TITLE: People Development & Engagement Manager
POSITION TYPE: Full Time, Exempt
COMPANY: Sharks Sports and Entertainment, LLC
LOCATION: San Jose, CA
REPORTS TO: Vice President, People & Culture
POSTING DATED: TBD
Pay Range: The pay range for this role is $85,000 - $100,000 per year
Actual base pay will be determined based on permissible factors such as transferable skills, work experience, market demands and primary work location. The base pay range provided is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Vice President of People & Culture, the People Development & Engagement Manager will play an important role in shaping and fostering an inclusive, engaging, and growth-oriented work environment. This role will be responsible for the development and execution of engagement, learning and development programs while aligning them with the organization’s objectives, values, and culture. The People Development & Engagement Manager will drive initiatives that enhance internal communications, employee engagement and experience, cultivate talent, and ensure continuous professional growth at all levels within the organization. A successful candidate will be able to operate at all levels of the organization, with the ability to engage in the tactical implementation and management of programs and initiatives. The People Development & Engagement Manager will ensure that the organization stays up to date with industry best practices.
For full consideration, applications must be submitted by November 12, 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Learning & Development Program Management
- Design, implement, and maintain full lifecycle of learning and development programs, including managing the logistics of these programs and the learning management system.
- Partner with leaders and cross-functional teams to assess organizational learning needs and create targeted development opportunities and training programs.
- Drive initiatives to identify and address skills gaps and development opportunities for employees, ensuring they feel supported in their career development.
- Cultural Development & Employee Engagement
- Partner on the development, and manage the execution, of initiatives that promote organizational culture and values, including programs that foster inclusivity, diversity, and employee well-being.
- Plan and execute events to enhance employee experience and a sense of belonging.
- Serve as a thought partner and collaborate with HR, Marketing, and Communications in maintaining and elevating the Sharks Sports & Entertainment talent brand both internally and externally.
- Act as a culture ambassador, guiding leaders and employees in reinforcing company values through daily actions and behaviors.
- Internal Communications
- Develop monthly newsletters in collaboration with stakeholders to include wellness spotlights, events, and other company information for all employee populations.
- Provide recommendations to HR leadership and the Communications Department to ensure consistent, timely, and accurate internal communications that enhances employee understanding, engagement, and connection to organizational initiatives.
- With guidance from HR Leadership and Communications, manage the implementation of content, communication strategies, and delivery channels (e.g., newsletters, social media, town halls, intranet updates) that actively engage employees and advance HR initiatives - contributing ideas, shaping messaging, and driving execution from concept to delivery.
- Manage employee recognition programs and related communications, ensuring they are inclusive, impactful, and aligned with organizational values and culture goals.
- Measurement & Reporting
- Gather feedback and data to assess the outcomes and effectiveness of learning programs and cultural initiatives to make recommendations for improvements with a focus on retention.
- Generate reports and present insights on the success of various programs to leadership.
- Manage employee engagement survey initiative and support leaders with action planning and tracking.
- Identify and integrating external training providers, negotiate contracts, and manage vendor relationships for areas of responsibility
- Special projects or other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in human resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Experience: 4-7 years in Learning and Development, Organizational Culture, Employee Engagement, or related. Experience in program management or project management is essential. Event management experience strongly preferred.
- Knowledge: Understanding of adult learning principles, instructional design, and cultural transformation strategies.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in learning management systems (LMS), data analysis tools, and Microsoft Office Suite. Familiarity with HRIS platforms is a plus.
- Soft Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to build relationships with individuals at all levels. Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Certifications: Certifications in Learning & Development or HR are a plus.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to align learning and culture programs with organizational goals.
- Problem Solving: Skilled at identifying challenges and creating innovative solutions.
- Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including HR, leadership, and other departments.
- Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates understanding and empathy in interactions, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
- Change Management: Comfortable leading and supporting change, especially in cultural or organizational transitions.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand and utilize a computer for extended periods of time
- Communicate via phone and email with a variety of individuals
- Ability to bend at the waist, reach overhead and lift up to 15 lbs with or without accommodation
- Physically navigate stairs and catwalks at SSE facilities during normal work hours and events with or without accommodation
- Ability to work occasional extended hours including nights, weekends, holidays (all with advance notice)
- May be required to travel to other company locations
- May be required to attend conference, events, and training sessions within Bay Area or in- or out-of-state locations.
What We Offer
Competitive compensation (base salary and variable incentive plan)
Medical/Dental/Vision/Flexible Spending Accounts (all LGBTQ+ friendly)
Pretax Transportation Benefit
401K (pre-tax and Roth options)
Generous Paid Time Off
Minimum of 10 Paid Holidays and Wellness Days per year
Complimentary or discounted sports and event tickets
Other League & partner discounts
Central office location in downtown San Jose at the heart of Silicon Valley; convenient access to Caltrain, VTA, major freeways and free parking
An inclusive culture which values diversity of background and a passion to improve our SSE’s commitment to change with impact on our community and industry
Potential for flexible scheduling and telework opportunities
Free access to on-site Volta EV charging stations on non-event days
This position is not eligible for U.S. work authorization sponsorship.
Summary:
Born in 1991, Sharks Sports and Entertainment (“SSE”) has grown into a multi-faceted organization that includes the SAP Center, the NHL San Jose Sharks, the AHL San Jose Barracuda, the Tech CU Arena, three Sharks Ice facilities, and the non-profit Sharks Foundation. Additionally, we are growing our organization through expansion in the Bay Area and surrounding communities in Northern California.
We work and play in the Bay Area, and are deeply influenced by the technology, innovation, diversity, and commitment to excellence that surrounds us. Our culture is transforming to reflect those values, with an eye towards a pioneering, forward-thinking, and inclusive environment in sports and entertainment.
We live, work, and innovate by a set of Pioneering Principles:
T – Team success is more important than individual success
E – Exceptional experience is non-negotiable in everything we do
A – Appreciate others for their diversity and opinions
M – More risk leads to more rewards and expands our comfort zones
T – Trust that all teammates have the best intentions
E – Empower all teammates to make informed decisions
A – Always say what you really mean and do what you say
L – Lead by showing the respect to others you expect from them
We strive to unite people through a shared love of ice sports, entertainment, and our hometown. We are #TealTogether.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
Here at Team Teal, we recognize and celebrate that individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent well beyond any list of required skills and qualifications – in fact, we believe diversity of backgrounds and skills, combined with passion, are the most important keys to meaningful innovation and excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Sharks Sports and Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, medical condition as defined by state law (genetic characteristics or cancer), physical or mental disability, military service or veterans’ status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
Notice to Recruiters and Agencies
SSE recruits candidates directly, rather than through third-party recruiters or agencies. Under no circumstances will SSE pay a fee for candidates submitted or presented without a signed recruiting agreement in place between SSE and the recruiter or agency prior to the submittal; any submittal must be for requisition specifically and individually assigned in writing by SSE’s HR department. In the case of candidate(s) submitted or presented to SSE by a recruiter or agency without a signed agreement AND written assignment by SSE Human Resources, SSE explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) with no financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.
