Manager, Game Entertainment & Community

The Manager, Game Entertainment & Community will envision, create, and deliver highly engaging and strategically aligned live game day fan experiences and community activations. The goal for every home game and Rider Nation fan event will be to deliver compelling brand-centric, creative, exciting, and unique fan entertainment experiences.

Reporting to the Director, Marketing & Fan Engagement, the Manager, Game Entertainment & Community will be responsible for creating the vision, planning the content, and constantly elevating the fan experience of game day football for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The Manager will also oversee the Club’s community events and activations, working closely with entertainment teams.

This role will work synergistically within the Brand Team to develop fully integrated marketing programs around live entertainment and events. These programs will include theme days, sponsorship deliverables, special events, and Rider Nation fan engagement programs fully aligned with the brand strategy.

Where You’ll Shine:

1. Develop and oversee all game day scripts, ceremonies, theme days, host(s), mascot, cheer/dance teams, and all other entertainment assets that deliver the best and most memorable football fan experiences.
2. Lead the development and ongoing enhancements of the live game day experience to create the most compelling fan experiences possible.
3. Bring exciting and creative ideas to the Brand Team that are consistent with our Brand Strategy and Seasonal Campaigns. Play a key role in developing the Seasonal Marketing plans.
4. Work with the production supplier company on the execution game day plans and scripting.
5. Develop and oversee all other Club events and community activations to the same level of engagement and professionalism as game day events.
6. Collaborate closely with the Corporate Partnership team to plan and design in-game promotions and elements that both engage Riders Fans and generate partner delight.
7. Envision and oversee appearance and performances of all game day ceremonial elements, including National Anthem, VIP’s, entertainers, and halftime performances. In addition, oversee the programming elements on game day for security, volunteers, etc., that play a key role in execution.
8. Focus on finding the newest and best entertainment that’s relevant to our game, our province, and our country, appealing to our most important fan segments as identified by Marketing.
9. Oversee all pre-game rehearsals and all elements.
10. Be an active and positive collaborator across all internal departments and a role model for the organization.
11. Manage the Game Entertainment & Community budgets closely and ensure the Club is meeting its financial objectives and commitments.

What You’ll Need:

1. Post-secondary education relevant to event management, or sports entertainment.
2. A minimum of 5 years of experience working in sports, with at least 3 years of related work experience in events management.
3. Comfort with leadership, organization, delegation, and monitoring skills in building a high-performing team.
4. Demonstrated motivational abilities, team-building, and effective training techniques.
5. Aptitude for change and innovation in a fast-paced environment with frequent changes in priorities.
6. Professionalism and maturity in responding to staff and customer issues, complaints, and assertive behaviour.
7. Highly developed verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal, and presentation skills in interacting with staff, co-workers, customers, and suppliers.
8. Proficient in the use of computer software including spreadsheets, databases, internet-based systems, email, etc.
9. Independent thinking style that demonstrates a willingness to raise issues with senior management to ensure appropriate resolution of customer concerns.
10. Team-oriented style with a “can do” service focus to achieve organizational results.
11. Availability to work irregular hours and work schedules, including all home game days.

What do we commit to you?

1. Opportunity to contribute to the success of one of Canada’s largest brands and an organization that is a cornerstone of our province and Rider Nation.
2. The passion of being part of something much bigger than all of us. The Saskatchewan Roughriders have a dedicated and passionate fan base, and at the Riders, we strive to work hard to support and grow the team and organization.
3. Gain valuable hands-on experience in a fast-paced organization and team.
4. Unbeatable work location. You will be set up directly out of Mosaic Stadium and be fully immersed in the Rider experience.

Wondering what to expect when working for the Riders?

Our employees are empowered to make a difference not only in the community, but in our business operations as well. It is our “secret” to a happy workplace. To do that, the Riders foster a culture that values respect, teamwork, hustle, hard work and fun (it is football after all!).

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are advocates for equity and inclusion and want our workforce to reflect the diversity that makes our province strong. YOU are Rider Nation, and we want the growth of our team to reflect all the amazing talents Saskatchewan has to offer.

We acknowledge the time and effort that is required to apply and thank all applicants for their interest, however only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Please note - this role is located in Regina and the successful candidate must either reside locally or be willing to relocate for this role.