NOW HIRING: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Executive Director — Hartmeyer Ice Arena
Reports to: East Madison Ice Collective (EMIC) Board of Directors
Status: Full-time, year-round (exempt)
Location: Madison, WI
Overview
Are you ready to lead one of Madison’s most historic and beloved community ice arenas into its next chapter? As Executive Director of Hartmeyer Ice Arena with East Madison Ice Collective (EMIC), you won’t just be running a rink—you’ll be at the center of a thriving community hub where youth hockey, figure skating, public skating, and more bring people together year-round. This is a hands-on leadership role with real impact: you’ll shape programming, foster community partnerships, drive financial sustainability, and steward a facility that is both a neighborhood gathering place and a cornerstone of Madison’s ice sports culture.
If you’re energized by the chance to wear many hats—business strategist, community builder, team leader, and operations expert—this is the perfect opportunity. You’ll enjoy the autonomy to innovate, the support of a dedicated board, and the reward of knowing your work directly strengthens opportunities for kids, families, and athletes across the region.
Role Summary
Lead all operations for Hartmeyer Ice Arena (HIA). Own financial performance, staffing, programming, facilities, safety/compliance, and community partnerships to maximize ice utilization, guest experience, and long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership: Build and manage annual operating budgets (≈$500K-$600K); oversee AP/AR, payroll, and taxes; deliver monthly/annual reports; plan capital projects and equipment replacement; drive ice sales and sponsorship/advertising revenue.
Operations & Facilities: Set goals and schedules for practices/games, public skating, leagues, tournaments, Learn to Skate/Synchro/Adaptive programs, rentals, and special events. Maintain ice plant and building systems (HVAC, compressors, water treatment, lighting) with preventive maintenance and cleanliness standards inside and out.
People & Culture: Hire, train, schedule, evaluate, and, when necessary, discipline staff (full-time and part-time). Maintain HR files and policies; approve PTO; promote excellent customer service.
Risk Management & Safety: Implement OSHA-aligned policies, emergency procedures, MSDS/PPE compliance, chemical and fuel handling, incident reporting, and access control.
Marketing & Partnerships: Oversee marketing, website, and advertising; negotiate leases (pro shop, concessions); draft/manage user group contracts; cultivate community relationships to grow utilization.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Associate’s in business, recreation, or related field (or equivalent experience).
5+ years in sports/ice facility management with budget responsibility.
Strong leadership, customer service, vendor negotiation, and analytical skills.
Working knowledge of rink mechanical systems and ice maintenance.
Preferred
STAR membership; BR, IMEO, IMPT, and SIRO certifications.
Familiarity with USA Hockey and U.S. Figure Skating rules.
Proficiency with Microsoft/Google office tools; scheduling/accounting software (e.g., MaxGalaxy; Sage/Peachtree) and basic website management.
Supervisory Scope
Direct: General Maintenance Manager; Rink Managers; Rink Attendants
Indirect: Learn to Skate coaches; public skate/open hockey, birthday party, school/special event staff
Compensation
Salary: $45,000–$68,000 DOE
PTO: 10 days paid vacation
Benefits: Stipend/allowance negotiable
How to Apply
To apply, please email your resume to eastmadisonicecollective@gmail.com. Be sure to include the job title in the subject line of your email. We look forward to hearing from you!
About Us
East Madison Ice Collective (EMIC) (501(c)3 pending) is a newly formed non-profit organization composed of representatives from arena user groups including Patriots Youth Hockey and the Figure Skating Club of Madison. EMIC has been selected by Madison Ice Inc. (MII) as the next stewards of Hartmeyer Ice Arena (HIA). EMIC has been working with MII and the City of Madison to transfer ownership and ensure the facility remains a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the community. EMIC has launched a capital campaign to raise the $3m needed to address HIA’s crucial mechanical and infrastructure repairs for the long-term viability and safety of the facility into the future.
Meet the Team
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Tom Conti
CHAIR
Tom is an accomplished healthcare technology executive. As an alum of Epic, he started and sold a digital health company and is now building his second startup. A lifelong hockey player, Tom played through college and continues in adult leagues. He has coached youth hockey for over eight years, including his son’s Patriot team and now his daughter’s. Tom lives in Monona with his wife, Anne, and their three children: William (14), Claire (11), and Charlotte (9).
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Rachel Neill
VICE CHAIR
Rachel Neill is co-founder of Carex Consulting Group and Figgy Play. Rachel has extensive experience in building teams, raising capital and driving start-ups. Rachel grew up figure skating and credits the sport with providing her with drive and determination. Her daughter Pippa also shares a love for the sport, and you can find her boys, Steven, Gavin and Ben playing ice hockey, as Rachel and her husband cheer them on!
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Dan Groth
DIRECTOR
Dan Groth is a Monona native and avid hockey fan, parent and coach. He grew up playing for the Monona Hornets and later played for Monona Grove in high school. With a passion for the sport, Dan continues to support hockey in Madison even after his playing days are over. Currently, Dan is a self-employed entrepreneur in the apparel industry, with over 12 years of experience.
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Chad Normington
DIRECTOR
Chad has a career background in commercial refrigeration and project management in construction. As a board member for the Madison Patriots Youth Hockey Association, he served on a variety of committees including rink improvements and fundraising. Chad has two young children in the association, helps with coaching, and has been a lifelong hockey player(still playing in the old man Monday league at Hartmeyer).
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Jessica Hermsen
DIRECTOR
Jessica has a consulting practice focused on organization development, change management, and executive communications. When she’s not working or driving her kids to the ice rink, she’s volunteering with several organizations including the Figure Skating Club of Madison providing communications, marketing, and fundraising support.
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Joe Forward
DIRECTOR
Joe is an attorney and Director of Communications at the State Bar of Wisconsin. A Monona resident and former newspaper reporter, Joe helps drive organizational and strategic messaging while developing and coordinating content across print and digital publications and social media channels. Although not a former hockey player, Joe has grown to love the sport, watching his two young kids play Patriots youth hockey.