Head of Marketing & Communications

Gondola; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance Stipend

401(k) retirement with employer match

Vacation, Sick and Holiday Leave

Wellness Stipend

Cell Phone Stipend

Professional Development Opportunities

Community Engagement Opportunities

Job summary

The Arizona Sports & Events Alliance is seeking a Head of Marketing & Communications to lead strategy, development, and execution of marketing, communications, branding, and audience engagement initiatives for its portfolio of major events in Arizona.

The role requires 8-10+ years in marketing and a proven track record with major events, sports properties, or destination marketing; strong leadership and collaboration skills are essential to drive growth and community impact across the state.

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years of experience in marketing, communications, branding, or related field.
• Experience with major events, sports properties, or destination marketing preferred.
• Strong understanding of brand strategy, media relations, content development, digital marketing, and audience engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead marketing & brand strategy development and execution to advance organizational goals and elevate Arizona as a premier host destination.
• Oversee communications, public relations, storytelling, and media relations efforts; manage crisis communications as needed.

Skills

Marketing strategy

Public relations

Branding

Digital marketing

Audience engagement

Budget management

Project management

Team leadership

Job description

# Head of Marketing & Communications## Arizona Sports & Events Alliance•### @azsportalliancePosted on 8/6/2026•Full-time## Job Description**Position Title: Head of Marketing & Communications****Supervises: Employees to be Mutually Agreed Upon**\*\*Reports to: President & CEO \*\***Opportunity:** The Arizona Sports & Events Alliance (the “Alliance”) is responsible for planning and executing major and impactful events for Arizona. The Alliance resume includes events like the NFL Super Bowl in 2023, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four in 2024, and the upcoming 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four. The guiding principles of the Alliance create a framework for achieving success and maximizing the positive impacts on Arizona communities:1. Showcase Arizona on a Global Platform2. Fuel economic engine for the Region3. Leave a positive legacy for the StateThe Alliance works in partnership with local and national stakeholders to create an outstanding and positive experience for event attendees, Arizona residents, local businesses, the hospitality community, media, visitors to Arizona, local and national sponsors, as well as participating teams, players/participants and team personnel. We are seeking individuals who are committed to pursuing excellence and being part of creating memorable experiences and philanthropic and economic impact.\*\*Role: \*\*The Head of Marketing & Communications will lead the strategy, development, and execution of marketing, communications, branding, and audience engagement initiatives for the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance and its portfolio of major events. This role offers the opportunity to help shape Arizona's reputation as a premier destination for sports, entertainment, and major events while creating meaningful economic and community impact throughout the state**Responsibilities: Marketing & Brand Strategy*** Develop and execute integrated marketing and communications strategies that advance organizational goals and elevate Arizona's position as a premier host destination.* Lead brand positioning, messaging, and audience engagement initiatives through integrated paid, owned and earned channel plans.* Ensure consistent application of brand standards, visual identity, and communications strategies across all platforms.* Oversee creative development, agency relationships, production partners, and external resources.**Communications & Public Relations*** Lead media relations, public relations, storytelling, and communications efforts.* Develop communications strategies that engage residents, visitors, businesses, elected officials, media, and key stakeholders.* Manage crisis communications planning and issue management as needed.**Content, Digital & Audience Engagement*** Oversee digital marketing, social media, content creation, website strategy, email marketing, and audience development efforts.* Develop compelling content and storytelling that highlights Arizona, event partners, community impact, and organizational success.* Utilize data and analytics to optimize audience growth, engagement, and campaign performance.**Event Marketing & Promotion*** Lead marketing and promotional efforts supporting major events and organizational initiatives.* Collaborate with event organizers, host partners, and stakeholders to maximize awareness, participation, and community engagement.* Develop event calendars, promotional plans, and integrated campaign strategies, including collateral, presentations, signage, décor and other branded materials**Partnership & Stakeholder Support*** Collaborate with the Partnerships team to support sponsorship sales, activation programs, and partner fulfillment.* Support community initiatives, legacy programs, and stakeholder engagement efforts.**Data, Reporting & Performance Measurement*** Establish meaningful performance metrics and reporting* Monitor campaign effectiveness, audience engagement, media value, and organizational awareness.* Prepare executive reports, dashboards, and post-event recaps that demonstrate results and ROI.**Organizational Leadership & Growth*** Lead internal and external marketing resources to maximize effectiveness and organizational impact.* Foster a culture of creativity, innovation, collaboration, and accountability.* Identify new opportunities to strengthen the Alliance brand, expand audience reach, and support organizational growth.* Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by leadership.**Qualifications/Competencies: Experience & Background*** 8-10+ years of experience in marketing, communications, public relations, branding, sports marketing, destination marketing, or a related field.* Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies.* Experience working with major events, sports properties, tourism organizations, destination marketing organizations, agencies, or related industries preferred.* Strong understanding of Arizona's business, tourism, sports, and media landscape preferred.* Strong understanding of brand strategy, public relations, media relations, content development, digital marketing, and audience engagement.* Understanding of sponsorship activation, event marketing, and stakeholder communications.**Leadership & Strategic Thinking*** Proven ability to lead complex marketing initiatives and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.* Experience managing budgets, agencies, vendors, and cross-functional project teams.* Strategic mindset with the ability to balance long-term planning and day-to-day execution.* Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with executive leadership, partners, and stakeholders.**Professional Competencies*** Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.* Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.* Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while maintaining professionalism and attention to detail.* Proactive, adaptable, and solution-oriented approach.* Highly proficient in Microsoft Office applications and marketing technology platforms.* Positive attitude, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to organizational success.**Work Environment*** This position is primarily based in the Alliance's downtown Phoenix office and requires regular in-person collaboration with team members, partners, and stakeholders.* Frequent attendance at meetings, events, partner activations, and community engagements throughout Arizona is expected.* Due to the nature of major events and partnership activation, occasional evening, weekend, and event-period responsibilities should be anticipated.**Benefits/Perks Summary:**We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which is why we offer a thoughtfully curated benefits package designed to support the overall well-being of our team members. We are committed to fostering a positive work environment where team members can thrive both professionally and personally. Team member benefits reflect our commitment to valuing and investing in our employees.This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits and perks including:* Health Insurance Stipend* Retirement Planning Support: 401 (k) retirement option with employer match contribution* Vacation, Sick and Holiday Leave Programs* Wellness Stipend* Cell Phone Stipend* Professional Development Opportunities* Community Engagement Opportunities* And a variety of other perks*The Arizona Major Events Host Committee, an Arizona 501(c)(3) private non-profit, is an equal opportunity employer.*