The Arena Manager

American Dream, developed by Triple Five Group, is an unparalleled mix of world-class entertainment, retail, and dining, comprising more than 3 million square feet just minutes away from New York City in East Rutherford, New Jersey. American Dream is home to leading attractions, including DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Big SNOW Ski Hill, Dream Wheel – a 300-foot observation wheel overlook the NYC skyline, as well as attractions debuting soon such as The Game Room Powered by Hasbro and G.I. Joe Laser Tag. American Dream's immersive luxury shopping and dining experience – The Avenue – features Saks Fifth Avenue, Hermès, Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, Carpaccio, a fine-dining Italian restaurant, and much more. The retail collection is further expanded with flagship locations for Aritzia, H&M, PRIMARK, Uniqlo, Sephora and Zara; as well as the Toys R Us global flagship, the only standalone location in the U.S, and the world's first and only "candy department store," IT'SUGAR.

For more information on American Dream, visit or find us on Instagram @americandream and TikTok @americandream_official.

Key Objective(s):

The Arena Manager is responsible for leading the business operations of a multi-use arena that supports a diverse mix of ice-related programming—including hockey tournaments, figure skating, curling, and public skating—as well as non-ice events such as concerts, corporate gatherings, trade shows, and community programs. This role combines strategic event planning, business development, and operational oversight with a strong focus on driving Net Operating Income (NOI) growth. In addition, the Arena Manager oversees staff performance and guest services to ensure consistently exceptional experiences across all events and activities.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Business Development & Revenue Generation

• Proactively identify and pursue new revenue opportunities for both ice and non-ice programming, including but not limited to regional hockey tournaments, national figure skating events, concerts, corporate rentals, community expos, and cultural festivals.
• Build strategic partnerships with local sports leagues, entertainment promoters, event organizers, and corporate clients to drive year-round utilization of the arena.

• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify emerging trends, pricing strategies, and unmet demand that can be leveraged for new business.

• NOI Growth & Financial Oversight

• Develop and execute business plans with measurable KPIs focused on driving NOI growth through improved operational efficiencies, event profitability, and strategic pricing models.

• Monitor P&L performance, forecast revenue projections, and prepare regular financial reporting for senior leadership.

• Optimize staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation to reduce operational costs without compromising service quality or safety.

• Event Management & Operational Leadership

• Oversee end-to-end coordination of all arena events, ensuring flawless execution from booking and setup to post-event breakdown and reporting.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, facilities, and guest services to deliver exceptional experiences that encourage repeat bookings and positive word-of-mouth.

• Ensure all events are in compliance with safety regulations, insurance requirements, and operational policies.

• Client Relations & Sales Strategy

• Serve as the lead point of contact for high-value clients and prospects; develop customized proposals and deliver persuasive pitches that convert opportunities into booked business.

• Create and implement sales strategies targeted at growing rental occupancy, increasing average booking size, and expanding into new market segments (e.g., esports, youth development programs, or regional conventions).

• Attend industry networking events and trade shows to increase visibility of American Dream's arena offerings and cultivate new leads.

• Facility Optimization & Program Expansion

• Develop a balanced calendar of both ice-related and non-ice programming to maximize facility usage and revenue across all seasons.

• Partner with internal marketing teams to promote new and existing programs to target demographics via social media, email campaigns, and community outreach.

• Continuously assess and recommend improvements to arena infrastructure, amenities, and guest experience enhancements that support long-term growth and client retention.

• Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop arena operations and event coordination staff, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and customer service excellence.

• Establish SOPs for event delivery, vendor relations, emergency procedures, and operational readiness.
• Manage vendor contracts, rental agreements, and equipment procurement to support a diverse range of events.

Desired Qualifications:

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in venue management, arena operations, or large-scale event coordination, preferably in a multi-use facility.
• Proven track record of driving revenue growth, improving NOI, and managing P&L responsibilities in a high-volume entertainment, sports, or event environment.
• Very Strong understanding of both ice rink operations and ice-related programming (e.g., hockey, figure skating, curling) and non-ice event operations (e.g., concerts, expos, corporate rentals).
• Demonstrated success in business development, client relationship management, and contract negotiation.
• Excellent leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional teams, vendors, and part-time/seasonal staff.
• Financial acumen with the ability to analyze data, forecast revenue, and make data-driven decisions.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency with event management systems, CRM tools, budgeting software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on event schedule.

American Dream is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are to be made without regard to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, pregnancy, national origin/ancestry, citizenship, physical/mental disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law