What are the responsibilities and job description for the DIRECTOR OF VENUE OPTIMIZATION AND PROGRAMMING position at Hartford Athletic?
Department: Business Development
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer
Position Summary:
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer
Position Summary:
The Director of Venue Optimization and Programming will transform Trinity Health Stadium into a year-round revenue-generating asset beyond traditional match days. This role is responsible for developing and executing innovative programming, event strategies, vendor partnerships, and experiential activations that maximize venue utilization and create new revenue streams while enhancing the fan experience.
You will lead the development of festivals, concerts, farmers' markets, craft vendor programs, non-soccer events, and venue rental initiatives. Success in this role is measured by incremental revenue generation, venue utilization rates, event attendance, and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities:
Revenue Strategy & Venue Optimization
- Develop and execute comprehensive revenue optimization strategy for Trinity Health Stadium
- Identify and pursue non-traditional revenue streams and monetization opportunities
- Analyze venue utilization data and create strategies to maximize occupancy year-round
- Create pricing models for venue rentals, vendor partnerships, and event programming
- Develop business cases and ROI projections for all new revenue initiatives
- Achieve annual revenue targets set by Executive Leadership across all venue-related activities
- Benchmark performance against industry standards and competitive venues
Event Development & Programming
- Design and manage year-round event calendar including festivals, concerts, community gatherings, and private events
- Establish and operate farmers markets, craft fairs, and artisan markets at Trinity Health Stadium
- Transform game days into festival-style experiences with enhanced pre-game and post-game programming
- Develop family-friendly activations and experiential programming that drives attendance
- Create premium experiential offerings for VIP and hospitality clients
- Coordinate all event logistics, vendor management, and operational execution
- Evaluate event performance and continuously refine programming based on data and feedback
Vendor & Partnership Management
- Recruit, vet, and manage craft vendors, food trucks, artisans, and experiential partners
- Negotiate vendor agreements, fee structures, and revenue-sharing arrangements
- Create vendor application processes, selection criteria, and compliance standards
- Build and maintain vendor database and ongoing relationship management
- Coordinate vendor logistics for game days, festivals, and special events
- Monitor vendor performance and ensure quality standards
- Identify sponsorship integration opportunities within vendor programming
Venue Sales & Client Relations
- Serve as primary point of contact for venue rental inquiries and bookings
- Develop sales materials, presentations, and venue tour protocols
- Build relationships with event planners, corporations, community organizations, and private clients
- Create and sell venue rental packages for weddings, corporate events, and private functions
- Manage venue booking calendar and coordinate availability with Operations team
- Negotiate contracts and manage client relationships through event execution
- Develop repeat business and referral strategies
Cross-Departmental Collaboration
- Partner with Marketing on promotional campaigns for events and programming at Trinity Health Stadium
- Collaborate with Ticketing on bundled packages and upsell opportunities for game day and non- game day events
- Work with Partnerships on sponsor integration and activation opportunities
- Coordinate with Operations staff on logistics, setup, teardown, and facility management
- Support Green & Blue Foundation initiatives that drive community engagement
- Align with Executive Leadership on strategic priorities and budget management
Game Day Enhancement
- Curate pre-game and post-game entertainment and activations
- Coordinate craft vendor setup and festival atmosphere elements
- Manage experiential programming schedule and execution
- Gather fan feedback and continuously improve game day experience
- Work with Marketing to promote enhanced game day offerings
Required Qualifications:
Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of experience in venue management, event programming, business development, or related field
- Proven track record of revenue generation and identifying new business opportunities
- Experience managing events, festivals, or large-scale experiential programming
- Demonstrated success in vendor management and partnership development
- Budget management experience with P&L responsibility
Skills & Competencies:
- Exceptional strategic thinking with strong operational execution abilities
- Excellent negotiation and contract management skills
- Strong project management capabilities with ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
- Proficiency in event management software and Microsoft Office Suite
- Data-driven decision maker with strong financial acumen
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills
- Creative problem solver with entrepreneurial mindset
Personal Attributes:
- Revenue-focused with entrepreneurial drive and innovative thinking
- Strong relationship builder across diverse stakeholder groups
- Customer service oriented with attention to detail
- Self-motivated and results-oriented
- Collaborative team player
- Adaptable and solution-focused when facing challenges
- Passionate about creating memorable experiences and building community
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in sports venue, stadium, or arena management
- Knowledge of Connecticut event landscape and vendor community
- Background in hospitality, festival management, or entertainment industry
- Experience with community partnerships and nonprofit collaborations
- Familiarity with permit processes and regulatory compliance for events
- MBA or advanced degree in business, hospitality, or related field
Working Conditions:
- Ability to work extended hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Regular attendance at all home matches and venue events
- Office-based with frequent on-site venue presence and off-site meetings
- Physical ability to navigate stadium environments and stand for extended periods
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required
Key Performance Indicators:
- Total venue-related revenue vs. annual target
- Number of non-soccer events hosted and revenue generated per event
- Vendor partnership revenue and participation rates
- Venue utilization rate (days booked vs. available days)
- Event attendance figures and customer satisfaction scores
- Game day experience enhancement metrics and fan feedback
- ROI on programming investments
- Repeat client and vendor retention rates
- Sponsorship revenue tied to venue programming
What We Offer:
- Competitive base salary plus performance-based bonuses
- Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision insurance)
- Company equipment (laptop, phone stipend)
- Apparel allotment and employee merchandise discounts
- Complimentary tickets for family and friends
- Professional development opportunities within growing organization
- Creative freedom to build innovative programming and partnerships
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.