Executive Director – Arena Operations and Oversight (The Arena at Southlake)

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POSITION SUMMARY:

The Executive Director – Arena Operations and Oversight serves as the primary steward of the District’s premier multipurpose venue, acting as the official liaison between Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS) and the third-party arena operator. This leadership role provides strategic oversight of the operator’s performance to ensure financial transparency, logistical efficiency, and strict adherence to District policies. This position drives industry-related operational excellence and commercial success while rigorously safeguarding the facility's use as an educational hub that supports the academic and career development priorities of Clayton County Public Schools. This position reports to the Chief Operations Officer.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Facilitates coordination between appropriate District departments and external entities to ensure efficient arena operations, including compliance with applicable state and federal accessibility standard requirements.

Ensures that procurement, contracting, and vendor activities adhere to CCPS policies, government regulations, and the highest standards of public ethics. Serves as the primary official for fulfilling formal information requests and other inquiries regarding all aspects of arena operations and management.

Serves as the liaison to the Clayton County Public Schools Foundation for all philanthropic and sponsorship initiatives connected to the arena, ensuring the School District retains all financial authority and decision-making power. Promotes the venue as a hub for student success by creating and supporting career development and academic learning opportunities, and fostering community engagement that aligns with District priorities.

Directs the supervision and performance management of the arena operator, establishing rigorous benchmarks to evaluate their operational effectiveness. Collaborates with relevant parties to ensure that the District’s fiscal interests are protected and all contractual financial obligations are met.

Performs all other duties, as required, in order to perform the aforementioned services as assigned.

KEY JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, sports/entertainment management, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.

Minimum of five years senior leadership experience in arena, stadium, convention center, or large public venue management required. Demonstrated experience in fiscal oversight, contract governance, and third-party operator management required. Experience working for/with school districts, municipal or county governments, and public authorities or universities preferred.

Makes recommendations which affect the District’s students and employees, and the surrounding community. Requires excellent planning and organizational skills to manage projects effectively.

Industry related certification (i.e., Certified Venue Professional or Certified Venue Executive) preferred.

High level of judgment required: supervisor is available on a limited time basis; individual required to establish and evaluate objectives; independent judgment is required to review and approve major recommendations. 

Requires regular, frequent contact with internal personnel of influence and decision-making responsibility to discuss issues of importance; requires continuing contact with officials at higher levels. Excellent interpersonal skills are required for working with inter-organizational teams.

Requires frequent contact with external personnel of influence and decision-making responsibility to discuss issues of importance; requires continuing contact with officials at higher levels. Excellent interpersonal and networking skills are required for working with various teams.

Responsible for supervising multiple functions with a high-level accountability for effective operation and results. Requires excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.

Applies, recommends and implements technology concepts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Arena at Southlake.

Constant (Daily) - to exercise the duty of care and protection of the health, safety, security, welfare, well-being, and best interests of the district's various stakeholders.

Varied work environment to include office setting, administrative offices, and arena.

Light duty – On most occasions walking or standing; intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. Light lifting or carrying 20 lbs. or less.

NOTE: This is a grade 33, 225 day position with one starting salary.