Title: Sharks Foundation Programs & Philanthropy Assistant

Position Type: Part-time, Non-exempt

Location: San Jose, CA

Reports To: Director, Operations – Sharks Foundation

Pay Range: $20 per hour

Actual base pay will be determined based on permissible factors such as transferable skills, work experience, market demands and primary work location. The base pay range provided is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Position Overview

The Programs & Philanthropy Assistant supports the day-to-day execution of the Sharks Foundation’s community programs, philanthropic initiatives, and events. This role plays an essential part in ensuring that all activities align with the Foundation’s mission to improve the lives of youth and families in need, with a strong focus on education, wellness, and access to hockey.

Reporting to the Director, Operations, this role will help implement community programs, engage key stakeholders, and foster meaningful relationships with Sharks players, coaches, and their families. The ideal candidate is outgoing and proactive, highly organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about using professional sports as a platform for social impact.

This role is part-time with potential evening and weekend work required to support game-day activations and community events.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Support and Management:

Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of community outreach programs and philanthropic initiatives.
Support event logistics for Foundation activations, and volunteer activities, including game-day initiatives and off-season campaigns.
Work closely with marketing and communications teams to promote community programs, ensuring broad visibility through digital and traditional media.
Support Sharks players, coaches, and significant others in their participation in Foundation initiatives, ensuring seamless execution and meaningful engagement.
Communicate event updates, challenges, and successes promptly to the Director, offering suggestions for program/event enhancements when applicable.

Philanthropy and Grant Support:

Serve as a point of contact for Sharks Foundation grantees.
Collect impact reports/data and surveys from grantees post-partnership.
Provide operational support for donor and sponsorship stewardship, helping to maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
Ensure all philanthropic activities align with financial, legal, and ethical standards.

Administrative and Operational Support:

Maintain accurate records of program activities, grant allocations, and donor contributions.
Support the preparation of impact reports and presentations for leadership, donors, and community partners.
Provide administrative support, including scheduling, correspondence, and budget tracking for events and programs.

Community Engagement and Representation:

Represent the Foundation at community events, volunteer activities, and networking opportunities as needed.
As needed, assist the Director in fostering positive relationships with players, coaches, and their families to encourage active participation in Foundation programs.
Stay informed about philanthropy trends and best practices in community engagement and social impact.

Sharks Sports & Entertainment Community Impact:

Support the Development team with Sharks Foundation fundraisers and be available for all-hands Community Impact team dates/events.
Maintain the Sharks Sports & Entertainment Participation Log, ensuring members of Team Teal are recording their community service hours.
Support Sharks Sports & Entertainment (Community Relations, San Jose Barracuda, and Sharks Ice) community impact initiatives as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma required.
Prior experience in program coordination and event planning and logistics execution.
Experience in philanthropy or community engagement, preferably in a nonprofit or sports/entertainment setting.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to take initiative and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with project management tools.
Passion for sports and leveraging professional athletics for social good.
Ability to display professional decorum around athletes/VIPs.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, or a related field.
Experience crafting and tracking budgets.
Experience organizing and managing volunteers.
Familiarity with the Bay Area’s nonprofit and philanthropic landscape.
Basic knowledge of marketing and public relations principles.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
Communicate with a variety of individuals.
Ability to bend at the waist, reach overhead and lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.
Ability to work occasional extended hours including nights, weekends, holidays (all with advance notice).
Ability to work in a cold environment for extended periods.

What We Offer

$200 employee referral bonus for each friend hired
30% discount in the Sharks Pro Shop
Food and beverage discount at SAP Center, Tech CU Arena, and Stanley's
4 free Barracuda tickets to most games
Free ice skating at Sharks Ice (San Jose, Fremont, and Oakland)
Free employee parking
Fun environment

This position is not eligible for U.S. work authorization sponsorship.

Summary:

Born in 1991, Sharks Sports and Entertainment (“SSE”) has grown into a multi-faceted organization that includes the SAP Center, the NHL San Jose Sharks, the AHL San Jose Barracuda, the Tech CU Arena, three Sharks Ice facilities, and the non-profit Sharks Foundation. Additionally, we are growing our organization through expansion in the Bay Area and surrounding communities in Northern California.

We work and play in the Bay Area, and are deeply influenced by the technology, innovation, diversity, and commitment to excellence that surrounds us. Our culture is transforming to reflect those values, with an eye towards a pioneering, forward-thinking, and inclusive environment in sports and entertainment.

We live, work, and innovate by a set of Pioneering Principles:

T – Team success is more important than individual success

E – Exceptional experience is non-negotiable in everything we do

A – Appreciate others for their diversity and opinions

M – More risk leads to more rewards and expands our comfort zones

T – Trust that all teammates have the best intentions

E – Empower all teammates to make informed decisions

A – Always say what you really mean and do what you say

L – Lead by showing the respect to others you expect from them

We strive to unite people through a shared love of ice sports, entertainment, and our hometown. We are #TealTogether.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

Here at Team Teal, we recognize and celebrate that individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent well beyond any list of required skills and qualifications – in fact, we believe diversity of backgrounds and skills, combined with passion, are the most important keys to meaningful innovation and excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sharks Sports and Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, medical condition as defined by state law (genetic characteristics or cancer), physical or mental disability, military service or veterans’ status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.

Notice to Recruiters and Agencies

SSE recruits candidates directly, rather than through third-party recruiters or agencies. Under no circumstances will SSE pay a fee for candidates submitted or presented without a signed recruiting agreement in place between SSE and the recruiter or agency prior to the submittal; any submittal must be for requisition specifically and individually assigned in writing by SSE’s HR department. In the case of candidate(s) submitted or presented to SSE by a recruiter or agency without a signed agreement AND written assignment by SSE Human Resources, SSE explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) with no financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.

Job Questions:

Do you now, or will you in the future require sponsorship for U.S. work authorization?
If you are not currently located in the San Jose area, would you consider relocating?
Were you referred to this position by anyone?

Sharks Foundation jobs

Programs & Philanthropy Assistant