Overview

The Senior Vice President, Programming is responsible for the strategic planning, organization, and direction of all activities related to booking UBS Arena and its ancillary spaces for both ticketed and non-ticketed events. This executive leader is tasked with delivering a superior level of content procurement, managing private and special events, and maintaining effective high-level relationships with clients, promoters, tenants, staff, and guests.

This role pays an annual salary of $275,000-$350,000 and is bonus eligible.

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).

This position will remain open until August 28, 2026.

Responsibilities

Event Booking & Business Development

• Facility Utilization: Aggressively promote the facility to maximize utilization and negotiate lease agreements that serve the best interests of the venue.
• Supervise Programming team: Lead a team of three venue programmers directing outreach to promoters, agents, managers, location scouts, private event production companies, and marketing agencies. Set the highest level of standards for event execution and model behavior to maintain excellence in artist, fan, and promoter satisfaction.
• Belmont Park Campus: Work in tandem with the Belmont Park Racetrack (NYRA) and Belmont Park Village (Value Retail) to create campus-wide events that benefit each of the organizations in further establishing Belmont Park as a destination for major events, horse racing, high-end shopping, and fine dining.
• Content Procurement: Direct the procurement of activities and events; negotiate contracts and agreements with industry agents, promoters, and the internal OVG event booking department.
• Strategic Interfacing: Act as the primary liaison between promoters, talent booking, and marketing teams at UBS Arena and OVG to coordinate booking schedules, artist relationships, ticket sale planning, and event settlements.
• Marketing & Branding: Provide critical input on branding and marketing efforts, including sales collateral and show-related marketing across print, press, tradeshows, and social media outlets.
• Event Innovation: Develop and pursue new event types not currently hosted at the arena, with an emphasis on unique local, regional, national, and international sporting events, concerts, comedy, and family entertainment.
• Civic Engagement: Work with clients and government agencies to develop and operate a regional sports commission to attract major events.
• Ancillary Revenue: Manage a comprehensive special events program to maximize the use of all arena assets, including meeting spaces and catering facilities, for events ranging from worldwide broadcast awards shows, corporate presentations, experiential activations, and private celebrations.
• Internal Synergy: Coordinate programming efforts with marketing, box office, operations, finance, and human resources through thorough communication and regular staff meetings.
• Operational Staffing: Participate in determining specific event staffing requirements to ensure successful execution.

Budget Preparation & Financial Reporting

• Strategic Planning: Oversee the development of the annual event calendar, activity schedules, and projections for attendance and revenue. Lead the team in the development of the annual strategic programming plan as well as long-term initiatives with the goal of achieving the arena's financial objectives.
• Budgetary Oversight: Implement and monitor detailed program budgets and supervise cost accounting for events, including facility rental, ancillary revenue streams, and event-related expenses.
• Corporate Compliance: Prepare and monitor operating budgets and financial reporting systems as prescribed by OVG for all applicable revenues and expenses.

Administration & Corporate Integrity

• Policy Administration: Assist with the development and implementation of specific plans, programs, and policies according to company directives.
• Executive Communication: Coordinate timely and effective responses to requests from internal and external organizations, agencies, and departments.
• Brand Stewardship: Maintain the integrity of the arena and corporation in all forms of communication and personal contacts.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of experience in booking and event creation.
• Regional Expertise: Experience in the New York metropolitan area is strongly preferred.
• Industry Knowledge: Proven experience working with sports, entertainment, and corporate organizations to attract and develop events at a major arena or comparable facility.
• Leadership: A proven history of leadership abilities and the capacity to work as a self-starter under minimal supervision.
• Technical Proficiency: Working knowledge of all operational aspects of a major indoor NHL or NBA arena (preferred).
• Familiarity with event and box office operations, as well as food and beverage revenue streams (preferred).
• Community Ties: A demonstrated track record in forging relationships with community assets (CVBs, Chambers of Commerce, and local boards) and experience with community sports authorities.
• Scheduling Flexibility: Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in addition to standard business hours.

Education

• A BS/BA degree is required (or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities).