What are the responsibilities and job description for the Game Operations & Presentation Manager position at Athens Rock Lobsters?
About the Athens Rock Lobsters
Join the crustacean nation. The Athens Rock Lobsters bring high-energy professional hockey to the Classic City (Athens, GA). We have and continue to build a culture that is fast-paced, creative, and completely dedicated to giving our fans the most unforgettable night out in Athens. If you thrive under the arnea lights and love the rush of live sports entertainment, we want you on our team.
Join the crustacean nation. The Athens Rock Lobsters bring high-energy professional hockey to the Classic City (Athens, GA). We have and continue to build a culture that is fast-paced, creative, and completely dedicated to giving our fans the most unforgettable night out in Athens. If you thrive under the arnea lights and love the rush of live sports entertainment, we want you on our team.
Job Summary
The Athens Rock Lobsters are seeking a dynamic, multi-talented individual to lead the production of all game presentation elements for our home games. This unique, hybrid position combines strategic game operations with hands-on creative execution. You will plan, coordinate, and execute all game-day promotions, theme nights, partnership activations, and in-game entertainment, while also driving the visual identity of our in-game assets.
The ideal candidate is a "dual-threat"—someone who can both design high-impact graphics and understands how to build and trigger them within a live switcher/control system. This role involves collaboration during the week and heavy live execution on nights, weekends, and holidays, tied directly to the home game schedule. You will also serve as our primary liaison to Akins Ford Arena and select SPHL personnel for all game-night needs.
Key Responsibilities
Creative Development & Game Presentation
- The "Control Room" Conductor: Build, organize, and monitor in-game assets (Jumbotron, ribbon boards, scoreboards)
- Utilize and program live production software, including Daktronics Show Control, Click Effects, and Ross Xpression.
- Write and develop comprehensive game scripts, including public address announcements, video board content, and promotional timing elements.
- Produce the live in-game entertainment, managing the pacing and integration of lights, sound, video, and mascot performances.
- Research and implement best-in-class game presentation trends from across professional sports to keep our fan experience fresh and innovative.
Game Operations & Event Management
- Oversee total in-arena game operations for all home games, ensuring the script is executed flawlessly and adapting on the fly to last-minute adjustments.
- Hire, train, and manage game-day personnel and production crew, including Graphic Designers, DJs, Music Operators, Mascot Performers, and Operational Interns.
- Lead pre-game staff and intern meetings to align game production with entertainment goals.
- Set up and manage pre-game activation spaces, including vomitory tunnel areas and concourse displays.
Sponsorship & Fan Experience Coordination
- Partner with Corporate Sales and Sponsorship teams to craft proposals, activate sponsored events, and ensure all game-day sponsor materials are prepared and flawlessly executed.
- Coordinate Fan Experience Programs alongside the Group Sales staff to maximize fan engagement.
- Maintain, organize, and track an up-to-date inventory of Game Operations equipment and storage areas.
What We Are Looking For (Qualifications)
- Technical & Creative Dexterity: High proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud programs, with heavy emphasis on Photoshop and Illustrator. Experience with motion design or video editing (After Effects / Premiere Pro) is a massive advantage.
- Live Event & Production Experience: Concrete experience in minor league sports, college athletics, or live event production. If your resume features roles like "control room operator," "gameday intern," or "live producer" where you managed technical switchers, graphics programs, or live video feeds under stadium lights, you have the exact temperament we need.
- System Knowledge: A working knowledge of Daktronics systems, Click Effects, or Ross Xpression is a major plus. You should be as comfortable looking at a Photoshop canvas as you are looking at a live production switcher.
- Cool Under Pressure: Proven ability to handle the literal chaos of live entertainment, live video cues, last-minute script modifications, and mid-game sponsorship activations without missing a beat.
- Schedule Flexibility: This position requires a split schedule—creative planning and collaboration during the week, and a full commitment to the arena for every single puck drop (including nights, weekends, and holidays).
- Local Focus: Ideally, candidates will be based in the Athens area or ready to immerse themselves in the local community immediately (local sports management or creative media professionals are highly encouraged to apply).
If you don’t meet every single qualification listed above, don’t worry—we’d still love to hear from you! If you have the passion, the drive, and the creativity to make our games unforgettable, apply today.
Additional Information
This position is “at will,” meaning employment can be terminated by either party at any time. Essential functions must be performed with or without accommodations. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected category.