Director, Venue Operations

Join the newest addition to the WNBA family as we bring professional women’s basketball to Canada! The Toronto Tempo is the WNBA’s 14th franchise and first Canadian team set to tip off in May 2026. We are a team that unites and inspires everyone through our core values of integrity, growth, and joy. Our team is dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the court. We are committed to empowering our players, engaging our fans, and making a positive impact in our community. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director, Venue Operations reporting to the Chief Financial Officer to join our leadership team and drive our venues strategies.

Job Summary:

The Director, Venue Operations will lead all aspects of game-day and event operations for the Toronto Tempo. This role ensures that the team’s home arena delivers a first-class experience for fans, players, partners, and broadcast audiences while maintaining the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and professionalism. The Director will collaborate closely with arena operations, league operations, and internal Tempo departments to ensure seamless execution of all events

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day arena operations for Toronto Tempo home games, practices, and special events.
• Serve as primary liaison between the Tempo and the venue operations team, including security, facilities, housekeeping, and parking.
• Manage game presentation logistics including floor setup, signage, technology systems, and broadcast infrastructure while ensuring compliance with WNBA standards.
• Oversee storage, transportation, and logistics for team and arena equipment, ensuring efficient setup and teardown for neutral-site games.
• Develop and execute arena readiness plans each season, including event operations manuals, staffing models, and safety procedures.
• Ensure all health, safety, and accessibility requirements are met in alignment with league, provincial, and municipal regulations at all times.
• Lead post-event debriefs and continuous improvement plans to enhance operational efficiency and fan satisfaction.
• Manage event budgets, track expenses, and ensure cost-effectiveness and accurate costing within event settlements.
• Support long-term venue planning by exploring and assessing potential future sites for Toronto Tempo home games and events.
• Serve as point of contact for all out of market games by coordinating efforts in and out of arena to deliver a cohesive experience for Tempo team and support members across multiple venues.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Business Administration, Hospitality, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in event or facility management, preferably in a large-scale entertainment or sports venue.
• Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in event management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Required Key Competencies:

• Confidentiality – ability to keep confidentiality and to practice discretion.
• Adaptability – flexible in the face of change, maintains a positive demeanor, can handle conflicting priorities without loss of composure.
• Organization – can plan and schedule activities and workload optimally.
• Proactivity – can foresee multiple outcomes and acts to prevent problems.
• Communication– listening skills, oral and written verbal skills; telephone and email.
• Service Driven – interacts positively with executives, clients, customers, guests, and peers.
• Business Acumen – understands the business needs of the end users and uses this understanding to anticipate needs.
• Team Player - handles responsibilities well as part of a group and when solely responsible for a task or outcome.
• Judgement - able to make reasonable decisions as needed in the absence of direction, refers issues to another appropriate person in a timely manner, can be trusted to work without constant or direct supervision.

Why Join Us:

• Be a part of the historic launch of the first WNBA team in Canada.
• Work in a dynamic and supportive environment with opportunities for growth and development.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on the growth of women’s sports in Canada.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant portfolio materials via LinkedIn. We are accepting applications until Monday December 8th at 9:00 AM EST.

Toronto Tempo is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable laws.