Game Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Coachella Valley Firebirds are looking for a Director, Game Presentation & Events to own everything fans see, hear, and feel inside Acrisure Arena on game night. You will lead the creative vision and technical execution of one of the AHL's premier game presentations, manage the control room and entertainment teams, and produce events across the building. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can write a show, run a room, and raise the bar every night.

This role will pay an annual salary of $100,000-$120,000 and is bonus eligible.

Benefits for Full-Time Roles: Health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) savings plan; 401(k) matching; and paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).

This position will remain open until November 13, 2026.

• Own end-to-end production for all Firebirds home games and assigned arena events: scripting, rundowns, timing sheets, in-game inventory, pre-production, live show calling, and post-game debriefs
• Direct the control room on game nights, calling a fast, tight, timecode-driven show across video, graphics, audio, lighting, and special effects
• Lead creative for special presentations, ceremonies, promotions, theme nights, and playoff productions
• Direct and develop the Manager of Game Presentation and all part-time game operations staff, including hiring, scheduling, and training
• Serve as project manager/producer on cross-departmental events with Broadcasting, Corporate Partnerships, Marketing, Ticketing, Community Relations, and Hockey Operations
• Partner with the Seattle Kraken game presentation team to align brand and entertainment standards while managing to the budget set by Finance and the Team
• Oversee delivery, loading, and testing of all graphic and video content prior to every game and event, including sponsor asset fulfillment and proof of performance
• Produce, shoot, and edit video features: hype videos, vignettes, ceremony content, mascot skits, and in-game contest packages
• Direct in-arena group experiences and game assets, including flag team, anthem singers, on-ice/concourse/stage performances, and group recognitions
• Direct the full entertainment ecosystem: mascot, ice crew, entertainment teams, organist, PA announcer, DJ, and in-arena hosts
• Evaluate and recommend production systems, software, and workflows that keep the Firebirds on the cutting edge of live sports presentation
• Serve as liaison between Firebirds Game Presentation, the AHL, arena staff, and the front office
• Frequent bending, lifting, sitting, exposure to multiple external elements, and extensive walking through the building
• Other duties as assigned

• 5-7+ years of increasingly responsible game presentation/live production experience, including 3+ years leading a control room or production team; professional or major college sports strongly preferred
• Bachelor's degree in a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Proven show-calling ability in a live, high-pressure, broadcast-style environment
• Demonstrated experience across creative entertainment, game operations, event logistics, technical operations, and production
• Strong command of control room terminology, signal flow, and live production workflows
• Budget preparation and expense management experience
• Clear, concise communication skills, both verbal and written, with a knack for storytelling
• A proactive, organized, decisive approach in fast-paced environments
• Availability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended workdays
• Must be able to work on-site at the Acrisure Arena, Palm Desert, CA

Technical Skills Required:

• Ross Xpression real-time motion graphics: building, templating, and operating live graphics packages
• Ross production switchers (Carbonite/Acuity) and DashBoard control
• Daktronics show control and LED display systems (Show Control System, Venus/Display Studio)
• Rundown and scripting software (Shoflo, ProPresenter, or comparable)
• Adobe Creative Cloud: Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop
• Instant replay systems (Ross Mira, EVS, or comparable)
• Audio playback and show audio (ClickEffects Pro Audio, QLab, or comparable)
• Video codecs, formats, and content specs for LED, IPTV, and broadcast delivery

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lighting console familiarity (grandMA or comparable) and experience cueing lighting, lasers, and pyro/special effects into a live show
• Knowledge of camera operation and video engineering fundamentals
• Experience with IPTV and digital signage content management
• Experience with streaming and broadcast integration (vMix, TriCaster, or comparable)
• Familiarity with AI-assisted content and production workflows

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