MLV NorCal Director, Community & Government Affairs

Location: Northern California (Hybrid)
Type: Full-time, Exempt

Reports to: President

Salary: $80-$90,000

About the Organization

MLV NorCal is part of Major League Volleyball (MLV), a unified professional women’s volleyball league launching in 2027 in the Bay Area and Sacramento. As a women-founded and women-led organization, MLV NorCal is committed to building a premier team that excels on the court, leads in the community, and creates a lasting impact for athletes and fans.

Position Overview

We are building more than a team, we are building a community institution. The Director of Community & Government Affairs will lead the strategy, development, and execution of all community engagement, impact initiatives, and government relations for MLV NorCal. This role is responsible for establishing deep, authentic connections across Northern California while building strong relationships with civic leaders, public agencies, and community organizations.

This is a leadership role that sits at the intersection of community, culture, and public affairs. The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder, strategic thinker, and strong communicator who understands how to create meaningful impact while advancing organizational priorities.

What You’ll Do

Community Engagement & Impact Strategy

Develop and lead the organization’s community engagement strategy across Bay Area and Sacramento markets
Build and implement programs that authentically connect the team with local communities, with a focus on youth, women’s empowerment, and access to sport
Establish and oversee signature initiatives, events, and partnerships that create meaningful and measurable impact
Ensure all community engagements align with the organization’s mission, brand, and values

Grassroots & Local Market Development

Build and maintain relationships with local clubs, schools, leagues, and volleyball organizations
Drive grassroots engagement to grow the sport and build the next generation of fans and athletes
Support and coordinate community-based events, clinics, and appearances

Government & Civic Relations

Serve as the primary liaison with local and regional government entities, elected officials, and public agencies
Build and maintain strong relationships with civic leaders across Northern California
Support venue-related coordination, including permitting, and other public-facing initiatives
Monitor and advise on local policies, regulations, and opportunities that impact the organization

Community Partnerships & Nonprofit Engagement

Identify, develop and manage partnerships with nonprofit organizations and community groups
Design and implement collaborative programs that amplify impact and visibility for both the team and partners
Support the integration of corporate partnership into community initiatives

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Marketing to amplify community storytelling, strengthen brand presence, and identify Key Growth Audiences throughout the region to engage and build fandom
Collaborate with Revenue and Partnerships teams to integrate community programs into sponsorship opportunities
Work with Operations to ensure seamless execution of community events and activations

Events & Activations

Oversee planning and execution of community-focused events, including clinics, appearances, and outreach initiatives
Ensure strong representation of the team across local events, festivals, and civic moments
Support game day community programming and recognition initiatives

Communications & Advocacy

Contribute to shaping messaging around community impact and public engagement
Represent the organization at public forums, events, and meetings
Build goodwill and trust through consistent, authentic community engagement

What We're Looking For

A relationship-driven leader who thrives on connecting people and organizations
Passionate about community impact, equity, and growing access to sport
Strong communicator with the ability to engage with diverse audiences, from youth groups to elected officials
Strategic and thoughtful, with the ability to align community efforts to broader business goals
Organized and execution-focused, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
Energized by building something new and making a lasting impact

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Public Affairs, Political Science, or related field
7–10+ years of experience in community relations, public affairs, government relations, or similar roles
Experience working within sports, nonprofit, government, or community organizations preferred
Proven track record of building partnerships and managing stakeholder relationships
Strong understanding of local government structures and community ecosystems
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated experience planning and executing community programs and events
Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit, stand and utilize a computer for extended periods of time
Communicate via phone and email with a variety of individuals
Ability to bend at the waist, reach overhead and lift up to 15 lbs with or without accommodation
Physically navigate stairs and catwalks event facilities during work hours and events with or without accommodation
Ability to work extended hours including nights, weekends, holidays (all with advance notice)
May be required to travel to other team / venue locations
May be required to attend conference, events, and training sessions within Northern California or in- or out-of-state locations

Why MLV NorCal?

The opportunity to build the community foundation of a professional sports franchise from day one
A platform to create meaningful, lasting impact across Northern California
Direct influence on how the organization shows up in its communities and builds trust
A leadership role at the intersection of sport, culture, and civic engagement
A rare opportunity to shape a purpose-driven organization that stands for more than wins and losses

What We Offer

Competitive compensation
Medical/Dental/Vision
401K (pre-tax and Roth options)
An inclusive culture which values diversity of background and a passion to build a leading front office team
Potential for flexible scheduling and remote opportunities

This position is not eligible for U.S. work authorization sponsorship.

Please note: We are not accepting phone inquiries regarding the status of applications. Only qualified candidates will be contacted. Additionally, we are not working with agencies or third-party recruiters at this time. Thank you for your understanding.

MLV NorCal provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, MLV NorCal complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

NorCal - Major League Volleyball