Program Director, Wings Arena

Overview:
The Program Director is a dynamic, organized leader passionate about hockey and skating, dedicated to delivering top-tier experiences for participants and customers. This key leadership role involves shaping strategic direction while ensuring seamless day-to-day operations. The ideal candidate is hands-on, present during key events, and committed to excellence.

This position reports directly to the CEO of Wings Arena, providing updates on program performance and strategic initiatives.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

• Program Development & Management:
  • Design, implement, and continuously improve a range of programs including:
    • Learn-to-Skate & Learn-to-Play programs
    • Adult Hockey Leagues (lunch and evening)
    • Public and Cosmic Skates
    • Open Stick & Puck sessions, Drop-In Open Hockey
    • Figure Skating Freestyle
    • Private classes, summer programs & camps
    • Tournaments
    • Birthday Parties, corporate & special events
  • Collaborate with management to align program strategies with organizational goals
  • Develop creative programming to maximize usage of open ice times, and actively engage in outreach to potential customers
  • Identify new opportunities to expand and enhance program offerings
  • Establish key performance metrics to evaluate programs success, collect customer feedback, and implement improvements to achieve best-in-class quality.
  • Deliver exceptional customer service across all programs. Adress customer issues promptly and professionally
• Financial Management & Budgeting:
  • Develop and manage program budgets, aligning with financial objectives & KPIs
  • Strategically allocate financial resources to maximize efficiency and program impact, adjusting strategies as needed to meet targets
• Staffing & Training:
  • Recruit, train, and schedule program staff to deliver best-in-class execution
  • Provide ongoing coaching and development to program team members
• Marketing & Registration:
  • Develop and execute marketing strategies to drive program registration
  • Collaborate with marketing services on promotional materials and campaigns for various programs
  • Monitor registration trends and adjust strategies to meet enrollment goals
• Customer Relations & Scheduling:
  • Work closely and coordinate with master scheduler to ensure efficient programming
  • Serve as the primary contact for key customers  providing personalized service
  • Manage planning, scheduling, and relationships for non-profit partners, schools and other community groups

Skills Needed & Personal Attributes

• Program development and implementation expertise:
  • Proven ability to design, launch, and manage a diverse range of recreational and competitive programs
  • Skilled in evaluating program effectiveness and implementing enhancements to improve engagement and outcomes
• Problem Solving & Strategic Thinking:
  • Creative problem solver with a forward-looking and strategic mindset
  • Ability to think flexibly and adapt to changing circumstances
• Communication & Relationship management
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and others
  • Ability to manage key customer relationships strategically and operationally
• Analytical & Financial Acumen:
  • Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to improve programs
  • Experience managing budgets, tracking revenue/expenses, and overseeing financial performance
• Sales & Marketing Expertise:
  • Proven ability to drive registrations through active selling and creative marketing strategies
  • Experience in promotional campaign execution and outreach initiatives
• Project & Time Management:
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks and ensure timely completion. Strong follow-up and organizational skills
• Personal Attributes:
  • Growth mindset with a passion for continuous improvement
  • Strong sense of urgency and responsiveness
  • Reliability, punctuality, and a proactive work ethic
  • Positive, team-oriented attitude with a commitment to excellence

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in designing and leading program execution, preferably in recreation or a related field.
• Bachelor’s Degree: A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree is required, or similar industry-related certifications.

Job requirements

• This is an on-site position
• Must have the ability to work evenings and weekends as required by the program schedule
• Schedule will vary based on programming needs
• Expected Start Date: June 15, 2025

What we offer

• Competitive salary based on experience, including a bonus component based on KPIs
• Career development opportunities
• Employee benefits, including health insurance and retirement benefits, PTO

We value diversity

At Wings Arena, we believe our differences make us stronger. We foster an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative environment where diverse perspectives drive growth. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, ensuring fair and equal opportunities for everyone.

About Wings Arena

At Wings Arena, our mission is to foster a love for ice sports while providing a top-quality experience for the community, the athletes, and the patrons that visit us.

Opening in the Summer of 2025, Wings Arena aims to be one of the premier ice rinks in the Northeast by offering exceptional ice quality, outstanding customer service, and a superior guest experience in a clean, modern facility.

Our two-story facility features a 300-seat capacity with two viewing areas, an off-ice training room with synthetic ice, and a dedicated video room for skill development. We also offer skate rentals, skate services, and a Nutrition Hub Café providing healthy options for athletes and visitors.

Wings Arena will serve as a hub for ice sports, offering learn-to-skate programs, public skating sessions, birthday parties and events, and comprehensive hockey and figure skating programs for all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced athletes.