Tournament Specialist, Sensplex Facilities

The Opportunity

The Tournament Specialist supports the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of all tournaments operated at CSMI managed facilities, including the Bell Sensplex, Cavanagh Sensplex, and Richcraft Sensplex, under the Sensplex Tournaments brand.

This role combines hands-on event leadership and execution with staff training and supervision, scheduling, marketing execution, and client service, while acting as a key support to the Tournaments Manager in achieving enrollment and guest experience objectives. The Tournament Specialist plays a critical role in delivering world-class tournament experiences that reflect the Ottawa Senators and Sensplex brands.

This position requires regular weekend, and holiday availability, particularly during tournament weekends.

Key Responsibilities

Tournament Operations & Event Execution

Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of youth and adult hockey tournaments of all sizes, ensuring operational excellence across all events

Maintain a primary focus on participant experience; ensuring all aspects of each tournament are run to the highest possible quality. This includes identifying areas of improvement and working with management to implement enhancements / solutions.

Review and distribute high-quality tournament schedules with exceptional attention to detail and on-time delivery

Support on-site tournament leadership, supervising staff and volunteers during events to ensure smooth operations and guest satisfaction

Help ensure tournaments are delivered with the highest standards of competitive balance, fairness, and professionalism

Maintain all tournament documentation including game sheets, waivers, schedules, and digital event files

Ensure all tournament websites are set up professionally and kept current both leading up to and during each tournament

Listen, use sound judgment, and assist with supplementary discipline issues while ensuring all governing body rules and regulations are followed with 100% accuracy

S taff Leadership & Development

Hire, train, supervise, and coach part-time tournament staff, interns, and volunteers

Assist the Tournaments Manager with staff training sessions, onboarding, and ongoing development initiatives of full-time coordinators and part-time staff

Provide day-to-day leadership, feedback, and support to event staff, reinforcing a culture of accountability, high-performance, and guest service excellence

Lead staff during tournament weekends, including supervising 30+ staff and volunteers per event as required

Help shape a workplace environment which is a positive and inclusive environment for all; including identifying areas of improvement and implementing change as required

Client, Partner & Stakeholder Relations

Serve as a primary point of contact for teams, coaches, parents, hockey executives, and corporate clients before, during, and after tournaments

Assist with the management of relationships with host minor hockey associations, partners, sponsors, and suppliers in a professional and positive manner

Handle escalated customer service issues on-site and remotely, including dealing with difficult situations and individuals calmly and effectively

Ensure accurate, timely, and consistent communication with all tournament participants

Marketing, Registration & Communications

Assist with creative initiatives to drive enrollment using a proactive, “whatever it takes” approach

Manage and update tournament websites and social media platforms to ensure information is accurate, current, and engaging

Support sponsorship initiatives and assist with the delivery of sponsor commitments during events

Analyze post-event surveys and assist in using feedback to support continuous improvement

Maintain databases of tournament contacts and registration information using MS Excel and other systems

Organizational & Cross-Departmental Support

Serve on interdepartmental committees as required (e.g., Guest Experience, Emergency Preparedness, Occupational Health & Safety)

Occasionally assist with the execution, planning, or marketing of CSMI-run leagues, camps, clinics, and other programs

Ensure all policies and procedures set out by CSMI, the Director of Hockey Programs, the Tournaments Manager, and Senators Sports & Entertainment are always followed

Perform other duties as assigned by the Tournaments Manager or Senior Manager, Program Operations

Health & Safety Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Work in compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA), associated regulations, and internal policies and procedures

Use or wear required protective equipment as necessary

Report missing, damaged, or defective equipment that could pose a safety risk

Report any contravention of OHSA, regulations, or Senators Sports & Entertainment policies and procedures

Training

Responsible for completing on-line training modules as required and for ensuring all reports do the same.

Qualifications (what we look for)

Superior leadership skills & experience

Previous experience with the preparation for, and execution of, tournaments / events

A proven track record of guiding a group of staff to achieve common goals

A proven ability to obtain a high level of mutual respect with co-workers and staff

Outgoing and positive personality capable of forming relationships with staff and clients quickly and effectively

This position is ideally suited to those seeking beginner or intermediate level management positions with an unmatched work ethic, a “whatever it takes” attitude, and attention to detail.

Excellent written and oral communication skills

University degree or college diploma in sports, business or communications related field

Must be fully knowledgeable with the rules of hockey (experience as a hockey player and/or hockey coach required) and have a general understanding of all factors which influence the successful operation of quality leagues and tournaments

Significant customer service experience with an organization who leads their field in this area

Ability to maintain a broad focus while attending to details

Previous experience in event planning / management

Must be proficient with MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook) with special emphasis on MS Excel

Team player with a very strong work ethic & commitment to excellence

Ability to work independently and as a member of a team

Ability to work under pressure situations and deal with difficult people on a regular basis

Ability to meet tight deadlines & adapt to changing work environments

Must have own means of transportation & valid driver’s license

Must be available to work evenings & weekends as required and work flexible hours

Bilingualism (English & French) an asset

What We Offer

Employees will have the opportunity to work in a unique industry, with access to to memorable fan experiences, and exclusive perks such as: staff tickets to games and events, partnership discounts (Goodlife, etc.), and free on-site parking - along with the chance to contribute to an organization that takes pride in its people, its performance, and its community.

This role is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, wellness subsidy, and retirement programs. Support for continued learning (tuition reimbursement) is available, as well as access to multiple learning platforms.

Active social committee, which hosts multiple large-scale events throughout the year.

This role falls within a base salary range of $43,500.00 - $66,600.00 annually, consistent with the organization’s established salary ranges. Salary ranges are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to market data, internal equity, education, relevant experience, knowledge, and applicable skillset.

We would like to thank all applicants for applying; however, only t