Director, Communications - Leagues Cup

MLS Soccer league; Thunder Bay; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Communications to lead media relations for an exciting tournament. This role requires a fully bilingual professional with strong organizational and communication skills, capable of crafting compelling narratives and securing media coverage across North America. You will collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including MLS and LIGA MX, to enhance the visibility of the Leagues Cup. This position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth, competitive benefits, and a commitment to work-life balance. If you're passionate about sports and media, this is the perfect opportunity to make an impact in the world of soccer.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical benefits

Dental and vision benefits

Wellness reimbursement

Generous PTO offering

Hybrid Office/Remote Work Schedule

Career & Professional Development opportunities

Employee engagement events

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in the PR industry preferred.
• Must be fully bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement communications strategy for Leagues Cup.
• Generate media coverage and manage media inquiries.

Skills

Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Social media knowledge

Leadership

Ability to work under deadlines

Ability to travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Job description

Overview

The Director of Communications for Leagues Cup is a fully bilingual media relations professional (English & Spanish) focused on earning media coverage and publicity for Leagues Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico as well as internationally, based on the overall marketing and brand message, creating the plan and policies for media operations for the tournament, and working with MLS and LIGA MX communications teams and all participating clubs. This role plays an important part in the internal communications within the Leagues Cup team. The individual must have strong communications skills and a proven track record of creatively selling ideas and concepts resulting in story placements and media coverage. The position is based in New York City.

Responsibilities

• Works with Executive Director and marketing mix to create the communications strategy for Leagues Cup
• Coordinates the implementation of the communications strategy
• Leads feature idea development, message creation and media placements to increase awareness of Leagues Cup
• Proactively pitches and generates media coverage and publicity for Leagues Cup, working with both MLS and LIGA MX and all its clubs
• Lead and implement all announcements – including creation and distribution of press releases, coordination with partners, Leagues and Clubs including event-related, sporting and corporate news and stories
• Leads all media operations planning for the tournament, including creation and execution of media regulations, on-site execution, and staffing throughout the event
• Point of contact for all media and broadcast partners for all Leagues Cup-related media inquiries
• Fields media requests and inquiries from Canada, Mexico and U.S. and international outlets, as well as internal requests related to Leagues Cup

Additional Responsibilities

• Participates in department meetings and events as appropriate
• Consistent communication and coordination with MLS and LMX Communications and its participating Clubs on all media-related items
• Liaison with internal departments and appropriate functional areas at MLS/SUM and LIGA MX and with that of the event partners

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (degree in public relations, journalism, marketing communications or a related field is preferred)
• 8+ years of experience, preferably in the PR industry.

Required skills

• Fully bilingual (English and Spanish – reading, writing and speaking)
• Strong organizational and communications skills
• Ability to prioritize, be proactive, anticipate problems, handle multiple projects and ability to work under deadlines
• Ability to work in a fast-paced media environment and make quick decisions using sound judgement
• A positive team player with ability to lead and influence cross functionally
• Knowledge of social media, current partners and trends, as well as using social media to affect PR strategy
• Individual must be meticulous and a self-starter
• Ability to travel and to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays

Desired skills

• Knowledge of the sport of soccer and passion for MLS
• Previous knowledge and experience in sports communications

Total Rewards

Starting Base Salary: $110,000 – 135,000. 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 value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. 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.