Now Hiring - Hockey Western New York, LLC - Arts Entertainment And Recreation Manager of Fan Development (Market Research) in Buffalo, NY

Summary

The Manager of Fan Development will play a key role in growing and sustaining the fanbase of the Buffalo Sabres. Through research and data analysis, the Manager of Fan Development will identify existing, emerging, and underserved market segments and apply insights to develop programs and initiatives for short and long-term growth. This role, as part of the Marketing Department, will work collaboratively with Sabres Community Relations, Content, Business Intelligence, Business Development, and Social teams, as well as third party vendors to deliver against KPIs to drive the connection between the brand and the community.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Knowledge of the Market:
  • Work closely with Business Intelligence and Ticket Office to understand the current Sabres fan segments and deficiencies that lie within our fanbase
  • Conduct and lead research initiatives to close knowledge gaps around flagged areas of fan growth
  • Organize and lead fan council and focus groups to gain valuable feedback from various segments of the fanbase (existing, emerging and underserved)
• Grow the Brand and Fanbase:
  • Contribute to the marketing messaging by leveraging insights from various groups to maximize appeal
  • Develop, lead, and execute programs that resonate with opportunity groups to grow fandom of the Sabres
  • Lead and manage fan development initiatives amongst youth and underrepresented members of the Western New York/Southern Ontario communities
  • Work with Business Intelligence department and NHL offices to identify areas of fan growth
  • Organize and direct relevant programming for Sabres Kids Club and Gen Z audience to foster growth and continue engagement among the determined fan segments
• Collaborate to Cultivate Growth and Engagement:
  • Act as a liaison between Community Relations and Marketing departments to create and support initiatives that strengthen bond between the team and the community
  • Collaborate with Media and Content and Game Presentation departments to provide insight into different ways to appeal to various growth demographics while engaging fans year-round
  • While working with the Marketing team, ensure data and insights are driving marketing strategy and promotions
  • Act as a liaison between internal staff and marketing to explore opportunities for internal fan engagement
  • Manage internal and external surveys
• Measure Success:
  • Identify KPI’s to measure the success and effectiveness of fan development programs, optimizing against benchmarks, and adjusting where needed
  • Track budget spending and determine ROI of specific programs and initiatives
  • Report on all findings and present to larger team the results or surveys and focus groups

Minimum Qualifications for the Position:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing or related field
• Minimum of 3-5 years of Marketing or related experience
• Data analytics proficiency and experience working with personnel focused on data to drive marketing tactics, new business and brand opportunities
• Previous experience with focus groups and survey tools is preferred
• Previous sport experience preferred but not required
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (specifically PowerPoint, Word, Excel)
• Experience working across teams internally and with external vendors
• Must be able to work variable hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

Critical Competencies

• Team player and positive attitude

• Organized and detail-oriented
• Adaptable individual who will establish effective relationships across multiple departments and functional areas

• Passion for both the analytical and creative sides of marketing
• Advanced communication and presentation skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills to articulate clearly with various departments and external partners

• Ability to identify and evaluate new opportunities for the growth
• Ability to seamlessly move between projects and continue to progress them forward
• Ability to maintain focus and remain optimistic even under pressure
• Ability to plan both short and long term
• Manages complexity and conflict
• Resourceful

Pegula Sports and Entertainment is an Equal Opportunity Employer