What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President, Corporate Communications - Publicist position at United Soccer League?
United Soccer League
Job Title: Vice President, Corporate Communications – Publicist
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Tampa, FL (USL Headquarters)
Overview of the United Soccer League (USL)
The United Soccer League (USL) is the heartbeat of American soccer. Impacting more than 200 communities across the United States, the USL is the first and only soccer organization in the United States to build a youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women within one ecosystem. That structure includes three professional leagues: USL Super League (women), USL Championship (men), and USL League One (men); two pre-professional leagues: USL League Two (men) and the USL W League (women); and two youth platforms: USL Academy and USL Youth.
Authentic, vital, and exciting, the USL is dedicated to providing an inclusive and memorable soccer experience for players, fans, and communities across our growing "soccer nation."
Position Purpose
USL is seeking an experienced public relations executive to serve as the league’s primary contact for business media and to generate and execute a year-round media relations strategy for USL expansion and business growth initiatives. The ideal candidate will have experience in executive communications, business media relations, scheduling, television media, as well as a proven track record of success with social media and public relations campaign management.
The right candidate will be extremely proactive, equipped with strong interpersonal communications skills as well as having high levels of professionalism and emotional intelligence.
Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Develop and execute a year-round media relations strategy to drive high-impact placements and sustained coverage for USL HQ business growth initiatives.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key journalists, media outlets, and industry influencers across sports, real estate, and finance to ensure consistent media presence.
- Secure frequent earned media opportunities, including interviews, op-eds, and feature stories, to elevate the USL business growth narrative.
- Serve as the primary publicist and media contact for USL expansion announcements, proactively pitching stories and securing top-tier placements.
- Craft compelling storytelling narratives that showcase USL’s impact, achievements, and expansion vision.
- Develop media contacts in both prospective and existing USL communities to support local and national coverage.
- Provide strategic communications counsel to new ownership groups and support onboarding communications initiatives.
- Collaborate with the social media and communications departments to coordinate business growth messaging and expansion public relations initiatives.
- Oversee executive social media presence.
- Monitor social media mentions and national or international stories regarding the organization’s business growth efforts.
- Plan and execute media appearances, speaking engagements, and networking events to enhance visibility.
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including investors, league senior management, representatives, and community leaders, to identify storylines, curate messaging and advance the league’s expansion and business growth initiatives.
- Write and disseminate media alerts, press releases, speeches, thought leadership articles, and website content to drive awareness and engagement.
- Create presentations, reports, and other materials to support expansion team and leadership vision effectively.
- Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- BA/BS or equivalent is required in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience/combined education. Master’s degree preferred.
- 8 years of relevant experience in corporate communications, public relations, or media relations, with a demonstrated track record of generating earned media coverage.
- Strong publicist background highly preferred.
- Proven track record of nurturing, developing, and maintaining strong relationships with business media outlets.
- Strong planning skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities and shifting deadlines.
- Proven experience developing and executing successful communication strategies in a fast-paced and dynamic environment while meeting and exceeding expectations.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and messages tailored to diverse audiences.
- Crisis communication experience, with the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to identify emerging trends, opportunities, and risks in the media landscape.
- Passion for sports and a familiarity with the industry preferred.
- Strong understanding of social media platforms and digital marketing strategies.
- Ability to work comfortably with a variety of audiences including press, fans, community leaders, executives, and peers.
- Must maintain confidentiality and use utmost discretion when privy to sensitive information.
- Ability to demonstrate uncompromised judgment and discretion with regard to interpersonal relationships.
- Self-confident, resilient and possess a high energy level and enthusiasm.
- Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish, both verbal and written, preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with team members, executives, member clubs, and external partners.
- Ability to work independently in a multi-faceted, fast, fluid, and deadline-driven environment.
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic a must.
- Ability to work as business needs require which may include long days, evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and travel if / when necessary.
- Must have U.S. work authorization.
Work Environment
Based in Tampa, FL, USL Headquarters provides a vibrant and open working environment designed to promote collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and knowledge sharing. We believe in fostering a culture that encourages creativity, communication, and teamwork.
Currently, USL HQ operates on a hybrid work model. From Monday to Thursday, team members gather in person to harness the power of face-to-face collaboration. This not only strengthens the bonds within the team but also enhances communication and innovation. On Fridays, we transition to a remote work setup, providing our team with the flexibility to manage their tasks in an environment of their choosing.
Typical USL HQ hours are Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm ET. Evenings, weekends, occasional holidays, and travel may be necessary based on business demands.
We have great Perks - Comprehensive Benefits Package • Medical, Dental, Vision • Health HSA and FSA • 401k w/ up to 6% company match • Pet Insurance • Corporate Discounts • Paid Vacation, Holiday & Sick Days • Business Casual Dress • Optional Remote Work Fridays • And More!
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.
