What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Relations Coordinator position at Phoenix Rising FC?
The public relations coordinator is a full-time role within the content and communications department at Phoenix Rising FC, the top professional soccer franchise in Arizona. Established in 2016, the club has an impressive track record, winning the 2023, 2020 and 2018 Western Conference titles, as well as the USL Championship's 2019 Regular Season title, and the 2023 USL Championship final. The team boasts one of the most passionate fan bases in USL.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Phoenix Rising FC is seeking a strategic and compassionate communications professional who is passionate about soccer and ready to lead the team’s media and communications efforts. This person will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive communications strategy to increase media coverage, build the club's brand, and make an impact within the community, while working closely with key club stakeholders including the vice president of content and communication, players, media outlets, community partners and sponsors, to drive positive coverage and ensure effective communication across all channels.
The ideal candidate would be team-oriented, collaborative, and would also work well independently in an entrepreneurial, high-growth environment. As a key interface between the club and its partners, the public relations coordinator will be responsible driving a robust media strategy to enhance the brand both locally and nationally. This is a salaried position with an annual salary of $44,000.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and implement comprehensive media plans that align with Phoenix Rising's overall objectives and brand identity.
- Maximize PR opportunities for Phoenix Rising, including soccer, community, and corporate stories.
- Proactively identify media opportunities and build relationships with key local and national media outlets, reporters, and influencers to secure positive coverage for the team.
- Build/maintain relationships with reporters who cover Phoenix Rising day-to-day, as well as national sports media.
- Communicate day-to-day with media to pitch coverage opportunities, including practice, pre-game stories, game storylines, community relations events, business story ideas etc. s/soccer media, and community partners and sponsors.
- Act as liaison with player operations departments to determine player involvement in community appearances and helping to identify and amplify player personal causes.
- Handle all incoming interview requests for players, coaches, and executives.
- Ideate creative communications plans around big club moments (player signings, opening day, high profile matches, new stadium milestones etc.) that drive awareness and excitement.
- Monitor and analyze all media coverage and other relevant data to evaluate the effectiveness of comms strategies and recommend improvements; prepare reports for executive team.
- Create and manage content for various communication channels, including press releases, media alerts, and website.
- Oversee all game day comms operations, including game notes, press releases, interviews, and press conferences.
- Serve as club’s communications representative.
- Prep executives, players and coaches for interviews and oversee media training.
- Stay up to date with industry trends, the media landscape and competitor activities to identify new opportunities and maintain a competitive edge.
- Respond to inquiries from community members and other interested parties and recruit a knowledgeable spokesperson or information source to assist.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to work with a wide range of individuals from coaches, athletes, to media contacts, and corporate representatives, dignitaries, and event staff.
- Proven strength in communication (written, verbal).
- Detail-oriented problem-solver who can employ leadership, critical thinking, time management and prioritization skills.
- Flexibility in a fast-paced environment, while maintaining a positive attitude, creativity, integrity, and accountability.
- Willing to learn and adjust as priorities change.
- The ability to balance short-term wins against steady progress on the long-term vision.
- Ability to work long, irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays and be on-call as needed.
- Experience running PR campaigns that deliver measurable results; strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
- Experience managing budgets and allocating resources effectively.
PREFERENCES:
- 1-3 years of experience in media relations.
- Bachelor's degree in communication/journalism, marketing, or a related field.
- Previous experience with a professional sports team.
- Familiarity with Phoenix Rising FC. Knowledge of international and American soccer culture.
- Working knowledge of CMS (WordPress).
- Bilingual abilities (English with Spanish).
Phoenix Rising FC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer. The club is committed to the policy of not discriminating against individuals based on race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, transgender status, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local laws.
Salary : $44,000