Director, Business Development

Job Title: Director, Business Development

Department: Fifth Third Arena

Reports to: VP – Fifth Third Arena & Amateur Hockey

# Direct Reports: 3

What It’s Like Working Here:

The Fifth Third Arena, Blackhawk Community Ice Rink, LLC., located just two blocks south of the United Center, promotes a fun, engaging, fast-paced and collaborative atmosphere while promoting a welcoming environment for members of the community, customers and employees.  Our commitment to curating an environment where all individuals feel empowered to bring their best self to work each day can be seen throughout our organization.  Whether you are a job seeker looking to join the organization, a current member of our amazing team, or someone looking to help support our mission, our goal is the same – to reimagine the potential of hockey, which we aim to achieve through memorable, inclusive experiences.  

The Fifth Third Arena is not only the practice home of the Chicago Blackhawks, but also a community rink that hosts youth teams, high school hockey clubs, adult leagues, public skating, community programs and more on the ice.  Off the ice, the facility boasts a variety of off-ice spaces to host parties, events, or corporate outings.  The rink is always “buzzing” with lots of energy and activity 

What You’ll Do:

Fifth Third Arena is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director, Business Development to oversee revenue generation, business development and program operations of Fifth Third Arena, the practice facility of the Chicago Blackhawks. As the Director of Business Development, this position will be responsible for managing all commercial aspects business, including revenue growth through incremental business development, event planning and management, financial performance, and customer satisfaction. Your goal will be to drive the success of the business while optimizing cost accretive strategic initiatives, ensuring operational excellence, and developing a positive and engaging environment for customers and staff.

The Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will develop, lead, and execute strategic revenue building initiatives and programs to enable transformative business growth. The individual in this position must have a problem-solving mindset with the ability to communicate, collaborate and lead effectively. The ideal candidate will have enthusiasm for the sports and entertainment industry, with a desire for revenue growth, financial success, and exceptional customer service.

How You’ll Contribute:

• Strategic Revenue Planning: Develop and execute strategic plans to achieve the organization's objectives and drive revenue growth. Identify opportunities for expansion, revenue diversification, and operational improvement.
• Program Execution and Management: Develop and execute a wide range of programs such as public skates, learn to skate programs, and other programs.
• Event Planning and Management: Develop, negotiate, and oversee a wide range of revenue generating events, including youth sport competitions, tournaments, corporate events, and private functions. Collaborate with event organizers, vendors, and internal teams to ensure seamless execution and exceptional customer experiences.
• Customer Satisfaction: Ensure the delivery of outstanding customer service by implementing and monitoring service standards, addressing customer feedback and concerns, and continuously improving the customer experience.  Develop and manage guest services processes to ensure maximization of customer service and revenue generation. Work with contracted ice clients to schedule ice times, games, practices, and off-ice events.  Ensure unique facility events are communicated to operations, security, and maintenance teams.
• Financial Management: Develop and manage budgets, financial forecasts, and financial reporting for the business. Monitor revenue streams, expenses, and profitability. Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement strategies to optimize financial performance. Ensure timely and accurate processing of all accounts receivable and accounts payable. Ensure on-time bill payment for external vendors and revenue is collected and received promptly. 
• Staff Management: Lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team of employees, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management. Create a positive work culture that promotes teamwork, collaboration, and high-quality customer service.
• Negotiations and contracting: Ensure all guest agreements and other contracts are accurate and up to date. Work with Blackhawks Legal department to create, edit, negotiate, and execute contracts for all Fifth Third Arena clients and vendors. Obtain required certificates of insurance and other documents. 
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and safety standards. Implement and enforce policies and procedures to maintain a safe environment for customers and employees including assisting with insurance program procurement, risk mitigation and reporting, and implementation of safety best practices.

What You Bring to the Table:

• Proven experience (10+ years) in managing business development and operational execution to achieve profitable revenue targets in a similar role, preferably in the sports, entertainment, or hospitality industry.
• Excellent financial acumen and experience in budgeting, financial analysis, and P&L management 
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic business development plans to achieve revenue objectives.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire, motivate and hold accountable a diverse workforce.
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving abilities, with keen attention to detail.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Knowledge of ice rink operations, event planning, and facility management is highly desirable.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required, especially during peak seasons and events.
• Proficiency in using relevant software and technology for financial management, event planning, and reporting.
• Ability to address, adapt to, and overcome challenges in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated aptitude for driving results and collaborating cross functionally.
• High attention to detail.
• Demonstrates Chicago Blackhawks core values of integrity, curiosity, empathy, collaboration, and originality.

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About Us:

The Fifth Third Arena, Blackhawk Community Ice Rink, LLC, first opened its doors in November 2017 with a focus on ensuring the Chicago Blackhawks’ needs were met through equipment storage space, training rooms, a player’s lounge, weight room, two NHL-size ice rinks, and many other state-of-the-art amenities. The Fifth Third Arena Team is also passionately dedicated to giving back to the local community by providing access to multipurpose rooms, event spaces, program registrations, and drop-In admissions.

Furthering the Chicago Blackhawks mission to Reimagine the Potential of Hockey, the Fifth Third Arena is home year-round to hockey players of all ages and skill levels. They host annual Summer Hockey Camps, Learn to Skate lessons, Adult/Youth/AA Hockey Clubs, Rat Hockey, and many other options to make the Fifth Third Arena a one stop shop for every current OR future hockey player in Chicago.

The Fifth Third Arena, Blackhawk Community Ice Rink, LLC, is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels.  All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.  All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases.