📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Director of Sports Marketing | Full-Time | Acrisure Arena
🔹 Company: Oak View Group
🔹 Location: Palm Desert, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Sports Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: June 18, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and optimizing go-to-market strategies to drive brand & community engagement, sales, fan engagement, and revenue.
- Leading day-to-day oversight of all team & event-related marketing, promotions, and advertising functions.
- Creating and project managing marketing campaigns with a focus on experiential, email marketing, paid media, PR/storytelling, and media partnerships.
- Collaborating cross-functionally with comms, digital, social media & content, game presentation, corporate partnerships, ticket sales, creative, broadcast partners, and other divisions.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to innovate fan experiences using data-driven strategies.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Planning and executing effective marketing campaigns specific to hockey games, community events, venue sporting events, concerts & family shows to maximize attendance and ticket revenue.
✅ Working in conjunction with other members of the organization’s marketing team to effectively communicate and promote events through venue assets, sponsorships, promotional partnerships, community initiatives, media partners, trade partnerships, and group marketing campaigns on an event-by-event basis.
✅ Fostering relationships with the AHL front office, AHL teams, media partners, sponsors, community partners, and promoters.
✅ Organizing and communicating event marketing efforts and initiatives, including but not limited to: marketing material distribution, PR and media needs, content development, and ticketing promotions.
✅ Developing client sales and marketing materials and event marketing research.
✅ Managing a team consisting of digital marketing, PR, social media, creative, and any other support roles.
✅ Tracking key KPIs related to marketing initiatives, content creation, and revenue strategy.
✅ Evaluating and reconciling advertising campaigns on an ongoing basis to ensure all materials are performing.
✅ Collaborating on the creation, management, and activation of team & venue branding, marketing, and communication initiatives.
✅ Serving as an on-site marketing department representative for designated events.
✅ Partnering with senior leadership and other departmental leaders on key market research to inform marketing tactics.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, and a high degree of personal integrity.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Sales, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience: 10+ years supporting marketing in a sports team or entertainment venue, with 7+ years of proven success as a team leader managing a marketing department.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience with sports marketing, preferably hockey, and large-scale events in an arena or concert setting of a similar size (10,000 seats).
- Adept in leveraging both left and right brain thinking.
- The ability to innovate and create brilliant fan experiences while using data and experimentation to drive marketing strategies.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an expert ability to present and communicate new ideas and concepts.
- Extremely organized and detail-oriented, resourceful, quick learner, and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- A high degree of personal integrity and consistently putting the interests of the organization first.
- Must be a fierce communicator and cross-organizational collaborator.
- Solution-oriented senior leader.
- Strategic marketing innovator.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with the American Hockey League (AHL) or similar professional sports leagues.
- Fluency in Spanish for better community engagement.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in hockey marketing and large-scale event marketing will be highly desirable for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $100,000 to $120,000 per year
Benefits:
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Savings Plan with 401(k) matching
- Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)
Working Hours: Full-time position with a flexible schedule, including weekends, nights, and holidays as required.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a senior director role in sports marketing, with consideration for the location and experience level required.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Entertainment Providers
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 2015 (as a privately held company)
Company Description:
- Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry.
- The company offers an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.
- Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity and is an equal opportunity employer.
Company Specialties:
- Arena and Stadium Alliance
- Consulting
- Sponsorships and Partnerships
- Hospitality
- Live Entertainment
- Business Development
- Food Service
- Catering
- Live Events
- Concerts
- Sporting Events
- Professional Sports
- Conferences
- Sustainability
- Booking & Content Development
- Premium Sales
- Parking & Mobility Services
- Public Safety
- Public Health & Sanitization
- Venue Management & Development
Company Website: http://www.oakviewgroup.com
ASSUMPTION: Oak View Group's extensive experience and global presence in the live event industry make it an attractive employer for professionals seeking to grow their careers in sports marketing.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Director
Reporting Structure: Reports to the VP of Marketing for Multiple Organizations, including The Firebirds, Acrisure Arena, Berger Foundation Iceplex, and the One Valley Foundation, and may fill in during the absence of the Vice President.
Work Arrangement: This role is based on-site in the Palm Desert, CA office and requires work to be performed in person. However, the business allows for occasional opportunities to work from home.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow within the organization as Oak View Group continues to expand its global presence.
- Opportunities to work on high-profile events and projects with world-class venues and clients.
- Chance to collaborate with and learn from industry experts in various aspects of live event management.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to work on high-profile events and projects and collaborate with industry experts.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with occasional opportunities to work from home
Office Location(s): 75702 Varner Road, Palm Desert, CA 92211, USA
Geographic Context:
- The Coachella Valley is a desert region in Southern California, known for its hot springs, golf courses, and resort destinations like Palm Springs and Palm Desert.
- The area is home to numerous music festivals, including the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the Stagecoach Festival.
- The Coachella Valley Firebirds are a professional ice hockey team based in the Coachella Valley, playing in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a flexible schedule including weekends, nights, and holidays as required.
ASSUMPTION: The Coachella Valley's unique geographic context and vibrant event scene make it an attractive location for sports marketing professionals.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Final interview with the VP of Marketing
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Marketing strategy and campaign development
- Leadership and team management skills
- Cross-functional collaboration and communication
- Industry knowledge and event marketing experience
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Be prepared to discuss your marketing strategy and campaign development process during the interview.
- Research Oak View Group and the Coachella Valley Firebirds to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding of the organization and its events.
ATS Keywords: Sports Marketing, Event Marketing, Team Leadership, Campaign Management, Digital Marketing, Public Relations, Social Media Strategy, Data Analysis, Communication Skills, Project Management, Community Engagement, Brand Development, Budget Management, Collaboration, Creativity, Problem Solving
ASSUMPTION: Oak View Group's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' marketing strategy and campaign development skills, as well as their leadership and communication abilities.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
- Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
- Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
- Customer relationship management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot CRM)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with marketing automation, social media management, email marketing, CRM, project management, and data analysis tools is beneficial for this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Accountability
- Diversity & Inclusion
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Cross-functional collaboration and teamwork
- Data-driven decision-making
- Continuous learning and improvement
- Flexibility and adaptability
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and are you comfortable working on multiple projects simultaneously?
- Are you an effective communicator and collaborator, able to work well with various departments and stakeholders?
- Do you have a data-driven mindset and the ability to make informed decisions based on data analysis?
- Are you open to continuous learning and improvement, and do you embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth?
- Are you flexible and adaptable, able to adjust your work schedule and priorities as needed?
ASSUMPTION: Oak View Group values candidates who are strong communicators, collaborative team players, data-driven, and adaptable to the fast-paced, dynamic nature of the live event industry.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team and multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Working weekends, nights, and holidays as required for event marketing and on-site representation.
- Adapting to changes in event schedules, marketing strategies, and priorities.
- Frequent travel may be required for up to 10% of the time, including air travel and overnight stays away from home.
- Exposure to multiple external elements and extensive walking through the building, including inclines and stairs, may be required for on-site event representation.
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the fast-paced, dynamic nature of the live event industry and require candidates to be adaptable, flexible, and comfortable working in a demanding environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on sports marketing for a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL) and a brand new, state-of-the-art arena.
- While similar roles may exist in other professional sports leagues or entertainment venues, the Coachella Valley's unique geographic context and vibrant event scene make this role distinct.
- Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities to work on high-profile events and projects with world-class venues and clients, as well as growth within the organization as Oak View Group continues to expand its global presence.
ASSUMPTION: This role's unique focus on sports marketing for a professional ice hockey team in the AHL and a brand new, state-of-the-art arena sets it apart from similar roles in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a marketing campaign for a Coachella Valley Firebirds home game, including media planning, negotiation, buying, promotion implementation, publicity, database marketing, social media strategy, trade media allocation, digital marketing, campaign budgeting, and settlement preparation.
- Collaborating with the AHL front office, AHL teams, media partners, sponsors, community partners, and promoters to foster relationships and maximize event attendance and ticket revenue.
- Organizing and communicating event marketing efforts and initiatives, including marketing material distribution, PR and media needs, content development, and ticketing promotions for a concert or family show at Acrisure Arena.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and collaborative nature of the Senior Director of Sports Marketing role at Oak View Group.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the marketing strategy and campaign development process for a recent event at Acrisure Arena, and how you measured its success?
- How do you collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to ensure effective communication and promotion of events through venue assets, sponsorships, promotional partnerships, community initiatives, media partners, trade partnerships, and group marketing campaigns?
- What steps do you take to foster relationships with the AHL front office, AHL teams, media partners, sponsors, community partners, and promoters, and how do you ensure their needs are met?
- How do you evaluate and reconcile advertising campaigns on an ongoing basis to ensure all materials are performing, and what metrics do you use to measure success?
- What opportunities are there for growth and professional development within the organization, and how does Oak View Group support its employees' career advancement?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions help applicants better understand the role's responsibilities, the company's culture, and the opportunities for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your marketing strategy and campaign development process, leadership and team management skills, cross-functional collaboration and communication, industry knowledge, and event marketing experience.
- Prepare for your interview by researching Oak View Group and the Coachella Valley Firebirds, and be ready to discuss your marketing strategy and campaign development process, as well as your ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and collaborate effectively with various departments and stakeholders.
- If selected for the final interview, be prepared to present a sample marketing campaign or project that demonstrates your ability to develop and execute effective marketing strategies for events in an arena or concert setting.
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week after your interview to express your interest in the position and reiterate your qualifications.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
