Community Engagement Manager - Athens Rock Lobsters – Minor League Professional Hockey
Location: Athens, GA
Department: Marketing & Community Relations
Position Type: Full-Time
Position Overview
The Community Engagement Manager is responsible for strengthening the Athens Rock Lobsters’ presence throughout the community through strategic outreach, grassroots engagement, and meaningful partnerships. This role oversees all community relations initiatives, coordinates player and mascot appearances, and develops programs that connect the team with fans, schools, and local organizations across Athens and the surrounding region. The ideal candidate is relationship-driven, highly organized, and passionate about using sports as a platform to bring people together. This position will play a leadership role in guiding and executing the Rock Lobsters’ community development strategy.
Key Responsibilities
Community Relations & Partnerships
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local schools, nonprofits, youth sports organizations, civic groups, and community leaders.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the team and community partners, ensuring consistent communication and collaboration.
- Develop new outreach programs that expand the team’s footprint and support local needs.
Event Planning & Execution
- Plan and execute community-focused events, including theme nights, charity initiatives, youth hockey activations, and off‑season programs.
- Coordinate logistics, staffing, and promotional needs for all community events.
- Support game-day operations with community-driven in‑arena activations such as nonprofit spotlights, youth team recognitions, and ceremonial puck drops.
Player & Mascot Appearances
- Manage all requests for player, coach, and mascot appearances.
- Schedule, prepare, and staff appearances to ensure a professional, positive experience for both the team and the community.
- Track appearance metrics and community impact.
Marketing & Promotion
- Collaborate with the marketing team to promote community initiatives across digital, social, and in‑arena platforms.
- Assist in developing storytelling content that highlights the team’s community involvement.
- Support grassroots marketing efforts to increase brand visibility and fan engagement.
Budget & Program Management
- Oversee budgets for community programs, charitable initiatives, and appearance-related activities.
- Ensure all programs are cost‑effective, mission‑aligned, and high‑impact.
- Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation for internal and external use.
Fundraising & Corporate Alignment
- Work closely with the corporate partnerships and ticket sales teams to integrate community programs with sponsorship opportunities.
- Support fundraising initiatives that benefit team-affiliated charities and community partners.
Additional Duties
- Provide support on additional projects, initiatives, and responsibilities as assigned to advance organizational objectives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field.
- Experience in sports community relations, nonprofit engagement, event management, or related fields preferred.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and game days.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with CRM or ticketing software is a plus.
- Passion for community engagement and representing the organization with professionalism and enthusiasm.
Additional Information
- This role requires frequent local travel for community events and appearances.
- Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative sports environment.
- The position reports to the VP of Business Operations (or equivalent leadership role).
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
