Iowa Wild Community Relations Manager

The Community Relations Manager will oversee and execute a variety of impactful community engagement programs, including the Floor Hockey Program, Reading Program, Kids Club, Learn to Play Program (Crash Course), Community Rink Program, and Donation Program. This role collaborates closely with the marketing and sponsorship department to effectively promote these initiatives, ensuring exceptional visibility and engagement. The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader with a passion for community outreach, strong organizational skills, and the ability to foster meaningful connections.

Responsibilities/Essential Function

Daily Responsibilities:

• Manage and execute Community Relations Programs by working with our marketing department for exceptional promotion of the programs, our sponsorship department to ensure partnership execution, and the ticket department to generate revenue through the following programs:
  • Floor Hockey Program
  • Reading Program
  • Kids Club
  • Learn to Play Program (Crash Course)
  • Community Rink Program
  • Donation Program
• Develop unique community initiatives, grassroots marketing efforts, and programs to grow the sport of hockey in Iowa and expand the Wild brand by supporting and strengthening local causes that align with our mission, vision and purpose.
• Develop and order annual team-worn specialty jerseys and work alongside team Graphic Designer and Marketing Manager to design, launch, and promote the themed-jerseys.
• Manage and execute all auctions (including but not limited to specialty jersey auctions) by working with each non-profit organization receiving the profits to adequately promote the theme night, the auction, and the cause. Working cross-departmentally to execute the theme night and/or auction.
• Manage and implement auctions through Handbid and coordinate the fan experiences surrounding the community initiative.
• Hire, manage and schedule, lead, and coach off-season and gameday promotions crew – in accordance with our mission, vision and purpose.
• Build out, manage, and execute our off-season community involvement and events schedule to ensure our brand is staying top of mind. Work alongside marketing and ticket sales to generate new leads.
• Develop relationships with community members, non-profit partners, and the greater Des Moines community.
• Plan and execute community events and other activities as needed.
• Work with local charities on events, fundraisers, and in-game promotions.
• Work with game operations director and marketing team and write community relations promos, game program content, website content, and other collateral material.
• Work alongside game operations director to find, execute, and manage “celebrity” or high impact individuals to participate in our game presentation (i.e.... Iowa-born Medal of Honor recipient for Military Appreciation Night).
• Prepare professional correspondence and handle confidential information.
• Oversee the Mascot and Community Coordinator and the mascot program including booking appearances.
• Manage internal staff volunteer program, Heart of the Wild.
• Align with the marketing department to ensure consistent communications on internal and external projects as it relates to community programs and initiatives.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with all leaders across the organization to ensure strong communication and collaboration.
• Work hand-in-hand with Director, Team Services to maintain positive relationships with hockey operations department to utilize players and coaching staff for promotion of promotional efforts, sales campaigns, and other specific needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Game Day Responsibilities:

• Manage chuck-a-puck proceeds to ensure each beneficiary is paid out.
• Manage any auction during the game and coordinate fan experiences.
• Execute any charitable drive we have and coordinate with the beneficiary on pick up or delivery while also working with marketing team to ensure promotion of outcome.
• Manage in-game concourse promotions crew to ensure we are following our service first guidelines – including but not limited to assisting with on ice promotions when needed.
• Assist with Gameday setup and breakdown:
  • Concourse Decorations
  • Kids Zone
  • Chuck a Puck
• Promote Community Relations Programs in game.

Position Requirements

Formal Education & Certification

• 4-year college degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, Event Management, or Public Relations required.

Knowledge & Experience

• 2 years in experience in event planning, sports or live events preferred, not required.
• Community programming experience preferred, not required.
• Computer and program skills including Microsoft Office and Adobe Suites.
• Knowledge or experience with special event planning and marketing strategies, e-marketing strategies.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to multi-task, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and work under tight deadlines showcasing strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to motivate staff.
• Outgoing, collaborative leader with desire to continually innovate.
• Ability to think strategically and implement marketing tactics.
• Innovative and creative self-starter.

Work Conditions

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Ability to work traditional business hours in addition to nights, weekends, and holidays as needed for games and events.
• Physical requirements include sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting, lifting, grasping, etc.
• Extended working hours periodically required as directed by business needs.
• 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.

Experience

• 4