Development Director - Ice in Paradise

The Sports Facilities Companies•Goleta, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Ice in Paradise is a premier sports and recreation destination focused on improving the health and economic vitality of Goleta, CA. You will be joining a championship-level team focused on fun, fulfillment, and service, built to enrich the community as well as your career and personal growth. Ice in Paradise is a managed facility by IIP SFM, LLC, a Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) company. SFC is the nation's leading resource for managing and developing sports, recreation, wellness, and events facilities. We provide a highly collaborative and supportive culture that raises our team members to new levels of career growth. Together, we carve a path in a high-growth industry where you will enjoy the journey and learn from the industry's best while having some fun. SFC has been recognized nationally as a Top Workplace and is considered an employer of choice. Our mission-focused company is highly entrepreneurial and team-oriented, with a culture centered on collaboration, accountability, excellence, and service. We are growing rapidly and looking for high performers at every level to grow with us. The Marketing Specialist at Ice in Paradise supports the planning and execution of all marketing and development activities and sponsorships. This role coordinates day-to-day marketing and sponsorship tasks, donor communications, and data tracking to help ensure revenue goals are met and sponsorship relationships are strengthened over time. The Marketing Specialist works closely with organizational leadership, board representatives, volunteers, and team members on marketing and sponsorship initiatives, campaigns, and special projects that advance the mission of the Company.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit administration, communications, business, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered
Minimum of 2–3 years of progressive experience in marketing, sponsorships, nonprofits, donor relations, grant writing, or a closely related area
Demonstrated ability to write clear, compelling, and well-structured grant proposals, sponsorship materials, and communications
Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with sponsors, volunteers, staff, and community partners
Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and support multiple initiatives simultaneously
Proficiency with databases/CRM systems, online giving platforms, email, cloud-based tools, and Google or Microsoft office applications; willingness to learn additional systems as needed
High level of discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive financial information
Demonstrated alignment with the mission of the Company and Ice in Paradise and the ability to clearly communicate that mission to sponsors and stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting major stewardship efforts, including preparation of briefings, follow-up communications, and impact reporting, is preferred

Responsibilities

Cultivate, enhance, and maintain relationships with current and prospective sponsorship opportunities, including individuals, corporations, municipalities, and foundations, through consistent outreach, stewardship, and follow-up
Support the development and execution of campaigns, appeals, and events in alignment with organizational goals and timelines
Stay informed on best practices for marketing and sponsorship in ice rinks and community recreation facilities nationwide and share learnings with organizational leadership
Research and track new funding opportunities, including grants and sponsorships, and prepare organized summaries and recommendations
Draft and edit grant proposals, progress reports, sponsorship decks, and appeals in collaboration with leadership and other key stakeholders
Oversee the day-to-day use of the database to ensure entries are accurately entered, receipted, acknowledged, and reported
Coordinate use of online platforms to monitor incoming funding, reconcile records with finance, and support digital campaigns
Prepare regular reports on marketing and sponsorship progress, activity, and campaign results for leadership and board representatives
Coordinate with leadership and board representatives to schedule meetings, tours, and stewardship touchpoints; ensure preparation materials and follow-up communications are completed
Assist with planning and on-site execution of events, receptions, and community engagement activities, including setup, guest experience, and post-event wrap-up
Provide day-to-day guidance to volunteers and part-time support staff assisting with events, and data entry to help ensure a consistent and guest-focused experience
Maintain organized digital and physical files, including proposals, agreements, acknowledgements, and campaign materials
Ensure all prospect information is treated with strict confidentiality and in accordance with organizational policies
Represent the Company in a professional and mission-aligned manner when interacting with sponsors, partners, guests, and community stakeholders
Complete special projects, daily assignments, and other duties as assigned by leadership