Description

TITLE: Director/Sr Director of Communications

DEPARTMENT: Marketing 

REPORTS TO: Chief Marketing Officer

FLSA: Full Time; Exempt

WHAT SETS YOU APART

Orlando City Soccer Club is looking for and experienced Director/Sr. Director of Communications to oversee the public and media relations for Major League Soccer’s Orlando City, National Women’s Soccer League’s Orlando Pride, MLS Next Pro’s Orlando City B, Inter&Co Stadium, as well as further holding enterprises. The Director/Sr. Director of Communications is responsible for the implementation of the Club’s communication strategy, messaging, and a broad range of business and competition-related communications. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads all day-to-day public and media relations for the Club, including all internal and external media and communications activities for the Club’s three teams, Academy and Inter&Co Stadium
• Lead the development and implementation of strategic communications plan that builds and maintains a positive Club reputation and generates earned media
• Oversees Communications department staff and budget
• Responsible for press releases, media advisories, match previews and recaps, talking points, FAQs and factsheets – plus additional copywriting as requested
• Serves as the point of contact for league communications (MLS, NWSL, MLS Next Pro) and ensure compliance with all team and league policies
• Responsible for maintaining all relevant statistical data and tracking club and team milestones
• Develop internal reports such as but not limited to media monitoring, earned media valuation, local market share of voice, etc.
• Builds and fosters strong, mutually beneficial relationships with local, national and international media members, as well as internal Club stakeholders (e.g. Soccer Operations staff)
• Work closely with coaches, players, and staff to gather insights and information for communication materials
• Oversees and facilitates interview requests and league asks for each of the Club’s three teams and Academy
• Responsible for media operations at team trainings and on match days
• In collaboration with members of other departments, lead campaigns and submissions for sporting and business awards
• Manages relationships with outside PR agencies and/or consultants to help develop and execute strategic crisis communications plans
• Provide guidance and training to players and staff on media interactions and public speaking
• Proactively pitch story ideas and secure media coverage for the teams and its players
• Oversees Club presence at events, conferences, panels, and other external opportunities to help drive key Club messages
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of soccer, MLS and the NWSL is preferred
• 5-7 years of professional experience in communications or related field.
• Bachelor’s Degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field
• Fluency in both English and Spanish is preferred
• Strong interpersonal and public speaking abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in juggling a number of work-intensive projects simultaneously, ability to meet and perform under tight deadlines and to think clearly under pressure
• Willingness to take initiative, own responsibilities, and raise standard of excellence
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficiency in PR/Comms media monitoring tools like Cision, Meltwater, etc.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite preferred
• Able to work in a non-traditional setting and within a team atmosphere
• Available to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays