What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President, Communications & Corporate Affairs position at Quantum Sports + Entertainment?
Job Title: Vice President, Communications & Corporate Affairs
Department: Communications
Reports To: Chief Marketing Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt
About Us: The Houston Dynamo Football Club (HDFC) is a multi-faceted organization dedicated to inspiring and supporting soccer participation and growth in Houston, TX and beyond. The Club’s brands include men's and women's professional teams - the Houston Dynamo (MLS) and Houston Dash (NWSL), a development academy, Houston Dynamo and Dash Charities, as well as Shell Energy Stadium, Houston Sports Park and Corporate HQ. The Club has a rich history, including MLS Cup titles (2006, 2007) and in-season tournament championships for both the Dynamo (2018) and Dash (2020) and is focused on building toward the next championships, inspiring and uniting the city of Houston through the sport of soccer and community outreach, and creating the most inclusive sporting experience and diverse fan base in the city and state.
Position Summary: Specific areas of responsibility include serving as the lead for the Club’s communications team supporting Houston Dynamo FC; oversee interview preparation and messaging for ownership, club executives, players, coaches and staff; creating and pitching story ideas to local and national media; and writing and editing press releases and other media materials.
This position will also be responsible for leading the club’s corporate affairs strategy as it relates to communication and involvement with city and state officials, business owners and key civic leaders in an effort to raise the visibility of the club locally, nationally and internationally.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Lead the Club’s communications team in supporting the Houston Dynamo, Houston Dash & Houston Dynamo 2, Shell Energy Stadium, Dynamo & Dash Charities and Houston Sports Park.
- Oversee media training, messaging documents and interview preparation for ownership, club executives, players, coaches and staff.
- Serve as the primary contact pitching stories that involve ownership interests, facilities, corporate partnerships, business development and community engagement.
- Build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with key external stakeholders to ensure their awareness and support of HDFC.
- Develop and implement a media relations strategy that proactively increases the relevance of the organization in the marketplace and across the global landscape.
- Develop and implement a corporate affairs strategy for communication and involvement with city and state officials, business owners and key civic leaders.
- Ensure that messaging in all press releases, game notes and media correspondence is clear and consistent with responses to media members that are delivered promptly.
- Work cross-functionally to plan and execute all major press conferences and media-focused events.
- Support human resources in improving internal communication efforts amongst staff.
- Provide recommendations on club-issued statements and related involvement in relevant social, political and civic issues.
- Represent ownership and club leadership at community events in the Houston area and across the state as needed.
- Travel to industry and league events as needed and serves as the primary media liaison for the club when traveling with ownership and club leadership.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 8 years of full-time communications or public relations experience with a professional team is a plus, but not required.
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
- Strong computer, copywriting, and communication skills.
- Availability to work nights, weekends and odd hours as required by team and event schedules.
- Ability to travel as needed.
- Fluency in Spanish is a strong plus, but not a requirement.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Attributes:
- Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to lead and work with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Excellent communication skills including written and verbal; ability to present ideas clearly and concisely.
- Ability to manage time efficiently and prioritize multiple projects with varying deadlines.
Houston Dynamo FC 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.
About Quantum Sports Entertainment Group:
Quantum Sports Entertainment Group is an agency dedicated to the client and focused on delivering measurable results in enterprise solutions, talent management and client representation. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Quantum has a deep understanding of what it takes to be successful in the sports and entertainment industry because its leaders lived it for over 25 years. Backed by an advisory board filled with industry all-stars, Quantum provides the perfect blend of knowledge, insights and action to tackle the most pressing issues our industry is facing.