How to Get a Job in an NHL Front Office

Many hockey fans dream of securing a job in an NHL front office and building a career in professional hockey. The good news is, you don’t have to be a player to make that happen. Every NHL team relies on individuals who keep things running smoothly off the ice, from marketing and business operations to scouting, data analytics, and media relations.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get a job in an NHL front office, this guide will show you exactly what steps to take. You’ll learn what NHL front office jobs include, what education and skills you need, how much these roles pay, and how to find real job openings across the United States and Canada.

4 Types of NHL Front Office Jobs

Working in an NHL front office means being part of the group that manages everything off the ice for a professional hockey team. These are the people who make decisions about players, budgets, marketing, sponsorships, and media. The front office is the business and management hub of every National Hockey League organization, ensuring success in both performance and profit.

Front office jobs usually fall into four main areas:

1. Entry-Level NHL Front Office Jobs

If you’re just getting started, here are common entry-level positions that can open doors to your front office career:

• Hockey Operations Assistant – Supports player development and scouting departments.
• Marketing Coordinator – Helps plan promotions and manage sponsorships.
• Community Relations Assistant – Organizes outreach and charity events.

2. Hockey Operations

NHL Hockey Operations roles focus on team performance, player development, and long-term success. They include:

• Assistant General Manager – Helps the GM with player contracts, scouting, and salary cap planning. Average salary: $200,000–$400,000 per year.
• Data Analyst – Uses analytics to study player and team performance. Analysts typically earn $65,000–$110,000 per year.

These jobs directly affect how the team performs and often lead to higher executive roles over time.

3. Business Operations

NHL Business Operations staff handle sponsorships, budgets, and partnerships. These jobs keep the organization profitable and community-focused. Common roles include:

• Marketing Manager or Director – Creates campaigns and partnerships that increase fan engagement. Average salary: $70,000–$130,000 per year.
• Sponsorship Sales Executive – Builds business relationships and sells advertising deals. Usually earns $40,000–$70,000 per year, with bonuses possible.
• Financial Analyst – Tracks budgets, expenses, and player payroll. Typically earns $65,000–$100,000 per year.
  

4. Communications and Media

NHL Communications and Media roles oversee the NHL team’s public image and the interaction between fans and the brand. They include:

• Public Relations Coordinator – Writes press releases, manages interviews, and assists media at events. Salary: $65,000–$95,000 per year.
• Social Media Manager – Runs official team accounts and fan engagement campaigns. Average pay: $45,000–$70,000 per year.

Education and Qualifications Needed to Work in an NHL Front Office

Securing a job with an NHL team typically requires a combination of education, hands-on experience, and a genuine passion for hockey. Every job description in the National Hockey League, from business operations to data analytics, lists a few core qualifications that show you can handle the pressure and pace of professional sports.

Education

Most front office employees hold a bachelor’s degree, and some pursue additional certifications or master’s programs later in their careers. Common areas of study include:

• Sports Management
• Business Administration or Finance
• Marketing or Communications
• Public Relations or Journalism
• Data Analytics or Statistics

A strong academic background demonstrates that you can manage complex projects, think strategically, and work as part of a team, which are essential skills in professional hockey. Some roles may also require basic knowledge of accounting or law, especially for those involved in contract management or player negotiations.

Experience and Internships

Education gives you the foundation, but experience is what truly opens doors. Most teams seek applicants who have worked or volunteered in sports and entertainment, even at the collegiate or community level.

Start by applying for NHL internships or positions with college hockey teams and minor league organizations. These roles enable you to learn directly from professionals and often lead to full-time or part-time positions later on. When applying, read each job description carefully—it helps you understand which skills teams value most.

How to Get a Job in an NHL Front Office

Breaking into NHL front office jobs can be competitive, but the right plan can help you stand out. Whether you want to work in hockey operations, marketing, or communications, your first step is showing teams that you’re serious about building a career in the National Hockey League.

The best way to begin is by combining education, experience, and networking. Here’s how to get started:

• Apply for an NHL Internship. Internships offer valuable hands-on experience and a chance to learn how an NHL team operates on a day-to-day basis.
• Gain early experience. Even part-time work in a college athletics department, local hockey club, or event marketing firm can strengthen your resume and show that you’ve worked in sports.
• Customize your resume and cover letter. Focus on results. Mention specific achievements such as boosting ticket sales, managing social media, or helping launch a sponsorship campaign.
• Network and join The Network. Many NHL jobs come from personal referrals. Join “The Network” on JobsInSports.com to meet hiring managers and recruiters across professional sports.
• Stay updated on job openings. Use the NHL Jobs page to follow new listings. Roles often appear before or after the season.
• Be open to relocation. The best opportunity may not be in your hometown. Check out the Top NHL Cities to Work In for Hockey Jobs to find active markets.

Tips for Growing Your NHL Front Office Career

Once you land your first NHL front office job, your next goal is long-term growth. Career development requires continuous learning, effective communication, and consistent results.

To advance in your NHL career, keep these strategies in mind:

• Keep learning. Take sports management, leadership, or analytics courses to stay competitive and bring fresh ideas to your team.
• Build strong relationships. Collaborate with coworkers and management. Good relationships often lead to promotions or new opportunities.
• Track your success. Keep a record of your wins — higher ticket sales, stronger social media engagement, or increased sponsorship revenue.
• Stay flexible. The National Hockey League changes quickly, especially with new technologies and fan-engagement tools. Adaptability shows value.
• Find mentors. Learn from experienced colleagues who have spent years in professional sports; their advice can shape your career path.
• Seek leadership opportunities. Volunteer for projects that show initiative and reliability.

Career growth in NHL front office jobs often means moving between departments or even teams. Someone might start in community relations or social media and later move into sponsorships, analytics, or hockey operations.

Why Working in an NHL Front Office Is Worth It

Working in an NHL front office allows you to turn your passion for hockey into a fulfilling career. The National Hockey League values diversity and inclusion, offering both part-time and full-time opportunities for people of all backgrounds who want to work in professional sports.

Employees often describe the experience as exciting and fast-paced. You’ll gain skills in teamwork, leadership, communication, and organization, qualities that can take you far in or outside of hockey.

If you’re ready to find your next opportunity, JobsInSports.com is the best place to start. You can explore internships, entry-level openings, and front office careers with NHL teams and other professional sports organizations across the United States.