Iowa Wild Game Presentation & Experiential Marketing Director

Iowa Wild - Director
Des Moines · IA
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The Game Presentation and Experiential Marketing Director leads the strategy and execution of all Iowa Wild game day operations, in-game entertainment, and community-facing events. This role ensures a seamless, high-quality fan experience while aligning promotions, theme nights, and sponsor activations with broader sales and marketing goals. This position plays a vital role in elevating the team’s brand, driving revenue, and strengthening community connections.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

  • Oversee all game day operations and lead in-game presentation at Iowa Wild home games.
    • Serve as the Game Director for all Iowa Wild home games, leading the overall game presentation strategy and execution.
    • Oversee all in-game promotions and fan engagement elements, including national anthems, chuck-a-puck, and intermission activities, ensuring alignment with sales and sponsorship goals.
    • Manage the planning and delivery of video board and LED content, working closely with production and creative teams to enhance the in-arena experience.
    • Hire, train, and lead all game night staff, including ice crew, music director, PA announcers, and in-arena hosts, ensuring a high level of professionalism and performance.
    • Act as the primary point of contact on game days, ensuring clear and timely communication across departments, vendors, and venue staff in a fast-paced environment.
  • Oversee Community Relations team and the planning and execution of events.
    • Oversee the organization’s Community Relations efforts, including direct supervision of the Manager, Community Relations and team mascot program.
    • Lead the creation of the annual event calendar and promotional schedule, ensuring alignment with team goals and fan engagement strategies.
    • Manage all event planning and execution, from initial concept through post-event evaluation, to deliver high-quality experiences.
    • Develop and oversee the budget for promotions, events, and community initiatives.
    • Work closely with the sales team to ensure Wild 365 events support revenue and retention goals.
    • Partner with the corporate partnerships team to develop and support sponsor activations that align with both brand and business objectives.
    • Collaborate with the marketing and digital teams to build communication plans that promote events and drive fan engagement.
  • Lead the planning and execution of theme nights and special events.
    • Lead the planning and execution of opening night, fan celebrations, playoff games, and other special game day events and ceremonies.
      o Partner with the revenue marketing team to bring theme nights and special promotions to life.
      o Coordinate with arena operations staff to ensure all team needs are clearly communicated and executed effectively.
      o Work closely with the Production Services Manager and technical crews to meet all production and technical requirements for live events.
  • Manage sponsorship integration and control related budget areas.
    o Create in-game sponsorship assets that align with the Iowa Wild brand and meet partner objectives.
    o Manage game presentation and select event-related budget items, ensuring effective use of resources and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

Formal Education & Certification:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Knowledge & Experience:

  • At least four years of experience in event planning or live events.
  • At least four years of experience in game presentation.
  • Knowledge of professional hockey leagues.
  • Passionate about hockey and professional sports.
  • Daktronics and/or Expressions experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite preferred.

Personal Attributes:

  • Ability to multi-task, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and work under tight deadlines showcasing strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Detail oriented.
  • Creative flair to bring fresh ideas into game entertainment and fan experience.
  • Positive attitude and desire to be successful while having fun within a professional and team-oriented environment.
  • Self-motivated with ability to work well independently within a team and solutions-oriented environment.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to motivate staff.
  • Outgoing, collaborative individual with desire to continually innovate.

Work Conditions:
• Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed for games and events. 
• Physical requirements include sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting, lifting, grasping, etc. 
• Lifting up to 50 lbs.

ADA/EEO Statement:

Our company is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application process or perform the essential functions of the job, please contact the People Team to request an accommodation. We will engage in an interactive process to assess your needs and provide appropriate accommodations to enable you to perform the essential functions of the position unless it would cause an undue hardship.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. We value diversity and inclusion in our workplace and promote a work environment that respects and supports individuals without bias.

 

Experience

Preferred
  • 5

Equal Opportunity Employer
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