ABOUT OUR COMPANY
Philadelphia was awarded the 16th Major League Soccer franchise in February, 2008 and the team was officially announced as the Philadelphia Union in May, 2009. Owned and operated by Union Sports and Entertainment, the group launched the Philadelphia Union's inaugural season in 2010 and opened what is now Subaru Park in June, 2010. Subaru Park is an 18,500 seat, world-class soccer specific stadium that sits beautifully along the Delaware River at the base of the Commodore Barry Bridge and is only 15 miles from downtown Philadelphia.
The club has reached the finals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2014, 2015 and 2018, and has appeared in the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, securing their first showing in the CONCACAF Champions League in 2021. In 2020, the Union were awarded the club’s first Supporters’ Shield after finishing with the best regular season record in MLS. The club hosted the Eastern Conference Final in 2021 and were named the Eastern Conference Champions in 2022. The Philadelphia Union have once again clinched a berth in the 2023 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League. The 2022 season finished at the MLS Cup against LAFC, in one of the most intense matches in League history!
Philadelphia Union’s culture and brand positioning of Young, Fearless, Challengers differentiates us from others and focuses our vision to be unafraid and defy the ordinary. Union Sports and Entertainment is relentlessly pursuing excellence both on and off the field and will lead the way, set the standards and share the glory. Our connection to Philadelphia is symbolized in the Club’s crest as the snake, colors, shield, slogan and thirteen stars all represent Philadelphia as the original capital city and its call to action during the American Revolution.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
The primary role of the Manager, Public Relations & Communications is to publicize Philadelphia Union, its partners, and properties across local and national media. The role will have a specific focus on the growth of corporate communications relationships and the increased placement of corporate news and stories as well as lifestyle pitches. The manager reports directly to the Director of Public Relations and Communications and will help support the implementation of overall communications efforts in alignment with set objectives and brand identity. Additionally, the manager will be expected to create and foster collaborative external and internal relationships to achieve business goals. The individual will have strong communications skills and a track record of successful pitching that resulted in story placement. The ideal candidate will be required to work all home matches, as well as be available to work additional events, nights, and weekends.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan, write, and disseminate consistent messaging including pitches, press releases, and media advisories.
- Manage media strategy around corporate PR, including story pitches and placements.
- Lifestyle pitches and pitching executives.
- Maintain, grow, and diversify media lists and influencer relationships.
- Oversee media operations and interns on matchday.
- Proficient in Cision and Microsoft Suite.
- Primary contact and PR support for Philadelphia Union Foundation’s public relations needs.
- Support Director, PR and Comms on overall PR strategy and first team communications
- Manage communications coordinator who oversees Union II and Academy
- Ability to travel to select road matches.
- Weekend home matches required; other events, nights and weekends as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
- 3-5 years’ experience in the professional sports industry and/or relevant industry preferred.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of soccer and MLS a plus.
- Bilingual (Spanish) preferred but not required.
- Must be willing to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays and all game days.
- Ability to manage diverse responsibilities while meeting deadlines.
OUR PERKS
- Comprehensive benefits package including three medical options, vision and dental coverage, including flexible spending & health savings accounts.
- Pre-tax and Roth 401k (up to 4% is matched, after 90 days of service).
- Company-paid life insurance and disability.
- Paid medical and bonding leave.
- Paid holidays, sick time, and PTO days annually.
- 50% merchandise discount.
- Other league and partner discounts.
- Complimentary or discounted tickets to Union matches.
- 24/7 state-of-the-art Fitness Center, locker rooms, and Sportsplex (coming 2024!)
- On-site Café with grab-and-go options, salad bar, and grill!
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.
