Media Relations Manager
Expired Job Description :
The Chicago Steel (United States Hockey League) is seeking a full-time Media Relations Manager to serve as the team’s primary media contact in order to enhance the team’s profile in the western suburbs and the hockey world, author all press releases, media alerts and other communication, and manage the team’s social media platforms and website.
The Steel are entering their 24th season in the United States Hockey League (USHL) and over the past eight seasons, the Steel are the winningest franchise in the USHL.
During that time, the Chicago Steel have won two Clark Cup Championships (2017 and 2021), two Anderson Cup Championships (regular season titles), and three conference championships. Since the inaugural 2000-2001 season, after playing with the Steel, 349 Steel players have advanced to NCAA Division I teams.
50 players with Steel ties have been selected in the NHL Draft with 28 of those selections coming in the last five drafts including #1 overall pick Owen Power (Buffalo, 2021) and #3 overall pick and Hobey Baker Award Winner Adam Fantilli (Columbus, 2023).
The successful candidate should have a deep understanding and passion for the sport of hockey and working knowledge of the USHL, should possess outstanding writing and communication skills, and must be available to work all home (in-person) and road games (remotely from home) during the season including preseason and postseason games, in addition to normal office hours.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as team’s primary media contact. Develop relationships with local, regional, national and international media to raise the profile of the Chicago Steel and to promote the on and off-ice product. Develop media strategy to accomplish team goals.
- Lead the team’s social media efforts and serve as the team’s primary voice on social media platforms.
- Develop content for release on team platforms to promote players to fans, scouts and media.
- Effectively tell the story of where our players come from, where they are headed, and how the Steel fit into the overall hockey landscape. This can be done in multiple ways through writing, graphics/signage, videos, etc.
- Write and distribute press releases designed to garner interest from local and national media and to raise the profile of the Steel in the hockey world.
- Write, film and distribute gameday and non-gameday content about Steel players and coaches.
- Manage the team’s website and ensure content is consistently updated. Suggest and implement changes to enhance functionality and the visitor experience.
- Schedule and manage team e-blasts and newsletters.
- Develop and implement a plan to grow the number of followers with a particular emphasis on increasing engagement (i.e. shares and likes) on each of these social media platforms.
- Along with Video Coordinator, plan, film and edit promotional videos as needed.
- Management of team’s game night press box for all home games, including line charts, home and away broadcasts and media, and post-game media availability.
- Serve as a key point of contact with team’s marketing agency and video/design partners, participating in monthly calls focused on the creation and boosting of team content and messaging.
- Minor ticket sales responsibilities, as assigned, in the areas of season tickets, group tickets and single-game ticket sales.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited US College or University (or equivalent)
- Minimum 2 years experience in public relations, communications, or social media role.
- Exceptional writing and communications skills.
- Strong working knowledge of social media platforms and emerging digital trends.
- Ability to create/find engaging social content including GIFs, videos and static images.
- Full understanding of the sport of hockey and its rules.
- Working knowledge of junior hockey, the USHL, and the paths that players take to and from the league.
- Flexibility to work nights, weekends and some holidays based on team’s schedule.
- Basic knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud applications (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro).
- Positive and energetic individual that is organized, driven, willing to contribute to the success of the team in all areas of the organization regardless of job title and focus.
We are 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.
