Tony Kent Community Arena is seeking a hands-on, community-minded Executive Director and General Manager to lead the organization’s operations, financial sustainability, staff culture, facility excellence, and long-term impact.
The Executive Director and General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, financial health, operational performance, and community presence of the arena. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role that requires comfort in the boardroom, the rink lobby, on the Zamboni, and in the mechanical spaces of the facility.
The ideal candidate is a strong operator, relationship builder, and mission-driven leader who understands the importance of a community rink and is willing to step in wherever needed to ensure the arena runs safely, efficiently, and successfully.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Strategy
The Executive Director and General Manager will lead the development and implementation of Tony Kent Community Arena’s vision, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability plan in partnership with the Board of Directors. This includes translating the organization’s mission and values into clear operational goals, supporting governance and policy development, and helping guide future planning.
Financial Leadership & Business Planning
The Executive Director and General Manager will develop and manage the organization’s business plan, annual budgets, forecasts, financial reporting, and controls. This role is responsible for driving revenue through ice utilization, programs, rentals, events, and other opportunities, while also supporting capital campaign planning, fundraising strategy and execution, and long-term financial sustainability.
Operations & Facilities Oversight
The Executive Director and General Manager will ensure safe, high-quality ice and facility operations. This includes maintaining a working knowledge of refrigeration systems, ice-making, Zamboni operations, maintenance planning, vendor management, capital improvements, and facility safety. The successful candidate must be willing and able to step into operational roles when needed.
Staff Leadership & Culture
The Executive Director and General Manager will hire, manage, mentor, and support staff while establishing clear roles, accountability, and performance expectations. This role is responsible for fostering a culture of teamwork, respect, professionalism, and community pride across the organization.
Programming, Ice Sales & Community Relationships
The Executive Director and General Manager will oversee ice scheduling, rental utilization, and programming strategy. This includes building and maintaining strong relationships with hockey clubs, skating programs, schools, towns, chambers of commerce, senior centers, community organizations, families, and other local partners. The role will also focus on expanding inclusive, mission-aligned programming that serves the broader community.
Fundraising, Partnerships & Visibility
The Executive Director and General Manager will serve as a key ambassador and spokesperson for Tony Kent Community Arena. This includes supporting donor cultivation, grants, sponsorships, events, municipal partnerships, nonprofit collaborations, and relationships with local businesses and community leaders.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Experience & Skills
The ideal candidate will bring:
- 7–10+ years of senior leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit, recreation, sports, community, or facility-based environment
- Strong financial acumen, including budget ownership and business planning
- Direct experience with ice rinks, skating, hockey, recreation facilities, or comparable operations strongly preferred
- Proven experience leading staff, building teams, and managing day-to-day operations
- Experience with capital projects, facility improvements, or major infrastructure investments strongly preferred
- Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills
- Comfort balancing strategic leadership with hands-on operational work
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will be:
- Mission-driven and community-oriented
- Calm, credible, and decisive
- Comfortable leading from the front
- Respected by staff, families, coaches, partners, and community members
- Practical, resourceful, and solutions-oriented
- Willing to do hands-on work whenever needed
- Committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and high-quality experience for all arena users
Compensation & Benefits
The Board is committed to offering competitive, fair, and future-oriented compensation and benefits that reflects the scope and accountability of the role, supports recruitment and retention of strong leadership, and aligns with nonprofit best practices and organizational budget.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and brief cover letter outlining their relevant leadership, facility, operational, and community experience.
Pay: $65,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
