Director, Alumni Relations & Jr. Lightning

Vinik Sports Group

About The Position

The Director of Alumni Relations & Jr. Lightning develops and leads an alumni relations strategy that strengthens ties with former Tampa Bay Lightning players and advances the business, brand, and community objectives of Vinik Sports Group (VSG), the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Lightning Foundation. The role leads planning, coordination, marketing, and communications for the Jr. Lightning Tier 1 Hockey program and oversees its implementation, including alumni involvement. It connects the organization’s history and future hockey ecosystem while maintaining operational excellence and delivering an exceptional experience for players, families, coaches, and alumni. For Alumni Relations, the Director provides strategic leadership, develops multi-year plans and engagement initiatives, manages events and budgets, coordinates alumni appearances and participation in major organizational and NHL events, and works with internal and external partners on communications, business integration, wellness, post-retirement initiatives, storytelling, and archival projects. The Director also supports alumni personal brands and transitions into the program, and develops reporting and analysis tools. For Jr. Lightning, the Director oversees administrative and operational functions for the Tier 1 AAA program, including compliance, contracts, communications, equipment, travel, registrations, scheduling, finances, and training sessions and development camps. The role serves as a primary administrative contact for program participants and partners and supports coaches and the Tier 1 Board’s vision. The position includes game and event work, approximately 20 or more games or events per year. The work may take place in office and arena environments and requires extended hours, travel, and movement among venues.

Requirements

At least 7–10 years of relevant experience in a nonprofit or related alumni relations field.
Experience managing and leading team members.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with athletes and coworkers.
Ability to build credibility and establish trust among players and management.
Experience producing successful large-scale events.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, allocate and optimize resources, and manage timelines.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
Results-oriented, with strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion.
Ability to work collaboratively with others.
Ability to work effectively in an office and arena environment that may be exciting, loud, and distracting.
Ability to work extended hours, including late nights, holidays, and weekends, as needed.
Ability to lift, carry, or move up to 10 pounds.
Ability to work in cold or hot indoor and outdoor temperatures.
Ability to commute to venues throughout the Greater Tampa Bay Area.
Ability to travel within the United States and Canada for up to one week at a time, multiple times per year.
Ability to work in areas that may become crowded with equipment or people and move comfortably throughout the arena.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Experience in the sports and entertainment industry or a related industry preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic vision and leadership for Alumni Relations and execute a multi-year strategy aligned with VSG objectives.
Develop and oversee programs and initiatives that strengthen relationships with former players and support sustained alumni engagement.
Plan, execute, and manage budgets for alumni events, including Fantasy Camp, Hall of Fame recognition, the Alumni Golf Tournament, and the Alumni Game.
Coordinate alumni participation in Opening Night, Stanley Cup Playoffs, milestone celebrations, and other high-profile organizational and NHL events.
Collaborate with Marketing, Digital, Game Presentation, and Communications teams on an alumni communications plan.
Coordinate alumni appearances, including talent identification, scheduling, contractual obligations, stakeholder alignment, and on-site engagement.
Integrate alumni strategically across VSG business units, including Membership Sales and Service and Corporate Partnerships, to support business growth, revenue-generating assets, and fan, partner, and community experiences.
Collaborate with the NHL Players’ Association and NHL Alumni Association on player wellness and post-retirement initiatives.
Collaborate with the Hockey Hall of Fame and other institutions on storytelling and archival projects.
Assist alumni with building personal brands and regional visibility.
Establish processes for former Lightning players transitioning into the alumni program.
Plan, develop, and manage the departmental budget.
Create reports and analysis tools to keep the alumni program responsive to alumni needs.
Ensure Jr. Lightning compliance with USA Hockey rules, regulations, and bylaws, including registration, eligibility, rosters, coach certification, and SafeSport oversight.
Facilitate and oversee player, parent, and coaching contracts, documentation, and compliance tracking.
Serve as a primary administrative contact for players, parents, coaches, leagues, and SAHOF.
Assist with website updates and content and digital communications platforms.
Manage team equipment and apparel ordering, inventory, and distribution.
Coordinate team managers on hotel bookings and other travel matters 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.
Support organizational coaches and help carry forward the Tier 1 Board’s vision for the program.
Work with VSG partnership and fundraising teams to generate funds for programming.
Coordinate with the Director, Alumni Relations, to ensure alumni are represented and engaged throughout the program.
Manage development and execution of training sessions and development camps.
Assist with other responsibilities supporting Tier 1 programming.
Work game and event nights, approximately 20 or more games or events per year.
Perform other duties as assigned.