Job Description Summary

The Manager of Arena Operations who reports to the Assistant Athletic Director is responsible for the overall management and daily operations of the Bentley University Arena—home to Bentley’s NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey program and a wide range of university and external events. This role plays a critical part in delivering a high-quality experience for student-athletes, campus partners, and external clients through exceptional facility management and event execution.

The Manager oversees all aspects of arena operations, including revenue generation, operation logistics, ice maintenance, event setup, scheduling, staffing, and equipment upkeep. This position also supervises the Assistant Arena Manager, Senior Ice Technician, temporary staff, and student workers.

Essential Duties

Arena Management & Operations

• Manage Ice and Building rentals and oversee the revenue generation plan for the building.

• Oversee all aspects of ice maintenance, including driving the Zamboni and managing the ice-in/ice-out process.

• Coordinate floor conversions, glass removal/installation, and load-in/load-out for non-ice events (e.g., concerts, lectures, university functions).

• Manage daily operations, including budgeting, staffing, and scheduling.

• Maintain arena equipment and inventory, including ice maintenance tools, Zambonis, AV systems, and furniture.

• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise professional staff, student workers, and event contractors.

• Administer job descriptions, onboarding, and payroll for Ice Crew, Operations Staff, AV Broadcast Crew, and Building Supervisors.

• Manage arena scheduling and event coordination with Athletics, Student Programs & Engagement (SP&E), the Conference Center, and external rental clients.

• Coordinate procurement and vendor management for capital projects and operational needs.

• Oversee daily setups in the cube, concourse, locker rooms, and rink/floor.

• Manage HVAC and climate systems in partnership with Facilities Management.

• Oversee rental contracts, insurance documentation, and scheduling for 12–15 external ice rental clients.

Marginal Duties

• Collaborate with Athletics Event Staff and Marketing to execute Division I Men’s Ice Hockey home events.

• Work closely with the Assistant Arena Manager to ensure smooth event operations.

• Meet regularly with the Men’s Ice Hockey coaching staff to support program needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

• 5+ years of relevant experience in arena or facility operations.

• Knowledge of safety practices and applicable standards for ice rink facilities.

• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.

• Proven ability to adapt to changing priorities and work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse groups.

• Strong time management and organizational abilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Technical knowledge of ice rink operations, hockey, and skating.

• Ability to perform minor repairs and maintain rink machinery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Ice Technician (CIT) or equivalent certification; participation in annual conferences and meetings.

• CPR/First Aid, AED certification.

• Experience with scheduling and facility management software.

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or equivalent certification; participation in annual conferences and meetings.

• North East Ice Skating Manager Association (NEISMA) facility member and individual membership; participation in annual conferences and meetings.

• Experience with NEVCO systems and scheduling systems such as EMS.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and team management

• Event logistics and operations

• Facility and equipment maintenance

• Budget oversight and vendor coordination

• Crisis management and problem-solving

Work Schedule Expectations

• This position requires availability for evening, weekend, and holiday shifts, especially during the hockey season and major university events.

Work Environment

• This role requires standing, walking, sitting, using hands, reaching, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, talking, and hearing. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Work is performed in both office and arena environments, including cold conditions on the ice.

• Bentley University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Pay Transparency

At Bentley we offer a “total rewards” package designed to attract, motivate, retain, and reward our employees. This includes competitive compensation, robust benefits, career development and opportunities, generous paid time off, workplace flexibility and a positive, engaging employee experience. In alignment with the Massachusetts Pay Transparency Act and our commitment to equity and transparency, we’re sharing the salary grade range for this role. The grade range is based on market data and the scope of responsibilities. Final pay will depend on your experience, education, and other relevant qualifications.

Salary Grade Range:

$78,505 - $131,395 per year

If you have questions about the salary grade range or need additional information, please contact us at GA_HR_Employment@bentley.edu.

Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.

Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.