Position: Manager/Sr. Manager, Game Entertainment and Special Events - Full Time/Exempt

Department: Marketing - Game Entertainment and Special Events

Reports to: Director, Game Entertainment and Special Events

Location: Arizona Cardinals (Tempe, AZ) NOTE: Starting 2028, this role will be based at the new Arizona Cardinals Training Facility in north Phoenix, AZ.

Format: In-person

Note: Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of a student or employment Visas (including, but not limited to F-1, M-1, J-1, H-1B, OPT and/or CPT programs, etc.).

Summary:

The Manager/Sr. Manager, Game Entertainment & Special Events supports the execution of the Arizona Cardinals' gameday entertainment strategy and fan-facing events. Reporting to the Director, Game Entertainment & Special Events, this role manages the day-to-day planning, coordination, and execution of home game presentation elements and live events.

The Manager/Sr. Manager serves as the operational lead for gameday entertainment and special events, ensuring all production elements, talent, vendors, timelines, and logistics are executed at a best-in-class level. This position works cross-functionally with Marketing, Creative, Partnerships, Community Relations, Stadium Operations, and external partners to deliver memorable fan experiences that align with organizational objectives and the club's brand.

Primary Job Duties:

The Manager/Sr. Manager, Game Entertainment & Special Events role will have daily responsibilities including, without limitation, to the following:

• Game Entertainment & Presentation


• Manage the day-to-day planning and execution of Cardinals home game entertainment and presentation elements, including; run of show, in-game features, talent and host management, music and DJ coordination, halftime and pregame entertainment, fan prompts and crowd engagement moments, special ceremonies and themed game experiences, and sponsor integrations
• Develop creative concepts that elevate the live fan experience and align with the club's brand identity and seasonal campaigns
• Develop and maintain production timelines, scripts, cue sheets, rehearsal schedules, and operational documents
• Partner closely with the production team and partners to ensure seamless execution of all entertainment elements
• Coordinate gameday staff scheduling, training, communication, and payroll processes
• Identify new trends, technologies, and fan engagement opportunities to continuously evolve the in-stadium experience
• Collaborate closely with the Creative department on graphic look and feel, video content, theme games, and NFL initiatives


• Events & Fan Experiences


• Lead operational planning and execution for fan-facing events, including; draft and local watch party events, training camp, annual Red & White Practice, fan festivals, high school honors award show, season ticket member events, special announcements, and other club celebrations
• Develop event plans, timelines, staffing schedules, vendor requirements, and event-day logistics
• Coordinate with internal departments and external partners to ensure successful event execution
• Manage event setup, breakdown, credentialing, transportation, and other operational requirements


• Talent & Partner Management


• Manage relationships with entertainment vendors, agencies, performers, emcees, anthem singers, and specialty acts
• Work closely with Corporate Partnerships to integrate and execute sponsor-related entertainment elements and contractual obligations
• Track deliverables and ensure partner integrations are executed accurately and on schedule


• Leadership & Administration


• Provide day-to-day leadership for coordinators, interns, part-time staff, and gameday personnel
• Develop and maintain project timelines, operational documentation, event recaps, and post-event evaluations
• Assist with departmental budgeting, expense tracking, vendor negotiations and management, and forecasting
• Collect and analyze fan feedback, attendance data, and event performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement
• Support the Director, Game Entertainment & Special Events with department initiatives and strategic projects as assigned


• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Marketing, Communications, Event Management, or related field
• Experience: At least 5 - 8 or more years of experience in live event production, sports entertainment, game presentation, or event management, preferably within professional sports or large-scale entertainment properties
• Strong understanding of NFL or other sport gameday operations and live production environments
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Experience managing agencies, vendors, and entertainment talent preferred
• Knowledge of standard major broadcast control room equipment and operations preferred
• Knowledge of sports production software, scripting, and live show execution is a plus
• Creative thinker with a passion for live entertainment and fan engagement
• Collaborative and solutions-oriented leader
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to thrive in high-pressure environments
• Deep understanding of sports culture, fan behavior, and entertainment trends
• Innovative mindset focused on creating memorable experiences that drive emotional connection with fans
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays; hours may vary depending on business needs
• Must complete all pre-employment forms and successfully pass a background check

Cardinals Benefits/Perks Summary:

The Arizona Cardinals Football Club has developed a comprehensive benefits package that provides economic and inclusive benefits to full-time employees. The Cardinals benefits offer care, protection, and support for employees and their loved ones. The Cardinals organization encourages an environment that is conducive to living a healthy, productive, and flexible lifestyle.

Benefits and Perks include, but are not limited to:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options; effective the first day of hire
• 401 (k) retirement option with employer match contribution
• Paid Time Off Accruals (including sick time accruals)
• Paid Time Off for most Federal holidays
• Time off for Maternity, Paternity, Military, and Bereavement
• MDLIVE: 24/7 medical support
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Health Care Saving Account options
• Discounts on Cardinals gear & paraphernalia
• Tuition reimbursement & Professional Growth opportunities
• Daily free lunch
• Complimentary season tickets
• Subsidized gym memberships

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