Summary

The Communications Coordinator supports both the team and corporate communications functions of the Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, and KeyBank Center.  This role assists with day-to-day media relations operations, written communications, media monitoring, credentialing, and gameday press box operations while helping to ensure consistent messaging across the organization. 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage all gameday logistics for the communications department, including acting as the contact for all credential requests, executing photographer sign in, and gameday press box seating.
• Support daily communications efforts for both hockey operations and corporate/business initiatives.
• Oversee season-long and single-game credentialing processes for media, photographers, broadcasters, and vendors.
• Assist in writing, compiling, and preparing the team’s game notes and gameday materials to be distributed by the department, including game previews and rosters.
• Assist in compiling media coverage reports, press clippings, and analytics recaps.
• Assist in writing, research, editing and production of the club’s annual media guide, yearbook and postseason guide.
• Coordinate Buffalo Bandits communications and media relations efforts with communications intern, ensuring press box logistics and media relations needs are executed for the Bandits season.
• Assist with the execution of internal communication needs, including upkeep of employee intranet.
• Assist with the execution of organizational events as needed.
• Assist with media availabilities and player media requests as needed.
• Provide administrative and operational support to the communications department as needed.
• Maintain strong working relationship with local media members.
• Maintain high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications for the Position:

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or related field required.
• Experience working in a Public/Media Relations role in a sports focused organization, preferred.
• Excellent working knowledge of the National Hockey League (NHL) and professional sports.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a professional manner; exhibiting excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously under pressure and effectively manage time.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends and Buffalo Sabres and Bandits home games.

Critical Competencies:

• Ensures Accountability
  • Follows through on commitments and makes sure others do the same. Acts with a clear sense of ownership.  Takes personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and failures.  Establishes clear responsibilities and processes for monitoring work and measuring results. 
• Action Oriented
  • Readily takes action on challenge, without unnecessary planning. Identifies and seizes new opportunities. 
• Demonstrates Self-Awareness
  • Reflects on activities and impact on others. Proactively seeks feedback without being defensive.  Admits mistakes and gains insight from experiences.
• Self-Development
  • Shows personal commitment and takes action to continuously improve. Accepts assignments that broaden capabilities.  Earns from new experiences, from others, and from structured learning.  Makes the most of available development resources. 
• Optimizes Work Processes
  • Identifies and creates the processes necessary to get work done. Seeks ways to improve processes, from small tweaks to complete reengineering. 

Work Environment & Physical Demands: 

• This role operations in both an office setting and in a live events setting. Live event coverage does consist of being around loud stadium noises and crowds. 
• While performing job duties, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, run, reach, kneel, and crouch.

Compensation:

This role will pay an hourly rate between $21.48 - $22.59 and will be eligible for overtime.  Note: Wages will be determined based on factors such as candidate experience, qualifications, skill set and internal equity.

Benefits & Incentives:

• Medical Plans: Comprehensive and affordable medical plans; supplemental vision care, dental care, life insurance coverage, fully paid, short and long-term disability and life insurance coverage.
• Investments: 401(k) with employer matching; annual discretionary defined employer contributions
• Paid Time Off:  Generous paid time off including vacation, sick, volunteer time and diversity awareness days
• Sabres Experience: (up to 4) Comp tickets to Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, Rochester Americans when available
• Wellness: Annual Health & Wellness fair, monthly wellness initiatives including but not limited to lunch & learns, fitness classes and challenges.
• Sabres Family: many annual social events for employees and their families to enjoy, including various holiday parties and activities. DEI committee with annual initiatives, ERG (Employee Resource Groups), Community Volunteer opportunities and more.

Hockey Western New York, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.