Guest Relations, Olympic Oval -Faculty of Kinesiology

Description

The Olympic Oval in the Faculty of Kinesiology is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Manager, Partner Development and Guest Relations .

The Olympic Oval is the premier Winter Olympic legacy facility from the 1988 Winter Olympic Games and part of the University of Calgary's Faculty of Kinesiology. The facility provides for a number of local, national, and international stakeholders and is home to high performance athletes, world-class high performance program areas, and excellent research. The Oval provides a dynamic environment for Faculty of Kinesiology programs including Dino Athletics, Active Living, and Faculty courses and research initiatives. The Olympic Oval brings international recognition to the University of Calgary through the hosting of major international world class events, the training of Olympic athletes, and ongoing development of high performance programs. Additionally, the Olympic Oval contributes to and is recognized locally as a major part of the Calgary community providing public skating, events and bookable space for various public user groups and entities.

The Manager, Partner & Guest Relations is a member of the Oval's leadership team and contributes to the strategic direction and long term sustainability of the Olympic Oval. The role will be accountable for multiple business units in developing the strategic direction for partner development, marketing and communications, world class guest experience, and profit centered events. The Manager, Partner & Guest Relations will report to the Director, Olympic Oval and collaborate extensively with the Director to ensure financially sustainable business practices for sponsorship, international, national and local guest relations, and high profile events within the facility. Collaboration is key to the success of the position and the Manager, Partner & Guest Relations will be expected to foster and cultivate strong working relationships within the University, Olympic Oval, the community, and external stakeholders.

This position requires strategic thinking and problem solving ability, focused on results in the areas of partner development, marketing, communications, guest relations and events delivery. The Manager, Partner & Guest Relations will lead their teams to deliver on the expectations of the Olympic Oval's world class reputation, executing their objective with the utmost professionalism. Problems range from moderate to high complexity with significant impacts on the University, Olympic Oval, staff, customers, budgets, and community users. A high level vision, decision making, advanced understanding of high performance podium potential athletes, and the links to the University and community must be continually in the forefront. During peak periods (August to March) responsibility for multiple events, priorities and connection with sports related events necessitates incumbent to manage multiple demands and demonstrate calmness under pressure.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Determine, prioritize and implement new strategic initiatives for the Olympic Oval through short and long-term strategic planning initiatives
• Determine, prioritize and implement new revenue generating opportunities for the Olympic Oval
• Determine, interpret and implement policies and procedures as necessary and set out by the Oval management team, Faculty of Kinesiology and University of Calgary
• Exercise leadership, develop quality staff members, and build a flexible organization capable of learning and adapting quickly to change
• Create an environment of support, including coaching and staff development to ensure service levels meet or exceed expectations
• Provides a work environment that encourages participation, innovation, adaptability, accountability and initiative, and leadership that fosters honesty, integrity, and pride amongst staff members
• Effectively provide administration within the facility and oversee the department budget
• As a representative of the Olympic Oval leadership team, serve on associated committees affecting and influencing the direction of the Oval
• Responsible for hiring new employees, employee performance reviews, discipline and terminations, if necessary
• Provide support for senior leaders within the Olympic Oval to access and effectively utilize the communication & marketing team resources to achieve strategic goals and objectives with regards to communications and marketing
• Develop and implement both the short and long term sponsorship and fund development strategic plans, including sourcing of new sponsorship relations
• Manage sponsorship activation for all activities in the Oval, including but not limited to high performance, public, and University
• Evaluation of new sponsorship opportunities brought to the Oval and responsible for negotiation, drafting, signing, and facilitation of all new sponsorship agreements
• Provide summary report to all sponsors of their return on investment
• Work with University of Calgary / Faculty of Kinesiology Fund Development in pursuit of major sponsorship opportunities for the Olympic Oval
• Develop and foster relations with visiting international speed skating guests
• Design, develop, and deliver a multi-channel marketing and communications strategy and plan; leveraging, but not limited to, digital technology to attract, recruit, retain, and engage new and existing user groups and participants to the Olympic Oval aligned to the Oval's Mandate (community, varsity and high performance)
• Manage media relations and build relationships with sponsors and media professionals, maintaining information and dispersing for the Oval leadership team
• Develop and maintain good relationships with key campus constituents and all Oval stakeholders, including external and international contacts
• Lead the Guest Relations Team to innovate and generate increased profits within the Oval
• Oversee full training of all front office, administration, and part time guest relations staff
• Ensure a safe, healthy and productive environment for all users and employees through planning, executing and managing aspects of risk management and safety as it relates to the department
• Assess, direct and respond to any Environmental, Health and Safety issues
• Create and maintain customer service policies and programs that strive to be on the leading edge and remain profitable for the Olympic Oval and beneficial to all users
• Desirable to have a full working knowledge of all aspects of customer service offered at the Olympic Oval
• Ability to manage budget allocated for areas under such responsibility and work collaboratively with the Olympic Oval administration department for optimal financial governance
• Ensure all business development initiatives comply with University of Calgary policies, procedures and guidelines
• Responsible for oversight and negotiation of new and existing department contracts, with oversight from the Director, Olympic Oval

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A post-secondary degree in business or marketing along with several years of progressive experience
• An MBA, or Master's degree in a related field would be considered an asset
• 8+ years working in either a fund development or sponsorships role, preferably working within the realm of high performance sport
• 10+ years management experience and client services skills
• Extensive experience in the realm of high performance sport, or an understanding of multifaceted sport disciplines, programs, and user groups, would be an asset
• Strong leadership abilities, communication (both written and verbal), and problem solving skills are necessary for the position. Diplomacy, tact, discretion, conflict resolution and ability to manage fluid expectation and projects are key skills required
• Knowledge and understanding of the operation and function of the University of Calgary, Faculty of Kinesiology and inter-workings of respective departments, would be an asset
• Results oriented with a proven ability to deliver successful marketing, sponsorship and communications strategies
• Proven knowledge in the development of new revenue streams would be beneficial
• Prior experience in budget development and implementation is necessary
• Demonstrated experience in organizing and marketing of events for either sport or community, within the Public Sector
• Excellent networking with sponsors in Calgary and elsewhere in Canada
• Experience with social media, online marketing, communication strategies, development of promotional materials and special event planning
• Extensive business and financial modeling skills including strategic planning, project management, and business development
• Exceptional communication skills and ability to be effective in a cross functional team environment, fostering a positive, open, and cooperative working environment
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relations across an organization, as well as with the external community at large
• Must be an innovative thinker with high level of initiative, energy and enthusiasm
• Ability to foster teamwork along with a commitment to working as part of a larger team, working within a unionized environment, would be considered an asset
• Must be proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Knowledge and training within a University setting would also be an asset

Application Deadline: October 23, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is classified in the Management Career Band, Level 2 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website .

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups . Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca .

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ( [email protected] ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ( [email protected] ).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.