Media and Community Relations Manager

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) recently announced its expansion with the addition of two new teams in Seattle and Vancouver, beginning play in the fall of 2025. To support this exciting growth, the PWHL is seeking an experienced and passionate individual to serve as Media and Community Relations Manager for the PWHL team in Seattle.

The successful candidate will serve as a community contact alongside colleagues and be the primary contact leading all media efforts in the Seattle market. This individual will play an integral role in growing the team by driving communications strategy, storytelling, and relationship-building that aligns with league-wide standards. The Media and Community Relations Manager will report to the team's Director of Business Operations, with additional support and guidance from the league's Communications and External Affairs department.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES


• Lead, Develop and implement PWHL communications strategies, policies, and initiatives tailored to the local market, ensuring alignment with league objectives.

• Craft and execute strategic messaging, fostering player storytelling, promoting hockey, driving business initiatives, and supporting community engagement efforts through various channels with close collaboration with league and team leadership

• Proactively cultivate relationships with diverse local media outlets, continually seeking innovative opportunities for coverage across print, digital, radio, and television platforms to expand audience reach and elevate brand visibility. Leverage relationships to grow media list.

• Oversee the team's media accreditation process. Draft media materials including press releases, game notes, postgame summaries, and media guides to promptly disseminate to local media stakeholders. Curate player profiles to create content that showcases players' personalities, experiences, milestones, and achievements.

• Arrange and coordinate in-person, virtual and phone interviews as needed for team personnel and players, facilitating effective communication with media representatives.

• Proactively seek out, lead and participate in media appearances and community events alongside team staff and players, enhancing visibility and community engagement.

• Support the planning and execution of team theme nights.

• Manage charitable item donation program.

• Actively participate in regular meetings led by the league's Communications department, contributing to the alignment of performance goals and dissemination of best practices.

• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding proprietary company data, employee records, team records and client information.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:


• Minimum of 5 years working in sports media relations, public relations, communications, journalism, or related professional experience.

• Bachelor's in Communications, Journalism, Media, Sports Management, or related degree - Required.

• Experience in the sports and entertainment industry - Preferred.

• Must be proficient with computers and MS Office programs.

• Ability to be on-site at all home games and events, frequent attendance at practices and other activities in the market, as well as team travel to away games and events (via bus and air) is required.

SKILLS, ABILITIES & OTHER ATTRIBUTES:


• Demonstrated knowledge of hockey, with a strong understanding of the game's structure, terminology, and culture to effectively support media strategy and storytelling.

• Proven expertise in media and community relations, demonstrated through a track record of producing compelling written content for publication, delivering engaging public speeches, and cultivating enduring positive relationships.

• Innate creativity and a keen eye for storytelling, coupled with adept research skills and a penchant for generating original and innovative ideas.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities to promote the sharing of information inter-departmentally.

• Inherent drive for continuous learning and advancement, coupled with a proactive approach to enhancing departmental processes and staying abreast of industry trends and best practices.

• Ability to juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, ensuring the timely achievement of goals and objectives.

• Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, as necessitated by event schedules and project deadlines, exhibiting a commitment to meeting organizational needs even on short notice.

• Bring a positive attitude and collaborative spirit-we're building something special, and we're looking for teammates who take their work seriously but know how to have fun along the way.

Compensation Range: $60,000 - $70,000 USD DOE


NOTE: This position will require working on-site at all home games and events, frequent attendance at practices and other activities in market, and team travel (bus and air).

EEOC: The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is 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.

Job Questions:

1. I understand that this job is not remote based and candidate must live/relocate to Seattle
2. I understand that the pay for this role is $60k-$70k, DOE.
3. Do you have prior experience leading media, public relations and community relations events within the sports and entertainment industry or for a sports team?
4. Will you be able to travel as needed (via bus and/or air) as well as working flexible hours, including nights and/or weekends for PWHL Seattle games, events and practices?
5. Please provide a link to your portfolio or work examples