What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Business Operations position at PWHL?
About The PWHL
The Professional Women’s Hockey League delivers world-class competition and fosters meaningful connections with fans and communities through operational excellence, purposeful partnerships, and a focus on long-term sustainability. We are dedicated to cultivating a workplace and league culture rooted in integrity, innovation, and inclusion — on and off the ice.
Position Summary
The Director, Business Operations leads all commercial and business functions for PWHL San Jose, owning revenue generation, fan experience, and local market execution. This role drives strategy across marketing, ticketing, partnerships, public relations, and community engagement, while leading a team of 10-15 staff. As a key leader within the PWHL and the inaugural head of business for our San Jose market, this individual is responsible for growing our audience, maximizing revenue, and delivering exceptional on- and off-ice experiences as we launch professional women’s hockey in San Jose.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Ability to be on-site at all home games and events, frequent attendance at practices and other activities in the San Jose market, as well as occasional travel to away games with the team (via bus and air) as needed, is required. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and non-traditional hours as required by the game and event schedule.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League is 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.
Background check will be conducted once a successful candidate is identified.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League delivers world-class competition and fosters meaningful connections with fans and communities through operational excellence, purposeful partnerships, and a focus on long-term sustainability. We are dedicated to cultivating a workplace and league culture rooted in integrity, innovation, and inclusion — on and off the ice.
Position Summary
The Director, Business Operations leads all commercial and business functions for PWHL San Jose, owning revenue generation, fan experience, and local market execution. This role drives strategy across marketing, ticketing, partnerships, public relations, and community engagement, while leading a team of 10-15 staff. As a key leader within the PWHL and the inaugural head of business for our San Jose market, this individual is responsible for growing our audience, maximizing revenue, and delivering exceptional on- and off-ice experiences as we launch professional women’s hockey in San Jose.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Work in partnership with the League to manage and execute the business operations of the San Jose market.
- Develop and implement business strategies to achieve revenue targets and growth objectives in a market-launch environment.
- Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and reporting to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Build, lead, and mentor a team of 5–10 full-time Business Operations staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
- Manage game-day operations, ensuring a seamless and engaging fan experience at every home game and event.
- Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including sponsors, partners, civic and community leaders, and the local hockey ecosystem.
- Leverage deep understanding of the San Jose market to propose new initiatives and work with the League to fund and execute those strategies.
- Ensure compliance with League regulations and industry standards.
- Serve as a strong communicator within and outside of the organization.
- Act as a key representative of the organization within the hockey ecosystem and San Jose community, serving as a visible leader who reinforces and promotes the League’s vision, mission, values, and culture.
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, sports management, or a related field (master’s preferred).
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience working at a leadership level in the sports industry or a related field.
- Proven experience in business operations, including P&L ownership.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, including hiring, developing, and retaining staff.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical abilities.
- Established relationships and/or demonstrated ability to build relationships within the San Jose market and broader California sports and business community.
- This position is based in the United States. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The PWHL does not provide visa sponsorship for this role.
- Experience launching a new team, brand, or market within professional sports or live entertainment.
- Familiarity with the women’s sports landscape and an understanding of fan growth strategies in emerging properties.
- Existing network of corporate partners, civic leaders, and media contacts in the San Jose / Bay Area market.
Ability to be on-site at all home games and events, frequent attendance at practices and other activities in the San Jose market, as well as occasional travel to away games with the team (via bus and air) as needed, is required. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and non-traditional hours as required by the game and event schedule.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League is 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.
Background check will be conducted once a successful candidate is identified.