POSITION SUMMARY:
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) New York is seeking an experienced and passionate individual to serve as a Media and Community Relations Manager. The successful candidate will be the primary contact to lead all media and community relations activities in the New York market and have an integral role in growing the PWHL New York team by driving communications strategies, storytelling, and relationship building that aligns and adheres with league standards and expectations. Responsibilities and tasks will be supervised by the team’s Director of Business Operations, with support and guidance provided by the league’s Communications department.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead, Develop and implement PWHL communications strategies, policies, and initiatives tailored to the local market, ensuring alignment with league objectives.
- Craft and execute strategic messaging, fostering player storytelling, promoting hockey, driving business initiatives, and supporting community engagement efforts through various channels with close collaboration with league and team leadership.
- Proactively cultivate relationships with diverse local media outlets, continually seeking innovative opportunities for coverage across print, digital, radio, and television platforms to expand audience reach and elevate brand visibility.
- Own drafting compelling press releases, media advisories, game notes, and summaries to promptly disseminate team news, initiatives, activities, and player accomplishments to local media stakeholders.
- Oversee the team’s media accreditation process, meticulously reviewing applications and efficiently managing credential distribution to approved individuals.
- Establish and maintain effective partnerships with facility providers to ensure optimal media workspace availability and functionality.
- Strategically develop and manage an extensive email distribution list encompassing key local media contacts, fostering robust communication channels.
- Facilitate seamless media access and coverage at team events, practices, and home games, coordinating on-site media interactions and ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Arrange and coordinate virtual and phone interviews as needed for team personnel and players, facilitating effective communication with media representatives.
- Proactively seek out, lead and participate in media appearances and community events alongside team staff and players, enhancing visibility and community engagement.
- Curate team rosters, records, and player profiles to create content that showcases players’ personalities, experiences, milestones, and achievements.
- Collaborate closely with the Brand and Marketing team to amplify PR/Communications content and ensure cohesive messaging across all channels.
- Liaise with the team photographer and videographer to produce high-quality media assets, aligning with communication objectives.
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the team, its players, the league, and the local media landscape, staying abreast of relevant developments and trends.
- Generate regular reports analyzing team coverage, identifying areas for improvement, and providing actionable insights to optimize communication strategies.
- Actively participate in regular meetings and knowledge-sharing sessions led by the league’s Communications department, contributing to the alignment of performance goals and dissemination of best practices.
- Maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding proprietary company data, employee records, team records and client information.
- Provide support for general administrative tasks and undertake ad hoc projects as assigned to support departmental objectives.
- Embrace any additional responsibilities or tasks as delegated by management to contribute to the overall success of the communications function.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum of 5 years working in sports media relations, public relations, communications, journalism, or related professional experience.
- Bachelors in communications, media, sports management, or related degree – Required.
- Experience in the sports and entertainment industry – Preferred.
- Must be proficient with computers and MS Office programs.
- Ability to be on-site at all home games and events, frequent attendance at practices (at our Stamford, CT practice facility) and other activities in the market, as well as team travel to away games and events (via bus and air) is required.
SKILLS, ABILITIES & OTHER ATTRIBUTES:
- Proven expertise in media and community relations, demonstrated through a track record of producing compelling written content for publication, delivering engaging public speeches, and cultivating enduring positive relationships.
- Innate creativity and a keen eye for storytelling, coupled with adept research skills and a penchant for generating original and innovative ideas to drive content creation and overcome obstacles.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, enabling seamless interaction with peers at management levels and effective collaboration with diverse teams across the organization.
- Proficiency in digital marketing strategies and adeptness with various social media platforms, ensuring comprehensive understanding and utilization of digital communication channels.
- Inherent drive for continuous learning and advancement, coupled with a proactive approach to enhancing departmental processes and staying abreast of industry trends and best practices.
- Impeccable organizational acumen and an unwavering attention to detail, facilitating the meticulous execution of tasks and projects.
- Profound analytical capabilities and adept problem-solving skills, empowering swift and effective resolution of challenges and optimization of communication strategies.
- Exceptional ability to juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, ensuring the timely achievement of goals and objectives.
- Possess a strong confidentiality ability skill set, with a demonstrated track record of handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, as necessitated by event schedules and project deadlines, exhibiting a commitment to meeting organizational needs even on short notice.
Compensation Range: $65,000 - $75,000 USD (annual salary)
EEOC: The Professional Women’s Hockey League is 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.
