About USA Weightlifting

At USA Weightlifting, we believe the barbell is for everyone. Our sport is for the competitive weightlifter, the athlete whose second sport is weightlifting, and anyone who wants to be stronger for life. We serve a vibrant and thriving community of athletes, coaches, officials, clubs, and community-based organizations who share our passion for the barbell and the strength it can help unlock.

We are a well-connected team that is committed to clean sport, innovation, empowering athlete voices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our work with each other is defined by our core values of service, empathy, teamwork, integrity, inclusion, and structure. If you thrive in a team of competitive high performers who are committed to serving and succeeding with integrity, then USA Weightlifting may be the place for you and your talents.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Director of Communications to lead our organization's communication efforts, with a particular emphasis on the development and implementation of a comprehensive and proactive communications strategy. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as a deep understanding of the Olympic movement, media landscape, and digital platforms. They will play a vital role in telling our athletes’ and members' stories, enhancing our public image, elevating the USA Weightlifting brand, and expanding our reach to engage and inspire various stakeholders.

Reports to: CEO

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the organization's mission, goals, and objectives.
Oversee all aspects of external communications, ensuring consistency and professionalism in messaging and brand identity.
Serve as an outward facing representative of USA Weightlifting, interacting with media outlets, stakeholders, athletes, and partners.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with key media contacts, influencers, and industry professionals to increase media coverage and public exposure.
Create and distribute press releases, media kits, and other relevant materials to generate positive media coverage and promote USA Weightlifting events, initiatives, and athletes.
Proactively identify and pitch stories to media outlets, securing placements in print, broadcast, and digital media.
Develop and manage content for various communication channels, including website, social media platforms, newsletters, and email campaigns.
Monitor and analyze media coverage, providing regular reports on PR performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.
Collaborate with internal teams to tell their stories, serve their communications needs, and ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment across all communication channels.
Manage crisis communications and prepare the CEO and Board Chair to serve as the organization's two primary spokespersons during sensitive or high-profile matters.
Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to continually enhance the organization's communication efforts.
Engage and manage a team of professional contractors with specialty skills (e.g., content developers, video and photography specialists, etc.) to supplement what is a one-person communications department.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of five years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related role, preferably in the sports and/or non-profit sectors.
Proven track record in developing and executing successful communications strategies
Strong understanding of media relations, crisis communications, and brand management
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences and platforms.
Demonstrated experience in securing media coverage and building relationships with media contacts.
Extensive knowledge of digital communication channels and social media platforms.
Proven ability to produce high quality work products on short-term deadlines.
Experience preparing a senior executive to make public remarks and speak with the media.
Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to simultaneously manage short-term tasks and long-term projects.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as required, to support USA Weightlifting events.
Willingness to travel internationally to promote USA Weightlifting’s participation in international weightlifting competitions.
Passion for storytelling.

Compensation

$75,000 to $90,000 per year

Job Type: Full-time exempt position

Location: Colorado Springs (hybrid)

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.