Communications and Media Relations Specialist

Iowa Wild; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 54,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement

PTO

Job summary

Iowa Wild in Saint Paul seeks a Communications and Media Relations Specialist to tell the stories behind our concerts, events, and venues. You will develop media opportunities, craft compelling content for digital channels, and coordinate with marketing to align messaging across platforms.

The role includes serving as the primary media contact for Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul RiverCentre, and Roy Wilkins Auditorium, producing press materials, coordinating interviews, and tracking coverage for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.
• Minimum three years of experience in public relations, marketing, or content strategy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated communication plans to support our venues, events, and community initiatives.
• Serve as the primary media contact for assigned events at Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul RiverCentre, and Roy Wilkins Auditorium, coordinating interviews, credentials, press access, and onsite coverage.
• Build and maintain relationships with local and national media, promoters, and event organizers.
• Research timely story angles and pitch tailored ideas to television, radio, print, digital outlets, podcasts, newsletters, and community media.
• Write, edit, and distribute press releases, media advisories, talking points, and spokesperson briefing materials through established approval processes.
• Develop compelling content across digital platforms in collaboration with the marketing and communications team.
• Write website articles, email copy, social media content, and other materials that promote events and highlight venue initiatives, sustainability efforts, and community impact.
• Capture basic photography and produce short-form videos to support assigned stories, marketing campaigns, and campus events.
• Support radio and TV ad trafficking by coordinating asset delivery and station instructions.
• Apply brand standards and use audience insights and available analytics to improve content.
• Manage assigned event communications from pre-announcement through post-event wrap-up.
• Maintain communications calendars, media lists, outreach records, and project updates; proactively communicate deadlines and potential obstacles to internal and external partners.
• Track earned media coverage and prepare recaps that assess audience relevance, messaging, and opportunities for improvement.
• Stay current with entertainment, media, and industry trends and monitor local conversations to identify opportunities for new storytelling and outreach opportunities.
• Support crisis communications and reputation management under the Director’s guidance.

Skills

Strong writing

Editing

Verbal communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field

Tools

Media databases

Digital publishing tools

Analytics tools

Job description

Communications and Media Relations Specialist - $54,000 - $58,000 Annually

Position Summary: Help tell the stories behind the experiences at Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul RiverCentre, and Roy Wilkins Auditorium. The Communications and Media Relations Specialist develops media opportunities and written content that promote our concerts, family and community events, strengthen our venues’ reputations, and connect with audiences across the Twin Cities and beyond.

This position works with marketing managers and colleagues responsible for social media, websites, email, and graphic design to turn timely ideas into coordinated communications. Strong writing, sound judgment, and reliable follow-through are essential.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Develop and execute integrated communication plans to support our venues, events, and community initiatives.
  • Serve as the primary media contact for assigned events at Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul RiverCentre, and Roy Wilkins Auditorium, coordinating interviews, credentials, press access, and onsite coverage.
  • Build and maintain relationships with local and national media, promoters, and event organizers.
  • Research timely story angles and pitch tailored ideas to television, radio, print, digital outlets, podcasts, newsletters, and community media.
  • Write, edit, and distribute press releases, media advisories, talking points, and spokesperson briefing materials through established approval processes.
• Develop compelling content across digital platforms in collaboration with the marketing and communications team.
  • Write website articles, email copy, social media content, and other materials that promote events and highlight venue initiatives, sustainability efforts, and community impact.
  • Capture basic photography and produce short-form videos to support assigned stories, marketing campaigns, and campus events.
  • Support radio and TV ad trafficking by coordinating asset delivery and station instructions.
  • Apply brand standards and use audience insights and available analytics to improve content.
• Manage assigned event communications from pre-announcement through post-event wrap-up.
  • Maintain communications calendars, media lists, outreach records, and project updates; proactively communicate deadlines and potential obstacles to internal and external partners.
  • Track earned media coverage and prepare recaps that assess audience relevance, messaging, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Stay current with entertainment, media, and industry trends and monitor local conversations to identify opportunities for new storytelling and outreach opportunities.
  • Support crisis communications and reputation management under the Director’s guidance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

Formal Education & Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.
• Minimum three years of experience in public relations, marketing, or content strategy.

Knowledge & Experience::

• Experience in live entertainment, venues, hospitality, arts and culture, tourism, or community events; familiarity with Twin Cities media and audiences is a plus.

• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt a story for different audiences and outlets.

• Comfort using shared project tools, media databases, and basic digital publishing or analytics tools.
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing deadlines while communicating progress and seeking direction when needed.

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent written, verbal, and digital communication skills.
• Self-motivated with strong time management and organizational abilities.
• Collaborative team player committed to providing exceptional service to colleagues, guests, and external partners.
• Passion for sustainability and alignment with organizational values.

Work Conditions:

• Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, and weekends based on event schedules.
• Physical requirements include sitting, standing, walking, bending, squatting, climbing stairs, kneeling, twisting, lifting, and grasping.
• Lift up to 25 lbs.
• Benefits offered including Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, and a robust PTO policy.

ADA/EEO Statement:

Our company is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application process or perform the essential functions of the job, please contact the People Team to request an accommodation. We will engage in an interactive process to assess your needs and provide appropriate accommodations to enable you to perform the essential functions of the position unless it would cause an undue hardship.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. We value diversity and inclusion in our workplace and promote a work environment that respects and supports individuals without bias.