Arena Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary The Assistant Director of Facilities Slater Family Ice Arena is responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, scheduling support, event execution, and facility management of the Slater Family Ice Arena. This position oversees facility operations for both ice sheets and associated support spaces while ensuring a safe, clean, customer-focused, and operationally excellent environment for student-athletes, coaches, students, community members, and external clients. The Assistant Director plays a key leadership role in facility maintenance, ice operations, refrigeration monitoring, event support, risk management, budget administration, and staff supervision.

The position collaborates closely with Athletics staff, coaches, campus partners, contractors, and external organizations to support intercollegiate athletics, youth and adult hockey, figure skating, Learn to Skate, public skating, camps, tournaments, and special events. This position reports to the Associate Athletics Director for Facility Operations and supervises graduate assistant and student staff assigned to arena operations. Essential Functions Oversee the daily operation of Slater Family Ice Arena, ensuring the facility is safe, clean, customer-focused, and operationally ready to support intercollegiate athletics, recreational programming, and external events.

Manage and assist with ice maintenance operations, rink equipment maintenance, and the upkeep of arena infrastructure, including dasher boards, glass, goals, netting, and related facility assets. Coordinate preventative maintenance, repairs, and operational monitoring of refrigeration, dehumidification, HVAC, ice resurfacing equipment, and other facility systems while responding to operational alarms and emergencies as necessary. Maintain facility inspections, maintenance records, equipment logs, operational readings, inventory records, and other required documentation while coordinating repairs and capital improvements with Campus Operations and external vendors.

Plan, coordinate, and support event operations, facility conversions, staffing, event setups and breakdowns, and customer service initiatives. Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate student employees and part-time staff while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, customer service, and professional development. Ensure compliance with University, NCAA, OSHA, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations while assisting with risk management initiatives, emergency response planning, facility inspections, and safety programs.

Assist with the development and management of operational and maintenance budgets, monitor expenditures, oversee inventory and procurement processes, and recommend equipment and facility improvements. Participate in long-range facility planning, capital improvement projects, equipment replacement planning, and continuous improvement initiatives while remaining current on industry trends, technologies, and best practices in ice arena and athletic facility management. Attend professional development opportunities and provide recommendations that enhance facility operations, safety, customer service, and overall program success.

Other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications The following Degree is required: Bachelor's degree required The following Experience is required: 1 year of of progressively responsible experience in athletic facility management, ice arena operations, event management, recreation facilities, or a related field. 1 year of experience working on ice resurfaces or other mechanical equipment. The following Licensure, Certifications, or Registration is required: Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and comply with the university's vehicle use policy.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Recreation Management, Facility Management, Business Administration, Engineering Technology, Parks and Recreation, or a related field. Experience working in a collegiate athletics environment. Experience with ice arena operations and maintenance.

Knowledge of refrigeration systems, HVAC systems, and building maintenance. Experience with scheduling software and facility management systems. Experience managing budgets and inventory.

CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications. Certified Ice Arena Operator (CAO), Certified Ice Technician (CIT), Certified Ice Rink Manager (CIRM), or similar industry certifications. Additional Information Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Strong leadership, supervision, and team-building skills.

Excellent organizational, communication, and customer service abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of athletic facility operations and event management.

Ability to analyze operational needs and develop effective solutions. Working knowledge of budgeting, procurement, and inventory management. Ability to work collaboratively with coaches, staff, students, vendors, and external clients.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and facility scheduling software. Ability to operate and understand ice arena equipment and building systems. Application Deadline The search committee will review applications until the position is filled; however, for best consideration, applications should be provided by August 13, 2026.

Required Application Materials & Evaluation Experience must be fully documented on the official application. The application will be used to evaluate if candidates meet the minimum requirements for the position and for consideration when determining starting pay rate. Experience requirements are inclusive of relevant professional experience, or experience attained through relevant internships, co-ops, student employment positions, or graduate assistantships.

Uploads Required: Resume (for supplemental information only) Optional: Cover Letter Essential Requirement: Work Authorization BGSU does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. Bowling Green State University is an equal opportunity employer.

The University is committed to maintaining an employment and educational environment that is free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected class: age (40 years of age or older), ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity and expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, marital status, military status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. EEOC Know Your Rights OCRC Know Your Rights In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Bowling Green State University, please call 419-372-8421 or email ohr@bgsu.edu

BGSU is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. A list of acceptable documents can be seen here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents