Job Description

The University of St. Thomas invites qualified candidates to apply for an Operations Manager, Lee and Penny Anderson Arena position within the Athletics Department. 

The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic. This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees and dependents upon eligibility
• Up to 50% tuition remission for spouses upon eligibility
• A generous Employer retirement contribution of 9.4% of annual salary upon eligibility
• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits

Salary Range: $58,000 - $65,000

The University of St. Thomas has provided a salary range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

JOB SUMMARY

The Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation, facility maintenance program, and staff supervision for the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena, including the Tommie Ice Plex (auxiliary hockey rink and pro shop operations) and premium club room rentals by external groups and organizations for a diverse set of events generating supplemental athletic department revenue. The position plays a key role in the safe, clean, and welcoming environment of the facility for all patrons and staff while upholding high customer service standards while pursuing operational excellence. Specific responsibilities would include, but not be limited to, overseeing daily operation of the facility (including opening/closing procedures, staff scheduling, and customer service); supervising, training, and evaluating full/part-time staff; ensuring facility cleanliness, equipment functionality, and adherence to safety standards; coordination with maintenance staff on regular inspections-repairs-upgrades-replacement of facility and associated equipment needs; inventory management and required supply orders; assisting with event set-ups, event logistics, and facility scheduling; handling customer inquiries and feedback. This position requires a mix of creativity, analytical thinking, and effective communication to succeed in a fast-paced environment. It offers a fantastic opportunity to combine a passion for sports, event execution, and personnel/facility management with skills in event management, managing/training staff, customer service, and facility operations.

The Operations Manager will work with the General Manager to develop facility policies, build event specific and annual budgets, contribute to the scheduling and use of the facility (which includes intercollegiate athletics, youth ice hockey, public skating, various external events, etc.), and play a key role with the overall management of the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena. In addition, the Operations Manager will work with a variety of staff, campus partners, and external vendors to maintain the facility, support contracted events, and meet customer service standards. These groups include, but are not limited to, food service, merchandise, facilities management, public safety, contract security, and St. Paul Police/Fire Departments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Leadership, Strategic Planning, Customer Relations:

• Develop and implement business strategies to achieve organizational goals.
• Supervise/manage full/part-time staff by developing training requirements, safety expectations, and customer service initiatives for the facility.
• Work closely with Athletics staff to identify/implement facility policies/procedures.
• Formulate long/short-term objectives to enhance facility operations.

Facility Operations:

• Build and maintain relationships with key clients and stakeholders.
• Oversee and monitor daily arena schedule and facility operations including staff scheduling, and customer service initiatives.
• Oversee and monitor short/long term maintenance tracking and initiatives, inspections, repairs, inventory control, and necessary facility equipment upgrades.
• Stay current with industry trends and incorporate into facility operations.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and logistics to optimize resource use.

Event Promotion, Development, and Execution:

• Supervise Event Manager and part-time staff - develop overall skill sets.
• Plan and execute events, special functions, and athletic competitions in areas including the main arena, premium club spaces and Tommie Ice Plex.
• Attend and provide support at various sporting/miscellaneous events as required by event execution requirements and overall event schedule.
• Contribute to the documentation/execution of facility master scheduling plan.
• Work closely with clients, vendors, and campus personnel to fulfill event needs.
• Respond to customer inquiries and feedback.
• Build client relationships, offering customized ideas with superior customer service.

Compliance, Financial, and Risk Management:

• Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and NCAA requirements.
• Develop and enforce health, safety, and security protocols.
• Manage risks and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Prepare and manage expense budgets and forecasts as necessary.
• Monitor financial performance and implement corrective actions, as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with university regulations, policies, and NCAA compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in sports management, recreation management, facility management, business administration, or a related field
• Four years of related experience in facility management (ideally within an athletics, sports, convention, or corporate hospitality industry)
• Experience with planning, directing, and successfully executing intercollegiate and external revenue producing events
• Experience with hiring and supervising full/part time staff and contracted vendors
• The incumbent must work well in an on-site collaborative environment and have a passion for customer service

An equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may be substituted.

HOW TO APPLY

All interested candidates must apply online at . Follow the instructions to complete an online application which includes creating or updating an applicant profile, uploading a resume, and completing a job specific application.

In light of its commitment to create and maintain a safe learning and working environment, employment with the University of St. Thomas requires consent and successful completion of a background screening.

Official job posting is available at .

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