Sports Services Manager

Reports to: Executive Director, Lansing Sports Commission (LSC)

Classification:  Salaried, Exempt (Administrative)

Job Summary

Support the LSC in attracting and hosting sporting events by coordinating services for successful event execution and providing day-to-day operational support. This role involves collaborating with the Executive Director and department managers to streamline processes, ensure effective recruitment, and assist with office functions to enhance overall events and service delivery.

Essential Functions

1. Collaborate with the team to establish and maintain strong relationships with event planners and local sports facilities, ensuring that all groups utilizing Greater Lansing’s facilities receive the necessary services. Provide relevant support materials and resources for upcoming LSC events and attend on-site to assist during event execution when needed.
2. Work closely with the Director of Sports Development, Sports Development Manager, and Sports Events Manager to ensure that secured sporting events are fully supported with the necessary services and promotions.
3. Foster and sustain effective community relations by acting as the liaison between members, event planners, and other stakeholders. Promote the utilization of member organizations to event planners to ensure optimal event planning and engagement.
4. Provide support functions for the LSC, including the collection of proposals from hotels and sports facilities, assisting with departmental meetings and events, and supporting the preparation of digital client proposals. Manage preparations for trade shows, client FAMs, and other related events.
5. Coordinate scheduling and paperwork for on-call ambassadors in collaboration with other office support staff. Manage the ordering and inventory of promotional products and giveaway items to ensure sufficient supplies for events and outreach efforts.
6. Coordinate the collection of post-event data, including room pick-up reports from hotels and other relevant reporting metrics as necessary.
7. Conduct research on prospective sporting events for Greater Lansing, identifying opportunities to bring high-profile events to the region.
8. Maintain and regularly update detailed information on local sports facilities, ensuring accurate and current data for internal and external stakeholders.
9. Collaborate with the Marketing Communications Department to keep the LSC website updated with information on upcoming events and news. Assist in maintaining the organization’s social media presence, including content creation and management.
10. Serve as a back-up to visitor center inquiries by handling incoming calls, assisting with in-person visitors, and covering the receptionist area as needed.
11. Responsible for professional written and verbal communication with clients, members, and other stakeholders. Ensure that all correspondence is clear, concise, and reflective of the organization’s standards.
12. Assist in the development and oversight of sports-related budgets, ensuring that all decisions are made within financial constraints and aligned with departmental goals.
13. Represent the organization at relevant meetings, trade shows, and industry events sponsored by local, state, and national organizations related to sports and event management.
14. Perform other duties as assigned by the leadership team to support the overall objectives of the organization.

Essential Physical & Environmental Requirements

1. Requires physical activity for extended periods of time such as computer work/keyboarding, telephone use, bending, reaching, twisting, sitting, and standing.
2. Requires lifting, pushing and pulling objects over 25 pounds. 
3. Travel in personal automobile required for LSC Business.  Occasional air travel may be required.

Core Competencies

1. Strong knowledge of sports development and event management
2. Extensive knowledge of the Greater Lansing area and ability to effectively communicate that knowledge to visitors; knowledge of the hospitality industry and its importance to the local economy; ability to understand the role of the LSC in the community
3. Exceptional customer service skills and an ability to handle various individuals and personalities in a professional and friendly manner
4. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as a team member at all levels of the organization
5. Ability to exercise initiative, judgment, diplomacy and maintain confidentiality in a wide variety of internal and public situations; outstanding relationship building and networking skills
6. Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
7. Outstanding oral and written communication skills including grammar, spelling and general written correspondence skills
8. Excellent computer skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office software

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree preferred. Three to five years’ experience in sports development and event management strongly preferred. Experience in the hospitality industry or with a sports commission desired.

How to Apply

Submit your cover letter and resume to employment@lansing.org with "Sports Services Manager" in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until Monday, April 28, 2025.