ABOUT THE NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Founded in 1917, the National Hockey League (NHL®) is the premier professional ice hockey league in the world, and is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada.
With more than 1500 employees across the US and Canada, the NHL is a global sports and entertainment organization committed to building healthy and vibrant communities using the sport of hockey.
At the NHL, we are looking for dynamic, energetic and impactful individuals who are committed to doing the same by sharing in our philosophy that Hockey is for Everyone – and inclusion belongs on the ice, in the locker rooms, boardrooms and stands.
WHAT WE EXPECT OF YOU
SUMMARY
The Senior Director, Club Business Affairs serves as a strategic liaison between the NHL League Office and its Clubs, driving alignment across business operations, policies, and revenue-generating initiatives. Responsible for identifying and sharing best practices, implementing Leaguewide standards, and supporting a wide range of programs—from partnership marketing and venue monetization to digital innovation and branding. The position also plays a key role in executing major League events and special initiatives, including international tournaments and women's hockey development.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Club Engagement & Collaboration Partner with NHL Clubs and cross-functional League Office departments to identify, share, and implement best practices that drive operational excellence and revenue growth.
Business Standards & Policy Implementation Lead the development and execution of Leaguewide business, policy, and operational standards to ensure consistency and scalability across Clubs.
Program & Initiative Management Provide strategic and operational support for a wide range of League and Club business initiatives, including:
- Partnership marketing activations
- Venue and facility revenue optimization
- Line-of-Sight signage implementation
- Sports book and gaming policy development
- Uniform branding strategies
- Deployment of digital technology innovations
Special Projects & Event Execution Support the planning and execution of high-impact League initiatives and events, such as:
- Annual NHL Club Business Meetings
- NHL participation in global events including the Olympics and World Cup of Hockey
- Development and promotion of Women's Hockey programming
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge Areas/Experience
Required
- Proven initiative-taker with a high level of motivation, initiative, and ownership of responsibilities
- Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills, with sound judgment and a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making
- Highly organized and adept at managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
- Impeccable attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and quality across all deliverables
- Demonstrated success in customer service and account management, with a strong focus on relationship-building and stakeholder satisfaction
- Outstanding communication skills—both written and verbal—with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and levels of leadership
- Capable of working independently and as part of a team, consistently meeting deadlines and driving results
- Willingness and flexibility to travel and work evenings or weekends as required by business needs
- Advanced proficiency in business technology platforms, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and collaboration tools such as Monday.com and Box
- Deep interest and familiarity with emerging media trends and digital technology platforms, with a forward-thinking mindset toward innovation
Education/Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited institution is required; advanced degree (MBA, JD, etc.) strongly preferred
- 6+ years of professional experience following completion of undergraduate studies
- Prior experience within a professional sports league, team, or media property is highly desirable, with a strong understanding of the sports business landscape
CORE COMPETENCIES
These core competencies reflect the underlying values that are necessary to represent the National Hockey League:
- Accountability
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Inclusion
- Professionalism
- Teamwork & Collaboration
The NHL offers U.S. regular, full-time employees:
Time to Recharge: Utilize our generous Paid Time Off (PTO) to focus on your well-being and ensure a healthy work/life balance. PTO includes paid holidays, vacation, personal and sick days, plus an extra day off for your birthday.
Ability to Focus on your Health: Along with competitive salaries, the NHL offers comprehensive health benefits to employees and their eligible dependents effective on their first day with us – there is no waiting period. The NHL subsidizes a large portion of the health benefits costs, therefore your cost for medical, dental and vision coverage is minimal.
We also offer our employees and members of their household access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support mental, physical, and financial health. In addition, employees have access to a digital wellness resource designed to improve health and happiness through courses in sleep, movement, and focus. These services are confidential and at no-cost to our employees.
Childcare Leave: Because your family is the NHL family, employees are offered comprehensive Childcare Leave to welcome your new addition. The primary caregiver to the child is entitled to up to 12 weeks of paid Childcare Leave, at full pay, following the birth, adoption, or placement of a child.
Employees that are not the primary caregiver to the child are entitled to up to 6 weeks of paid Childcare Leave, at full pay, which must be taken within the first 6 months following the birth, adoption, or placement of a child.
Confidence in your Retirement Goals: Participate in the NHL’s Savings Plan which includes a 401K (pre-tax and Roth options) plus non-elective (employer) contributions to keep your retirement goals on track.
A Hybrid Work Schedule: The NHL recognizes the value of flexibility in work locations/schedules to help our employees balance work/life priorities. Hybrid work schedules are available for a majority of our roles.
Our New Headquarters: Our new, state of the art, offices are located at One Manhattan West in Hudson Yards. When you’re in the office, you can conduct meetings in one of our high-tech conference rooms, have lunch with a view or play in the game room. Employees can also enjoy New York’s newest neighborhood that is home to more than 100 shops, culinary experiences, and public artwork.
A Savings for Commuting: Participate in the NHL’s pre-tax commuter benefit plan which helps offset the financial cost of traveling to and from our office.
NHL Partner Rates: Unlock exclusive pricing from our Partners that include savings on travel, consumer goods and services, plus the NHL Store.
Life at the NHL: In your first few days, you meet with your new teammates and the HR Team. You have the opportunity to learn more about the NHL and our workplace culture. Employees are invited to play hockey during our Tuesday Night Skate at Chelsea Piers, join our Employee Resource Groups and more. You are a part of our team and we encourage you to be your authentic self, adding to our dynamic workplace culture.
SALARY RANGE:
$155-175K
Actual base pay for a successful candidate will be determined based on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to: experience/training, market demands, and geographic location.
When applying, please be sure to include a cover letter with your salary expectations for this role. We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, however only qualified candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. NO EMAILS OR PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
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.
