Director, Alumni Relations & Jr. Lightning

Vinik Sports Group; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Vinik Sports Group in Tampa, FL, is seeking a Director of Alumni Relations & Jr. Lightning to lead a multi-year alumni strategy and oversee the Jr. Lightning Tier 1 Hockey program.

The role focuses on building relationships with former Lightning players, enhancing brand and community engagement, and delivering exceptional experiences for players, families, staff, and alumni. The position requires strong leadership, event management, and cross-functional collaboration to connect the

Qualifications

• At least 7-10 years relevant experience in a non-profit or related alumni relations field.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in sports and entertainment industry or related field preferred.
• Experience managing and leading team members.
• Ability to build credibility and establish trust among players and management.
• Experience putting on successful, large-scale events.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, allocate and manage timelines.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and oversee alumni programs and initiatives.
• Coordinate alumni participation in marquee events and campaigns.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to boost alumni engagement.
• Oversee budgeting and reporting for the Alumni Relations department.
• Manage alumni appearances, contracts, and on-site engagements.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to integrate alumni across VSG units.
• Collaborate with NHLPA and NHL Alumni Association on wellness initiatives.
• Support Jr Lightning with planning and execution of Tier 1 hockey activities.

Skills

Alumni relations

Event management

Budget management

Team leadership

Communication

Relationship building

Strategy development

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job SummaryThe 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 & ResponsibilitiesAlumni RelationsProvide 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 engagementActivate 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 managementCoordinate 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 brandCollaborate 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 partnersDrive 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 communityCollaborate 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 LightningEnsure 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 platformsManage team equipment and apparel ordering, inventory management, and distributionCoordination of team managers in blocking hotels and other travel related issues for league play, showcases, and tournamentsManage tournament registrations, league entries, and required documentationCoordinate coach schedules, ice times, practices, seasonal calendars, and additional ice scheduling.Assist with budget planning, financial tracking, and payment managementProcess registrations, payments, invoicing, and expense trackingSupport day-to-day hockey operations to maintain a professional Tier I AAA standardSupporting 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 programmingGame/Event ResponsibilitiesGame/Event Night responsibilities: YesApproximate number of games/events worked per year: 20+QualificationsAt least 7-10 years relevant experience in a non-profit or related alumni relations fieldBachelor’s degree preferredExperience in sports and entertainment industry or other related industry preferredExperience managing and leading team membersDemonstrated skill in building and maintaining effective working relationships with athletes and coworkersAbility to build credibility and establish trust among players and managementExperience putting on successful, large-scale eventsExcellent written and oral communication skillsAbility to handle multiple tasks, allocate and optimize resources, and manage timelinesAdvanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word)Results oriented with strong interpersonal and customer service skillsStrong organizational and time management skillsAbility to maintain strict confidentiality and use of discretionAbility to work collaboratively with othersWorking ConditionsAbility to work efficiently and effectively in an office and arena environment that can be exciting, loud and distractingAbility to work extended hours including late nights, holidays, and weekends as neededAbility to lift/carry/move up to 10lbsAbility to work in cold/hot indoor and outdoor temperaturesAbility to commute to various venues throughout the Greater Tampa Bay AreaAbility to travel within the US and Canada for up to one-week at a time, multiple times per yearAbility to work in areas that can become crowded with equipment and/or peopleAbility to move comfortably throughout the arenaWe are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.