Sarasota Paradise, a dynamic USL League One professional soccer club launching in 2026, is seeking an energetic and passionate Head of Community Engagement to build strong ties with fans, local organizations, and residents across Sarasota and Manatee Counties. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on creating meaningful connections, leading events, and driving community involvement to support the club's growth and success. As a key member of our team, you'll play a vital role in making Sarasota Paradise a cornerstone of the local sports scene.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, organize, and execute all non-game day community events, including school visits, local festivals, and outreach programs, ensuring the club's presence at key happenings throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
- Stay informed on local events, news, and opportunities; proactively identify and secure participation in high-impact activities to maximize visibility and engagement.
- Coordinate annual visits to every K-9 school in the area, partnering with players and staff to inspire young fans and promote soccer.
- Collaborate with the Team Admin to schedule player appearances at community events, schools, corporate partner meetups, and other engagements.
- Generate creative ideas for new events and take the lead in their execution, from concept to completion.
- Recruit, train, and manage a street team of volunteers and part-time staff to support community outreach and promotional efforts.
- Work closely with ticket sales and partnership teams to align community events with networking opportunities and revenue goals.
- Partner with operations staff to handle event logistics, including setup, equipment, and on-site execution.
- Oversee Fan Zone activities during home games, creating an exciting and interactive experience for attendees.
- Contribute to overall club goals by fostering long-term community relationships that boost attendance, sponsorships, and fan loyalty.
This position requires a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and game days, with hands-on involvement in both community and match-day operations.
Qualifications:
- Proven experience in event planning, community outreach, or related fields, preferably in sports, entertainment, or non-profit sectors.
- Strong knowledge of Sarasota and Manatee Counties, with a genuine passion for local community building and soccer.
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage teams, multitask, and deliver results under tight deadlines.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities to connect with diverse groups, from school kids to business leaders.
- High energy, initiative, and a positive attitude to drive engagement and inspire others.
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, sports management, or a related field preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, social media, and event management tools.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating across departments like marketing, operations, and sales.
Compensation:
Competitive salary of $50,000 - $60,000 per year, based on experience, plus performance-based incentives and health insurance benefits.
This role reports directly to the CEO and offers the opportunity to shape the club's community impact from the ground up. If you're driven by passion for sports and community, and ready to bring high energy to a fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you're excited about this role via TeamWork Online. Sarasota Paradise is an equal opportunity employer.
