Director, Communications (Strategic & Digital Outreach)

Overview

The Director, Communications (Strategic & Digital Outreach) will increase the relevance and profile of Major League Soccer, its clubs, and players by strategically placing stories with digital and social content producers and influencers in the areas of sports, business, and lifestyle media. The individual, a strategic writer and editor, will help shape the public perception of MLS with key collaborators, especially digital and social content producers.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

• Respond to media inquiries in a timely manner, providing background information, and facilitating interviews.
• Clearly understand and empathize with multiple points of view, build positive relationships of trust and respect to gain consensus and collaboration.
• Develop and implement highly effective communications, public relations, and partner/stakeholder relations strategies.
• Serve as the lead for communications strategy for MLS’ sports betting and fantasy sports initiatives, including partnerships with authorized sports betting operators and official MLS betting data distributors. Proactively place key storylines with sports betting media outlets and social content producers.
• Collaborate with the rest of the communications and other departments on creation of storylines, content, and campaigns to drive growth, reach, and engagement.
• Manage Communications relationship with pertinent media/social trade associations.
• Lead the MLS Monitoring and Response Management group who monitor legacy media coverage and social media content.
• Along with the Monitoring and Response Management team, refine and manage a process that informs various partners and departments using data and insights.
• Increase MLS content with prominent digital and social content producers, including podcasts.
• Successfully manage complex, fast-moving and unexpected communications opportunities, including select crisis situations.
• Attend industry events and trade conferences to remain current with industry changes.
• Build and cultivate collaborative relationships with other departments to stay informed and abreast of new initiatives, programs and other organization wide events.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• 8+ Years of demonstrated ability as a Communications expert
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Required Skills

• Deep relationships with digital and social content producers in the areas of sports, business, and lifestyle media.
• Extensive understanding and experience of technical aspects of contemporary communications
• Knowledge of Brandwatch, Critical Mention and other monitoring and listening tools
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to make informed decisions
• Deep understanding of editorial media, including the digital and social media landscape while staying current with trends, language, outlets, and resources to achieve the best results on social and digital platforms
• Superior communications capabilities with an excellent command of spoken and written English and a keen aesthetic sense

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the sport of soccer and the soccer ecosystem
• Knowledge of a second language is beneficial

Total Rewards

Starting Base Salary $115,000 – $150,000. MLS/SUM base salaries are contingent upon several factors including individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs.

We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent through the following:

Benefits – comprehensive and competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as a suite of programs to promote well-being including a $500 Wellness Reimbursement. A generous PTO offering, and hybrid Office/Remote Work Schedule are also offered to promote Work-Life balance.

Career & Professional Development – on the job training, feedback, and on-going educational opportunities to continue your personal and professional development.

Employee Engagement – office perks, discounts and employee events that go “beyond the traditional paycheck” to make you feel a part of our team and inspire you to elevate the Game.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.