Events Manager

Senior Staff Assistant – Alumni Arena Manager The Alumni Arena Manager serves as the primary leader responsible for daily operations, scheduling, and event management of SUNY Cortland’s Park Center Alumni Arena. This position oversees and performs facility operations and coordinates a wide range of events and programs, working closely with campus partners, external clients, sponsors, and vendors to ensure efficient execution and a positive experience for all participants and guests. The Alumni Arena Manager is responsible for planning and managing both small and large‑scale events, maintaining strong stakeholder relationships, ensuring facility readiness, and supporting a safe, customer‑focused environment. This position requires a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, to meet operational and event needs. Major Responsibilities Facility Operations & Maintenance Alumni Arena Manage and schedule Alumni Arena for events both with and without ice, including games, practices, other major college events, and any external groups to enhance the user experience in the facility. Perform and manage ice rink installation, daily ice maintenance, ice rink removal, including operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of specialized ice arena equipment such as the ice resurfacer, ice edger and skate sharpener to maintain safe and high‑quality ice conditions. Maintain inventory of equipment, tools, and operating supplies. Recommend purchases and ensure materials are available to support facility operations and events. Develop and implement operational policies for all workers and user groups outlining expectations of how to properly use the facility. Ensure Alumni Arena is operationally ready for all scheduled activities through facility inspections, event preparation, equipment set up, safety checks, and coordination of maintenance activities. Lead operational planning and coordination for major campus events in the Alumni Arena, including event logistics, facility preparation, staffing, equipment needs, and event‑day support. Sports Facilities Assist with supervision of sports facilities which includes setting up and breaking down events, staff placements and oversight of games/events (evening, weekend and holiday hours required) to ensure proper usage of facilities. Assist the Sports Facilities Manager at events utilizing SUNY Cortland Sports Facilities to ensure seamless execution when needed. Assist with completing setups needed for various user groups during their respective programs taking place at SUNY Cortland Sports Facilities. Personnel Management Serve as the lead point of contact for user groups using Alumni Arena. Develop and maintain relationships with other university departments and offices to assist in the planning and execution of events and upkeep of Alumni Arena. Act as a liaison between staff and management, relaying information in both directions. Facilitate open communication and collaboration within the office. Develop and maintain relationships with third‑party vendors. Coordinate with vendors and service providers regarding maintenance, repairs, inspections, and operational support for facility systems and arena equipment. Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate staff. Provide clear instructions, regular feedback, and coaching. Communicate performance expectations and goals, complete performance programs and evaluations in a timely manner. Nurture the development of staff by identifying opportunities for training and career development. Direct daily work activities of staff, monitor task completion, and provide hands‑on guidance to ensure operational and event needs are met. Lead staff during event operations and respond to operational issues, changing priorities, and facility emergencies to ensure safe and successful event execution. Confirm staff complete required training to maintain compliance with university policies and state and federal law. Develop, implement and update staff manuals to reflect the expectations of duties assigned to staff. Administrative Duties Learn and utilize the SUNY Cortland campus scheduling software to schedule and maintain Alumni Arena, generate usage reports, and analyze data to improve space utilization. Create and maintain accurate inventory records and oversee proper storage of equipment used at SUNY Cortland Alumni Arena using standardized, reportable methods. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify, select and purchase updated equipment needed for use within Alumni Arena, ensuring cost‑effective solutions. Promote Alumni Arena to campus, community and external organizations to increase facility utilization and support revenue‑generating opportunities. Provide information and respond to inquiries from potential users of the SUNY Cortland Alumni Arena in an effective and efficient manner to ensure a positive user experience. Maintain up‑to‑date records and implementation of operational policy, procedures, rules and regulations. Prepare and maintain records of annual reports and project requests for institutional use and future planning. Serve on campus and external community committees as needed to build relationships and stakeholder knowledge of Alumni Arena services. Maintain compliance with applicable safety standards, risk‑management practices, and university policies. Respond to facility incidents, emergencies, and operational issues as needed. Functional and Supervisory Relationships Reports to the Sports Facilities Manager. Works in conjunction with the Assistant Sports Facilities Manager. Manage daily tasks of Alumni Arena and supervision of staff. Works collaboratively with all campus departments/offices of SUNY Cortland and external groups looking to utilize Alumni Arena. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or minimum 3 years managing a multipurpose sports facility with ice. Demonstrated experience with ice installation and removal, ice maintenance, and operation of an ice resurfacer. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays, to meet operational and event needs. Preferred Qualifications Experience coordinating and scheduling athletic, recreational, and event facilities within a college or university environment. Experience in hiring, training, scheduling, supervising student personnel. Membership and/or certification with United States Ice Rink Association (USIRA), and/or Northeast Ice Skating Managers Association (NEISMA) or ability to obtain within three years of appointment. Experience with scheduling software used by multiple departments/offices of an organization. Experience managing operational budgets, purchasing supplies and equipment, and supporting high‑scale athletic and special events. Experience operating and maintaining specialized ice arena or facility maintenance equipment. Experience coordinating event logistics and supporting game‑day operations in an athletic venue. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of sports facility operations, event support, preventative maintenance practices, and safe operation of specialized arena equipment. Demonstrate initiative, adaptability, creativity and resourcefulness, with the ability to make sound operational decisions and respond effectively in a fast‑paced environment. Ability to perform physical demands of the position, including prolonged standing and walking, moving and lifting materials weighing up to 50 lbs., and performing routine maintenance and repair activities. Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and utilize facilities scheduling, inventory and event management software. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, schedules, and event‑related activities simultaneously. Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment while also being a self‑starter. Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse constituencies. Willingness and ability to work flexible hours including late nights, weekends and holidays. Strong problem‑solving and critical thinking skills. Ability to troubleshoot facility, equipment, and event‑related issues and implement effective solutions with minimal supervision. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, vendors, clients, and community partners. EEO Statement The State University of New York at Cortland is an affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act (AA/EEO/ADA) employer. The university actively seeks applications from women, veterans, individuals with a disability, members of underrepresented groups, or anyone that would enrich the diversity of the university. #J-18808-Ljbffr