TITLE: Sharks Ice Skating Director
POSITION TYPE: Full Time, Exempt
COMPANY: Sharks Sports and Entertainment, LLC
LOCATION: Sharks Ice facilities, with location varying based on scheduling needs
REPORTS TO: Senior Skating Director
POSTING DATED: August 28, 2025
Pay Range: The pay range for this role is $68,480 - $87,500 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
In coordination with the Sharks Ice Sr. Director of Skating, directs instructional and recreational ice-skating programs (community recreational, figure skating, pairs skating, power skating, ice dancing and synchronized skating/theater on ice) in a manner that provides exemplary customer service and achieves the business objectives of Sharks Ice. Responsible for the successful operation of the Skating School including supervision of skating instructors.
Essential Responsibilities
- Recommends to the Senior Skating Director the most profitable ways to allocate assigned ice time and space resources among user groups based on their respective sizes, growth prospects, profitability, needs and safety standards.
- Participates in the planning and implementation of all ice arena operations.
- Recommends supplementary developmental uses of facility non-ice spaces to the Sr. Skating Director which facilitates the respective skating programs.
- In coordination with the Sr. Director of Skating, prepares budget for ice skating program and manages operations to meet profitability objectives.
- Delivers monthly status report to the Sr. Skating Director regarding performance vs. plan, including factors influencing variance.
- In coordination with the Sr. Director of Skating, creates plan which articulates a skills development philosophy for respective user groups, including instruction, development process, competition objectives, rewards/honors/acknowledgements, Sharks Ice facilities support, merchandise store services and equipment/apparel offerings.
- Works closely with leaders of respective user groups to understand their changing needs, to learn of opportunities to enhance and strengthen the program in the short and long term and to secure feedback on policies and practices. Also counsels respective user groups in their efforts to build participation and membership levels.
- Evaluates programs to determine their effectiveness and implements changes to ensure continuous improvement, using performance vs. plan as a tool for staff development, program enhancement and profit improvement.
- Designs training programs for instructors and the public, based on standard industry development ladders and timetables, taking into consideration unique nature of region, the effectiveness of local traffic building efforts, the expectations of students/families and the performance requirements of formal competitions.
- Monitors the instruction practices and marketing efforts of competitive facilities in the region and worldwide.
- Ensures that a system is in place that provides adequate rewards/honors/recognition of instructors, coaches, teams, and players.
- Overseas all aspects of skating school, including the figure skating gym.
- Preparation of ice time schedule, class registration and annual calendar
- Scheduling of classes and instructors for each lesson series (checking impact of holidays)
- Ensuring curriculum is being followed and skaters are placed in and/or advanced to the proper classes or teams.
- Consolidating lessons as necessary during series.
- Posting of all school information, class schedules and other activities
- Maintaining accurate enrollment and cancellation records and all school files
- Organizing a recital at the end of each lesson series
- Supervision of testing and evaluations, and promotion of re-enrollment at the end of each lesson series
- Promotion of class lessons
- Issuing memos to arena employees prior to all beginner lesson series in order that they can respond informatively to any questions regarding the lessons; other than beginner students should speak directly to Sr. Director of Skating.
- Builds the school, advanced programs, and clubs.
- School parties, activities, competitions, shows, etc.
- Practices cost control and maximizes productivity in the following ways:
- Maintains high class average.
- Manages maximum usage of instructors.
- Manages maximum usage of ice time.
- Controls cost of instructors.
- Controls administrative costs.
- Maintains and supervises instructors’ appearance and conduct.
- Maintains accurate skating school records.
- Operates skating school program as a profit center.
- Overseas professional skating staff, including:
- Recruitment, hiring, development and motivation of in-house instructors, as well as retainer of independent/contracted instructors/pros, working within established economic guidelines to establish Sharks Ice staff as the most highly regarded in Northern California.
- Preparing work schedules, resolving school problems, screening applicants, evaluating performance, and recommending disciplinary action or termination.
- Recommendation to the Senior Director of Skating of policies and compensation plans for in-house instructors and independent/contracted instructors/pros.
- Training instructors and staff in registration procedures.
- Training instructors in teaching system and responsibilities. Observes instructors on and off ice, teaching and in their other duties.
- Conducting instructors’ meetings.
- Attends yearly education conferences/classes for ice skating industry.
- Cultivate relationships with regional, national, and international tournament, competition, and exhibition principals to reinforce efforts of General Manager to bring events to Sharks Ice.
- In coordination with the Sr. Director of Skating, directs the development of promotional programs and materials to market Sharks Ice, its programs, and events, working closely with the San Jose Sharks Marketing function to leverage in-arena, radio, TV, cable, internet, and collateral materials employed by the franchise, including:
- Conducting on-going promotion of current and upcoming programs and events.
- Solicitation and participation in internal and external sales promotions.
- Development and implementation of advertising, posters, flyers, banners, and announcements.
- Developing objectives and strategies for marketing efforts to build ice utilization, especially during soft time week/day periods.
- In conjunction with the Senior Skating Director, and Hockey Manager, develop schedules and staffs Sharks Ice community’s accessible programs, including free-use and other low-cost programs for local non-profit community groups.
- Works with Pro Shop Manager to promote the Pro Shop and ensure that equipment category mix and service offerings profitably meet the needs of skating school program participants.
- Assists in ensuring all policies and procedures are properly implemented and followed.
- Knows emergency procedures for equipment and for evacuation of all employees.
- Performs additional duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required
- Must have 15+ years of experience managing skating programs, instruction, and school operations, including staff supervision and curriculum development
- At least four years of previous experience as a supervisor or program manager
- Must have coaching or judge’s certification.
- Three years of previous experience as a supervisor or program manager.
- Previous experience organizing and conducting competitions and show exhibitions.
- Possesses a record of high achievement as an ice skater or a coach in speed or figure skating.
- Demonstrates ability to design and deliver effective training programs, including recruitment and development of coaches.
- Speaks effectively before groups, including in a promotional role.
- Possesses outstanding relationship building and communications skills that will support the organization’s efforts to develop and sustain a highly regarded ice-skating program in all Bay Area communities.
- Requires long periods of ice skating and standing on skates while giving instructions.
- Good working knowledge of Ice-Skating Institute (ISI) and other skating clubs and organizations.
- Able to work well with youth, adults and has a positive relationship with customers.
- Is required to have flexible working hours.
Physical Requirements
- This position requires flexibility to work across all three Sharks Ice facilities, with location varying based on scheduling needs
- 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)
- Will be required to travel to all company locations
- May be required to attend conferences, 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 Policy
- Minimum of 10 Paid Holidays and Wellness Days per year
- Complimentary or discounted sports and concert tickets
- Other League & partner discounts
- Central office location with 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
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 recruit’s 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 recruitment 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.
