Director, Communications

Responsibilities

• The Director, Communications is responsible for providing strategic direction and support to expand positive media coverage of the club, primarily the players, head coach and technical staff, develop and build media relationships, and further overall Kansas City Current and Long Sports and Entertainment communication and public relations.
• This leader directs the planning, development, and implementation of a comprehensive, multifaceted communication program around the soccer team and technical staff.
• Manage and foster relationships with internal and external communications, media, press, photography and videography.
• Help to develop the annual goals and metrics for evaluating the success of projects, initiatives, and efforts of the communications team.
• Help to create a communications strategy to support the club’s goals, increase brand awareness, tell the players stories, and grow the fan base.
• Assess and evaluate communication and media efforts. Monitor publications, websites, and initiatives to ensure promotion of club priorities.
• Serve as MOD for the crisis management and emergency management team on matchdays. Provide guidance and advice to the VP, Communications and senior leadership on significant public relations issues.
• Write and distribute communications materials for the club including press releases, feature articles, media guides, match previews, and other daily requirements.
• Produce a regular season media guide and weekly match guide that includes the schedule, team history, and bios of players and executives.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for media for soccer related inquiries.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or related field.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficient in Meltwater or another media monitoring tool
• Willingness to learn and brings a positive, professional attitude

Preferred

• Professional sports and/or events experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence a variety of stakeholders.
• Develop effective working relationships with coaches and other members of the team and club.
• Effective time management skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficient with personal computers, including the entire suite of Microsoft Office Applications, Adobe Creative Cloud, and others as required.
• Ability to lead, manage, coach, and mentor people assigned to administrative functions within the department.
• Strong working knowledge of and proficiency in the use of social media platforms including but not limited to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and more.
• Proficiency with Opta Stats, Slack, Skype, Box and other communications software
• Strong leadership skills