DE Turf Sports Complex | Frederica, Delaware
Executive Director

About the Complex
DE Turf Sports Complex, located in Frederica, Delaware, is a premier all-synthetic turf, multi-use sports facility designed to boost tourism and economic development in Kent County. The Complex boasts 12 lighted fields, a championship stadium with bleacher seating for 1,000 spectators, restaurant-quality concessions, restrooms, public Wi-Fi, and on-site parking. Regularly hosting regional and national tournaments, DE Turf attracts tourists and provides a top-notch venue for local recreational activities, including leagues, camps, and clinics.

Owned and operated by the Kent County Regional Sports Complex Corporation, a Delaware 501c3 non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors, DE Turf is not owned by Kent County but leases the land for $1 a year for 60 years. Kent County Levy Court partnered with the Greater Kent Committee to lease the land and fund a feasibility study forecasting the Complex’s economic impact. Initially projected to generate $18 million annually by hosting ten tournaments in its first year, DE Turf surpassed expectations, hosting 20 tournaments in 2017 and 40 in 2018 and developing a $34 million economic impact in 2019. A 2024 study by Rockport Analytics estimated visitor spending due to DE Turf to be over $54 million.

Beyond tourism and economic development, DE Turf is committed to enhancing the quality of life for the regional population. The Complex is home to local sports clubs and teams hosts community events like the annual Kickball Tournament and Community Days and collaborates with local non-profits such as Special Olympics Delaware, Milford Lions Club, and Latinx organizations.

The Complex generates a gross revenue of $2.5 million, with $1 million attributed to annual event revenue. It employs seven year-round staff members and hosts 32 large-scale events annually. The Board of Directors comprises 19 members. The Complex is planning extensive renovations to the Stadium, which will include new locker rooms, a meeting room, stadium seating, suites, and club boxes.

DE Turf Sports Complex Website

About the Position
The Executive Director is responsible for the Complex’s operations, management, and growth, ensuring it provides a first-class sports destination and a safe, enjoyable experience for both out-of-state tournaments and local events. Leading a team of staff and volunteers, the Executive Director upholds high-quality standards across all areas. He/she serves as the public face of the Complex, fostering relationships with sponsors, local businesses, sports organizations, and government and community stakeholders.

In this role, the Executive Director maximizes the Complex’s potential by identifying new programming and events to diversify revenue streams and manages all sponsor relations and sales aspects. This includes retaining current sponsors and identifying new ones to meet or exceed sponsorship revenue goals.

Constructed with $26 million in bonds, the Complex requires the Executive Director to have dual accountability. He/she must ensure that the project aligns with the Board of Directors’ strategic objectives and governance standards while meeting bondholders’ financial commitments. This dual responsibility ensures that organizational oversight and financial obligations are effectively managed throughout the project’s lifecycle.

About the Ideal Candidate
Ideal candidates are strong leaders and relationship builders with experience and connections in sports tourism. Candidates should also have an entrepreneurial approach and mindset to diversify and actualize revenue generation for the Complex. Experience and success in recruiting for large-scale sports events and developed revenue-generating programs is very important.

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in sports management, business administration, or a related field and have at least five years of experience in sports facility management and event planning, preferably in a multi-field Complex are highly desired. Candidates without a college degree but with commensurate experience may be considered.

Candidates must demonstrate stable career with notable achievements, experience in budgeting, financial management, and leading a board of directors. Strong leadership qualities are crucial, including team building, written and verbal communication skills, delegation, creativity and motivation, the ability to attract and retain top talent, and demonstrate a visible work ethic that inspires others.

Apply for This Position
Interested candidates should send a compelling cover letter and resume for consideration to newsubmissions@denehyctp.com with the subject line: DE Turf Executive Director Search 2024. Cover letters should be addressed to:

Barbara McAuliffe
Vice President
DENEHY Club Thinking Partners
510 Kings Highway East
Suite 300
Fairfield, CT 06825.

If you have any questions or to recommend a candidate, please contact Barbara McAuliffe at 203.319.8228 or by email at barbara@denehyctp.com.