What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Coordinator position at FC Cincinnati?
Job Title: Communications Coordinator
Department: Integrated Marketing & Communications
Reports to: Manager, Communications
About FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati is a Major League Soccer team playing at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The club’s diverse ownership group is led by controlling owner Carl H. Lindner III; as well as managing owners Meg Whitman and Dr. Griff Harsh; Scott Farmer; and George Joseph. Founded in 2015 by Lindner and President & Co-CEO Jeff Berding, FCC began play in the United Soccer League (USL) in 2016. The club won the 2018 USL Regular-Season Championship and earned postseason berths in all three of its USL seasons. In 2017, FC Cincinnati also advanced to the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a run that included victories over two MLS squads. FC Cincinnati entered MLS as the 24th team in 2019 and opened the club’s 26,000-seat soccer-specific TQL Stadium in the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati in 2021. FCC won the 2023 Supporters’ Shield – the annual award given to the team with the most points in the regular season – and clinched a spot in the 2024 MLS Playoffs for the third straight year. FCC have been recognized locally and nationally as one of Sports Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in Sports 2023, named to the Honor List as one of “75 Great Sports Companies to Call Home.”; on the Business Courier’s Fast 55 as one of Greater Cincinnati’s fastest growing private companies; and named to The Enquirer’s Top Workplaces 2024.
Job Summary
The Communications Coordinator will assist in the execution of day-to-day communications efforts for FC Cincinnati 2, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro team, and the FC Cincinnati Academy. The role will also support communications and media relations efforts for FC Cincinnati as needed. This position will be based at FC Cincinnati’s training facility (Mercy Health Training Center) in Milford, Ohio. This role has frequent interaction with FCC management and players, as well as other MLS clubs and the league office. Professionalism and attention to detail are paramount.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
FC Cincinnati 2
- Attend all FC Cincinnati 2 home matches during the MLS NEXT Pro season (March-October) and assist with away match duties
- Assist in the preparation and distribution of press box materials and match information to press box staff for all home matches
- Assist in the creation and distribution of matchday media materials – including match recaps, quote sheets and postmatch video and sound
- Facilitate matchday media requests and assist with matchday credentialing
- Assist in drafting, editing and distributing press releases for FC Cincinnati 2
- Serve as a point of contact for FC Cincinnati 2
FC Cincinnati Academy
- Serve as a key point of contact for FC Cincinnati Academy staff and coaches
- Work directly with staff and coaches to stay informed of upcoming announcements/academy news
- Create and maintain a season-long communications plan for consistent coverage of the academy
- Attend select FC Cincinnati Academy matches and training sessions at Mercy Health Training Center
- Assist in drafting, editing and distributing press releases for the FC Cincinnati Academy
- Assist social media and photography efforts in coverage for the FC Cincinnati Academy
- Attend other FC Cincinnati Academy events as assigned (may require travel)
Other Duties
- Assist in daily media tracking and reporting for FC Cincinnati and with the creation of media reports
- Assist with Lion Ventures/corporate communications when needed
- Occasionally assist communications and media relations efforts for FC Cincinnati first team
Skill Requirements
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced media environment and adapt well to change/breaking news
- Nights, weekends and some holidays required
- Extensive knowledge of soccer and MLS
- Ability to speak and translate Spanish is a plus but not required.
Experience/Education Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required, combined with 1 years’ experience in public relations and/or journalism, preferably in sports
Work Hours
- In addition to regular business hours, the successful candidate will be expected to work weekends, evenings and some holidays as the project workload dictates
FC Cincinnati is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
