JOB TITLE: Manager, Communications (Sporting)
DEPARTMENT: Marketing
REPORTS TO: Chief Marketing Officer
FLSA STATUS: Exempt, Full-time
SALARY: 70,000-75,000

POSITION OVERVIEW
The communications team shapes and elevates the Chicago Stars FC brand by developing and distributing strategic storytelling through internal channels and earned media. The communications team expands the club’s reach, shapes brand perceptions, and drives overall organizational growth through communication, information (written and visual) and strong relationship-building.

The manager, sporting communications and media relations will serve as an integral member of the marcomms team as the key communications lead for soccer initiatives and stakeholders.  They will be responsible for powerful narrative development and integrating and executing sporting communication into the org-wide communications and marketing strategies to maximize the impact of earned media in our ability to reach organization-wide goals. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions

Planning & Strategy
- Work closely with Chief Marketing Officer, marcomms and sporting counterparts to build and execute robust communications and media relations strategies for the Chicago Stars FC.
- Build and maintain editorial calendars, media lists and asset schedules to drive coordinated, efficient communications efforts.
- Track communications with KPIs and performance results, providing regular reporting to leadership to guide strategic planning.
Media Relations
- Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and game notes
- Strengthen existing media relationships while expanding outreach to new local, national and international contacts across sports and non-sports outlets.
- Manage incoming media requests, briefing journalists, preparing messaging, and aligning responses with communications strategies and guidelines.
- Pitch key Chicago Stars FC storylines to local and national outlets
Internal and League Services
- Assist in preparing statements, Q&A documents, talking points, and media guidance for players, coaches and staff.
- Strengthen relationships and serve as a trusted partner to players, coaching staff, sporting and front office stakeholders.
- Partner with sporting leads (coach and GM) to translate sporting information and strategies into outward facing messaging that aligns with club objectives and vision.   
- Liaison between Chicago Stars FC and League PR / Comms for player and sporting related communication and pr efforts.  Including attending league meetings (virtual and in-person) as the Chicago Stars FC representative and staying up to date on league guidelines and mandates.
- Support non-soccer communications initiatives as needed.

Event, Stadium & On-Site Media
- Manage matchday and weekly media operations—from press box setup and media availability coordination to postgame press conferences, the credentialing process for home matches and information distribution.
- Coordinate player / coach media availability with league media and broadcast partners
- Provide messaging, briefing materials, and reactive communications support in the lead up to, during and post events
- Provide on-the-ground support for crisis management and rapid-response communications for players and coaching staff during Stars FC events.
- Serve as communications support for all Chicago Stars FC home and away matches, including travel to select road games.
- Help coordinate large scale earned media events and announcements in coordination with Stars FC events staff, marketing and partnerships teams.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
- BA/BS in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in communications, PR, media relations, or integrated marketing.
- Experience in soccer, sports, live entertainment, or event-driven environments preferred.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
- Proven ability to craft compelling narratives that connect with fans, partners, and media.
- Demonstrated experience managing media relationships and securing editorial coverage.
- Experience coordinating communications for live events or game days.
- Proven track record collaborating and building trusted relationships with high-profile talent (players and coaches), agents and media personalities.
- Highly organized, insane attention to detail, and able to perform under pressure in fast-paced environments.
- Job will be in person.  Must be willing to live in Chicagoland and have reliable transportation to Chicago’s West Loop, Bridgeview IL, Evanston IL and surrounding suburbs.
- Ability to work and travel non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays (this position will require working Chicago Stars FC home and away matches).


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Existing media relationships with national media or media representatives at Chicago media outlets is a plus. 
- Culturally curious and keen understanding of sports industry and popular culture.
- Spanish language fluency.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds
- Must be able to stand and walk for up to 12 hours,
- Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time at a desk.

LOCATION/SCHEDULE
- Manager of communications will be required to be on site (either at training facility, stadium or front office) most days.
- Must have ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Will be expected to be at home and away matches.
- Must have reliable Transportation to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, IL, Evanston, IL and surrounding Chicago suburbs.
- Central office located in Downtown Chicago.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT CHICAGO STARS: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.
• Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k) and employer match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets
• Fun and Engaging Volunteer Opportunities




ABOUT US
Established in 2007, the Chicago Stars were a founding member of the former Women’s Professional Soccer and later became one of the original eight teams to form the National Women’s Soccer League in 2013. They are the longest continuously operating professional women’s soccer team in the United States. The Chicago Stars have made the playoffs in seven consecutive years, from 2015-2021, while also competing in three championship matches in as many years, including the 2019 and 2021 NWSL Championships and the 2020 Challenge Cup Championship.
At Chicago Stars FC, we believe in the power of community. Our mission extends beyond the pitch as we strive to make a positive impact in the lives of our fans, players, and local organizations. With our partners, including Wintrust, we are committed to fostering connections, promoting inclusivity, and empowering individuals through the beautiful game of soccer.
We strive to support a diverse community where everyone feels valued, inspired, and empowered.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. We also make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as mental health or physical disability needs. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at [email protected].

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veterans