Director, Alumni Relations & Jr. Lightning

Tampa Bay Arena; Florida; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vinik Sports Group is seeking a Director of Alumni Relations & Jr. Lightning to lead a comprehensive alumni relations strategy and oversee the Jr Lightning Tier 1 Hockey program.

The role emphasizes strengthening ties with former Tampa Bay Lightning players, advancing business objectives, and coordinating with marketing and partnerships to deliver engaging experiences for players, families, and fans. The position requires strategic leadership, program development, budget management, and

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and leadership for Alumni Relations, developing multi-year plans aligned with organizational objectives.
• Oversee alumni programs, events, and communications to deepen engagement with former players.
• Coordinate with NHL/partner organizations on wellness, branding, and storytelling initiatives.
• Manage budgets, reporting, and data analysis to measure program impact and growth.
• Lead Jr Lightning operations, including compliance, contracts, and camp development within Tier I AAA standards.

Job description

Job Summary

The Director of Alumni Relations & Jr. Lightning is responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive alumni relations strategy that strengthens relationships with former Tampa Bay Lightning players while advancing the business, brand and community objectives of Vinik Sports Group (VSG), the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Lightning Foundation. The Director is also responsible for leading the planning, coordination, marketing, and communication efforts for the Jr. Lightning Tier 1 Hockey program, overseeing all aspects of program implementation, including interaction with our Alumni. This position plays a key role in bridging the legacy-to-future hockey ecosystem while maintaining operational excellence and providing an exceptional experience for players, families, coaching staff, and Alumni, ensuring that the organization's history (alumni) and future (AAA hockey) are connected through a single strategic vision.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Alumni Relations

• Provide strategic vision, leadership, and oversight for the Alumni Relations department, developing and executing a multi-year strategy aligned with VSG's organizational objectives and focused on sustainable program growth and alumni engagement.
• Develop, implement, and oversee alumni programs and initiatives that strengthen relationships with former players, enhance organizational value, and support long-term engagement
• Activate portfolio of events that align with Alumni Relations goals, including Fantasy Camp, Hall of Fame recognition, Alumni Golf Tournament, and Alumni Game, including event execution and budget management
• Coordinate alumni participation in marquee organizational and NHL events, including Opening Night, Stanley Cup Playoffs, milestone celebrations, and other high-profile initiatives that drive fan engagement, celebrate organizational history, and strengthen the Lightning brand
• Collaborate with the Marketing, Digital, Game Presentation Communications team to develop a multifaceted alumni communications plan to increase alumni engagement within VSG and throughout the community.
• Oversee the coordination and execution of alumni appearances, including talent identification, scheduling, contractual obligations, stakeholder alignment, and on-site engagement, ensuring a consistent, professional experience that delivers value to alumni and organizational partners
• Drive the strategic integration of alumni across all business units of Vinik Sports Group, including Membership Sales and Service and Corporate Partnerships, to support business growth, develop revenue-generating assets, expand engagement platforms, and deliver meaningful experiences for fans, partners, and the community
• Collaborate with the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) and NHL Alumni Association on player wellness and post-retirement initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Hockey Hall of Fame and other institutions for storytelling and archival projects.
• Assist Alumni with building their personal brands and creating visibility in the region.
• Establish processes to ensure a smooth transition into the program when a former Lightning player retires.
• Manage funds by planning, developing and managing departmental budget.
• Create reports and analysis tools to help ensure the program is responsive to the needs of alumni.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Jr Lightning

• Ensure full compliance with USA Hockey rules, regulations, and bylaws, including registration, eligibility, and roster requirements. Including coach certification and Safesport related oversight.
• Facilitate and oversee player, parent, and coaching contracts, including documentation and compliance tracking.
• Serve as a primary administrative contact for players, parents, coaches, leagues, and SAHOF.
• Assist with updates and content of website and digital communication platforms
• Manage team equipment and apparel ordering, inventory management, and distribution
• Coordination of team managers in blocking hotels and other travel related issues for league play, showcases, and tournaments
• Manage tournament registrations, league entries, and required documentation
• Coordinate coach schedules, ice times, practices, seasonal calendars, and additional ice scheduling.
• Assist with budget planning, financial tracking, and payment management
• Process registrations, payments, invoicing, and expense tracking
• Support day-to-day hockey operations to maintain a professional Tier I AAA standard
• Supporting organizational coaches and helping carry forward the Lighting Tier 1 Board's vision for the program.
• Work with internal VSG partnership and fundraising team to generate funds for programming.
• Communicate with Director, Alumni Relations to ensure Lightning Alumni are properly represented and engaged throughout the program.
• Manage the development and execution of all training sessions and development camps.
• Assist with other responsibilities to support Tier 1 programming

Game/Event Responsibilities

Game/Event Night responsibilities: